A classic dinner that cooks in half the time using the air fryer, Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite. Can be adapted to a keto friendly meal as well!
Between a sheet of wax paper and a sheet of plastic wrap, use a meat tenderizer to pound each chicken breast to about ½-inch in thickness throughout the whole breast. Work from the center with smooth, even motions to flatten the chicken breast.
Dipping Station
Place 1/3 cup of flour into a shallow dish.
In a second shallow dish beat the eggs.
Add one cup of panko bread crumbs plus ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese to a third shallow dish.
Give each dish a twist or two of freshly grated black pepper and a pinch or so of sea salt.
Dredge the chicken
Use tongs to coat each chicken breast lightly in flour. Next, dip in the chicken in egg then finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the breaded cutlets on a wire rack and let them sit for about five minutes to dry.
If serving pasta on the side, prepare that now. EXPERT TIP:If making more than 2 breasts, preheat the conventional oven to 225 F so you have a place to keep the chicken warm as you cook a second batch. Adding the finished chicken to a warm oven instead of directly to the serving platter with sauce will keep the chicken crispy longer.
Bake in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400F. EXPERT TIP: If you like the chicken a bit darker, you can spray the breaded chicken with olive oil spray before baking, then again after flipping prior to adding the cheese.
Add two chicken breasts to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken breasts over. Top with 3-4 slices of fresh mozzarella and a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Continue baking for another 5 minutes, for a total of 10 minutes.
Remove chicken from the air fryer and set on a wire rack lined baking sheet in the warm oven.
Repeat the process with the remaining two chicken breasts.
While they are are baking, drain your pasta and toss in sauce or heat your pasta sauce in a saucepan on the stove.
To Serve
Spoon a couple ladles of pasta sauce onto a serving platter and nestle the chicken on top.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and more parmesan cheese.
Notes
Four chicken breasts can easily serve 8 people with ½ a breast each.
The make this recipe keto friendly, skip the flour, and instead of bread crumbs you can substitute pork rinds or more Parmesan.