Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added crispiness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prep the chicken:
   • If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to about ½-inch thickness so they cook evenly.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set up the dredging station:
   • In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
   • In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bread the chicken:
   • Dip each chicken breast into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Then dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks evenly on both sides.
4. Air fry the chicken:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
   • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or brush it lightly with olive oil.
   • Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
   • Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Add marinara and cheese:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
   • Serve the chicken Parmesan with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad on the side.