Chicken Parmesan Cutlets

Indulge in a taste of crispy, cheesy comfort with this Air-Fried Parmesan Chicken with Tomato-Mozzarella Sauce recipe. In just 25 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that perfectly combines the crunch of panko breadcrumbs with the creamy delight of melted mozzarella cheese. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve that coveted golden-brown crust without the need for excessive oil. Paired with a tangy tomato sauce and topped with fragrant basil, this dish offers a burst of flavors that will delight both your senses and your appetite.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup white flour
• 1 egg, whisked
• ¾ pound skinless, boneless chicken cutlets
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup mozzarella, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons basil, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, mix grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder, stirring to combine.
2. Place white flour in a second bowl, and whisk the egg in a third bowl until well-beaten.
3. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally coat with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 3 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken cutlets to a baking dish.
7. Pour tomato sauce over the chicken cutlets and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Return the baking dish to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once done, divide the chicken and sauce among plates.
10. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and serve.

TIPS:

• Chicken Cutlets: Ensure that the chicken cutlets are relatively uniform in thickness to promote even cooking. You can use a meat mallet to gently pound thicker parts for consistent results.
• Breading Process: The three-step breading process of flour, egg, and panko ensures a crispy and well-coated exterior. Shake off excess flour and egg to prevent clumps and uneven coating.
• Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the specified temperatures before cooking. This helps achieve that crispy exterior while maintaining tender and juicy chicken on the inside.
• Air Fryer Space: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Checking for Doneness: The cooking times provided are approximate. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Topping the Chicken: The combination of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Customize the amount of sauce and cheese according to your preference.
• Serving Presentation: The fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a touch of vibrancy to the dish. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before serving for an extra layer of richness.

NUTRITION:

• Calories: 304
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 15g