Chicken Parmesan Perfected in the Air Fryer!

Embark on the Chicken Parmesan journey in the air fryer with this enticing recipe. Experience the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken adorned with ultra-melty cheese, harmonizing seamlessly with the tangy notes of tomato sauce. Before the ultimate air fryer cook, ensure the basket’s interior is lined with aluminum foil, generously coated with cooking spray to prevent any sticking. When it comes to serving, the options are versatile — pair the delectable chicken with a classic Caesar salad or opt for the savory goodness of garlicky broccoli, Broccolini, or broccoli rabe. Your culinary adventure awaits!

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Active Time: 35 mins / / / / / / Total Time: 50 mins / / / / / / Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic (about 2 garlic cloves)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) can tomato puree or sauce
• 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, divided
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided, plus more for garnish
• 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup (about 2 1/8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 ¼ cup panko
• 2 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 2/3 cup), divided
• Cooking spray
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut evenly into 4 slices

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small saucepan over medium. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic begins to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Add tomato puree, 2 teaspoons of the basil, 1 teaspoon of the parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of the oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. Preheat an air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chicken evenly with black pepper and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Place flour in a shallow dish. Whisk together beaten egg and water in a separate shallow dish until combined. Stir together panko, 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 1 teaspoon oregano in a third shallow dish. Working with 1 chicken piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, letting excess drip off. Dredge in panko mixture, pressing to coat all sides of chicken. Place breaded chicken on a plate.
3. Coat bottom of air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken about 1 inch apart in basket. Cook for 8 minutes. Gently flip chicken; cook until chicken is golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken from basket. Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F. Line basket with aluminum foil, and coat foil with cooking spray.
4. Top chicken evenly with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan. Return chicken to foil-lined basket; cook at 400°F until cheese is completely melted and browned and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish chicken with additional parsley, and serve.