How Long to Cook Chicken Parmesan in an Air Fryer?

By Avi Green October 10, 2023

There's a growing interest among barbecue enthusiasts in mastering the art of cooking diverse dishes using an air fryer. One such dish that has piqued curiosity is chicken parmesan. Knowing how long to cook chicken parm in an air fryer can make a significant difference in achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior. Let's dive deep into the specifics and nuances of cooking chicken parm in an air fryer, ensuring it's both delicious and easy to make.

how long to cook chicken parm in air fryer

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Before we get into the specifics, its essential to understand why an air fryer is an excellent choice for making chicken parmesan. An air fryer offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, using hot air circulation to cook food. This results in a crispy texture with less oil.

Additionally, air fryers are convenient and quick, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delectable meal without the hassle. Now, lets delve into the steps to prepare and cook your chicken parmesan in an air fryer.

Preparation: Getting Your Chicken Parm Ready

Gather Your Ingredients

To make mouth-watering chicken parm in your air fryer, youll need the following ingredients:

Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Bread crumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil spray
Salt and pepper

Ensuring you have fresh and high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your chicken parmesan.

Breading the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring its well coated, then transfer it to the bread crumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly, ensuring a good coating.

Cooking Your Chicken Parmesan

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375F (190C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures an even cooking temperature, promoting a crisp and golden exterior.

Coating with Olive Oil Spray

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, ensuring they dont overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with olive oil as well.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The key to perfectly cooked chicken parm in an air fryer is to cook it at the right temperature for the correct amount of time. Set the air fryer to 375F (190C) and cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F (75C).

Adding the Toppings

Once the chicken is cooked, spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Enjoying Your Chicken Parmesan

Now that youve mastered how long to cook chicken parm in an air fryer, its time to enjoy your creation. Serve your chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and accompanied by your favorite side dishes like pasta, salad, or garlic bread.

Troubleshooting Tips and Common Questions

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but youll need to adjust the cooking time. Add an extra 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165F (75C).

Q: What if I dont have bread crumbs?
A: You can use crushed crackers or cornflakes as a substitute. Theyll still provide a crunchy texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread crumbs and double-check that all other ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are gluten-free.