Get ready for the ultimate twist on a classic with this chicken breast parmesan recipe—air-fried to crispy perfection and drizzled with vibrant basil oil. It’s informal, friendly, and packed with flavor. Perfect for those nights when you want the comfort of how to make chicken parmesan at home, without deep frying or turning on the oven. Your kitchen will fill with the cheesy, herby aroma of homemade chicken parmesan in no time!

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Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Basil Oil

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 chicken breasts

Equipment

Air fryer (5–6 qt capacity recommended)
Shallow bowls or plates for flour, egg, and breadcrumb dredging
Small blender or food processor (for basil oil)
Baking sheet or plate lined with parchment or foil if finishing in the oven
Tongs or spatula for flipping

Ingredients

For the Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup plain breadcrumbs panko or regular
¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese divided
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or add ½ tsp dried basil and oregano
¼ cup olive oil plus additional for drizzling

For the Sauce & Toppings

1 jar about 2 cups marinara sauce (or ¼ gal of homemade)
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Basil Oil

½ cup fresh basil leaves loosely packed
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Lightly pound to an even ~½-inch thickness for even cooking and crispiness.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.

Set Up Breading Station

Lay out three bowls:
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: mixture of plain breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and half the Parmesan cheese

Bread the Chicken

Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg, letting the excess drip back.
Press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
Repeat for all four breasts.

Air-Fry the Chicken

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (some models require preheat).
Lightly brush or spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
Place breasts in a single layer without overlap.
Air-fry for 7 minutes, flip, and continue for another 5–8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pro tip: For that extra cheese pull, briefly top each breast with mozzarella and let it melt by returning to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes or using an oven broiler.

Prepare the Basil Oil

In a small blender, combine basil leaves, ½ cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
Strain if you prefer a clear oil, or leave it as is.

Plate & Serve

Spoon marinara sauce onto each plate.
Nestle the crispy chicken on top.
Drizzle with basil oil.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pairings

Pasta side: A light chicken parmesan pasta recipe with spaghetti or linguine tossed in pomodoro sauce is ideal.
Veggie option: Serve with garlic-roasted broccoli or a colorful salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
Bread on the side: Crisp garlic bread or herb focaccia soaks up every last drop of sauce and basil oil.
Wine pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato and cheese beautifully. Non-alcoholic? Sparkling water with lemon and mint is refreshing.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! For a juicier, richer flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Pound to even thickness for consistent cooking. Air-fry at same temp but check for 165°F internal.

2. How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with rice or chickpea flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The air-frying method still yields crispy results.

3. Is this healthier than oven-baked or deep-fried versions?

Absolutely. Using an air fryer uses minimal oil compared to deep frying. It’s an excellent choice for a crispy chicken parmesan recipe that's lighter but still delicious.

4. Can I prep ahead and reheat?

Yes. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Air-fry just before serving. If fully cooked ahead, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness before adding cheese.

5. How do I adapt this into a chicken parmesan pasta recipe?

Cut the cooked chicken into strips and toss with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and broil until gooey. Drizzle basil oil before serving for extra flavor.