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Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan (Air Fryer)

Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan (Air Fryer)

This crispy healthy chicken parmesan is a lighter version of the classic comfort food, made easy in the air fryer. It’s golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but still nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6 oz) chicken breasts, cut into cutlets

  • 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 23 large eggs

  • Olive oil cooking spray (non-aerosol)

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Chopped basil and parsley, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer
    Preheat to 390°F (200°C).

  2. Prepare the dredging station
    In one shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
    In another bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

  3. Bread the chicken
    Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the egg, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.

  4. Air fry the chicken
    Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
    Spray the tops with oil and cook for 5 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes.

  5. Add sauce and cheese
    Spoon tomato sauce over each cutlet, top with mozzarella, and a little extra parmesan.
    Cook for 2 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.

  6. Rest and serve
    Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil and parsley.

Notes

  • Use even-sized chicken cutlets so they cook evenly.

  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep the chicken crispy.

  • Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for best texture.