AIR FRYER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN (ULTIMATE GUIDE)

 Overview

This dish is inspired by chicken parmesan but made simpler, faster, and healthier using an air fryer. The chicken is juicy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.

• Cooking time: ~18–22 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Great for: Lunch, dinner, meal prep, or family meals

• Kid & teen friendly

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INGREDIENTS (DETAILED)

Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  (You can also use 3–4 smaller ones)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  (Low-moisture mozzarella melts best)

• ½ to ¾ cup marinara sauce
  (Store-bought or homemade)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional but adds great flavor)

Optional Add-Ons (Highly Recommended)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Red pepper flakes (for spice)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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 EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED

• Air fryer (any size, basket or oven style)

• Tongs or spatula

• Meat thermometer (optional but best)

• Small spoon for sauce

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STEP 1: PREP THE CHICKEN (VERY IMPORTANT)

1. Remove chicken from the fridge 10 minutes before cooking
   (This helps it cook evenly)

2. Pat chicken dry using paper towels
   This helps seasoning stick and prevents sogginess

3. If chicken breasts are very thick:

   • Carefully slice them in half horizontally
     OR

   • Pound gently to even thickness

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STEP 2: SEASON THE CHICKEN

In a small bowl, mix:

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Italian seasoning

• Paprika

Rub seasoning evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.

Tip: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil if you want extra juiciness (optional).

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 STEP 3: AIR FRY THE CHICKEN (FIRST COOK)

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Place chicken in the basket:

   • Leave space between pieces

   • Do NOT overlap

3. Cook for 10 minutes

4. Flip chicken carefully and cook another 5–7 minutes

At this stage:

• Chicken should be mostly cooked

• Internal temp should be around 155–160°F

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 STEP 4: ADD SAUCE & CHEESE

1. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons marinara sauce on top of each piece
   (Don’t drown it or it gets soggy)

2. Sprinkle mozzarella generously on top

3. Add Parmesan if using

Cheese Tip:
For extra stretch, mix shredded mozzarella with sliced mozzarella.

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 STEP 5: MELT & FINISH

1. Return chicken to air fryer

2. Cook at 375°F for 3–5 minutes

3. Cheese should be:

   • Fully melted

   • Slightly bubbly

4. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally

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 STEP 6: REST & GARNISH

1. Remove chicken and let rest 2–3 minutes

2. Sprinkle with:

   • Fresh basil

   • Parsley

   • Red pepper flakes (optional)

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 SERVING IDEAS (LOTS!)

Classic Pairings

• Spaghetti or penne pasta

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

Healthy Options

• Steamed broccoli

• Roasted zucchini

• Mixed green salad

Fun Ideas

• Slice and put in a sandwich

• Chop and add to pasta

• Serve over rice or quinoa

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 VARIATIONS

Spicy Version

Add hot sauce to marinara

• Use pepper jack cheese

• Sprinkle chili flakes

Low-Carb / Keto

• Use sugar-free marinara

• Add extra cheese

• Serve with cauliflower rice

 Crispy Version

Before air frying:

• Dip chicken in egg

• Coat lightly with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

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 STORAGE & REHEATING

Storing

• Refrigerate in airtight container

• Keeps for 3–4 days

Reheating

• Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes

• Microwave: works but cheese may soften

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 TROUBLESHOOTING

• Chicken dry?
  → Overcooked or too thin

• Cheese burning?
  → Add cheese only at the end

• Sauce watery?
  → Use thicker marinara or less sauce

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FINAL TIPS

• Always check internal temperature

• Don’t overcrowd air fryer

• Let cheese melt, not burn

• Simple ingredients = best flavor