Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Using an air fryer not only cuts down on the fat but also gives the chicken a delightful crunch. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for busy weeknights or even a family dinner. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy!
How to Make Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz) chicken breasts – cut into cutlets (see recipe tips in the post on how to cut them) or you can use store-bought cutlets.
- 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2-3 large eggs
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped basil and parsley for topping
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper.
- Dry the chicken with a clean paper towel. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, shaking off any excess. Then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breading into the chicken. Place the coated chicken onto a clean plate. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Lay the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the chicken with olive oil spray and cook for 5 minutes.
- Carefully flip each piece of chicken, spray with more cooking spray, and cook for another 5 minutes. Note: make sure to use non-aerosol cooking spray.
- Open the air fryer and carefully spread some sauce over each piece of chicken. Top them with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan. Cook for 2 more minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the chicken parmesan from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve it with a spinach salad or your favorite pasta.
How to Serve Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan is delicious on its own, but you can make it even better by serving it with a side salad or a portion of pasta. Add a sprinkle of chopped basil and parsley on top for added flavor and freshness.
How to Store Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
To store leftover chicken parmesan, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, the air fryer works best to keep the chicken crispy.
Tips to Make Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
- For even crispier chicken, make sure you coat the chicken well with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use non-aerosol cooking spray to avoid any unwanted chemicals.
- If you have time, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before breading for even more flavor.
Variation
Feel free to add some cooked spinach or sautéed vegetables on top of the chicken before adding the cheese for a twist on this recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko gives a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your chicken broth and tomato sauce are also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 pieces chicken breasts – cut into cutlets Can use store-bought cutlets.
- 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic Can substitute with garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2-3 large eggs
- as needed Olive oil cooking spray For air frying.
For the topping
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste Chopped basil and parsley For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper.
- Dry the chicken with a clean paper towel. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, shaking off any excess.
- Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breading into the chicken, and place on a clean plate. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.
Cooking
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Lay the chicken cutlets in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Spray the chicken with olive oil spray and cook for 5 minutes.
- Carefully flip each piece, spray with more cooking spray, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and carefully spread some sauce over each piece of chicken. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan. Cook for 2 more minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the chicken parmesan from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with a spinach salad or your favorite pasta.
