Air Fryer Chicken Eggplant Parmesan
This air fryer chicken eggplant parmesan offers the perfect balance of crispy chicken and tender eggplant, making it an easy chicken eggplant parmesan recipe that’s healthy and satisfying. With gooey mozzarella and savory marinara, it’s a delightful twist on baked eggplant parmesan with chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced eggplant (from 1 small, peeled and diced 1/4-inch)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality, such as Delallo)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 small organic boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced very thin)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium-low, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the diced eggplant, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the eggplant is soft and tender.
- Pound the thick end of the chicken breasts to even out their thickness (about 1/2 inch), then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare your dredging stations: place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumbs for a light, even crust.
- Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the chicken at 370°F for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked. Work in batches if needed.
- Once the chicken is air fried, set it aside and line the air fryer basket with foil for easier cleanup in the next step.
- Transfer the cooked chicken back to the basket. Top each piece with about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce, followed by a slice or two of mozzarella.
- Air fry for another 3 minutes at 370°F, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with oil. Place the breaded chicken on the sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove it from the oven, spoon some marinara and mozzarella on each piece, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Notes
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with oil. Place the breaded chicken on the sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove it from the oven, spoon some marinara and mozzarella on each piece, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.