Description
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Basil is a lightened-up take on the Italian classic. Juicy chicken cutlets are coated in crispy breadcrumbs, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, then finished with fragrant fresh basil—all cooked quickly and easily in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise into 4 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Return to air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor.
- Thinner cutlets cook more evenly and quickly.
- Marinara can be homemade or store-bought.
- Serve with pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg