This chicken Parmesan is so amazing, you'll get rave reviews. It's crispy on the outside, with a cheesy tomato sauce and juicy on the inside.
3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 t. finely chopped garlic from 2 garlic cloves
1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
10 oz. can tomato puree or tomato sauce
1 T. plus 2 t. chopped fresh basil, divided
2 t. chopped fresh parsley, divided, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 t. chopped fresh oregano, divided
1 t. kosher salt, divided
2 (6 - 8 oz. each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 T. water
1 1/4 c. panko
2 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 2/3 c.), divided
cooking spray
4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut evenly into 4 slices
Heat 2 T. olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic begins to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Add tomato puree, 2 t. basil, 1 t. parsley, 1/2 t. oregano, and 1/4 t. salt; stir. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Season chicken evenly with pepper and remaining 3/4 t. salt.
Place flour in a shallow dish.
Whisk together beaten egg and water in a separate shallow dish until combined.
Stir together panko, 1/3 c. Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1 T. oil, 1 T. basil, 1 t. parsley, and 1 t. oregano in another shallow dish.
Working with 1 piece at a time, dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess; dip in the egg wash, letting excess drip off; dredge in panko mixture, pressing to coat all sides of chicken. Place breaded chicken on a platter.
Coat the bottom of an air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken about 1 inch apart in the basket. Cook for 8 minutes. Flip over chicken; cook until chicken is golden brown on both sides, about 8 more minutes. Remove chicken from basket.
Increase air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. Line the basket with aluminum foil; coat foil with cooking spray.
Top chicken evenly with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and remaining 1/3 c. Parmesan.
Return chicken to foil-lined basket; cook at 400 degrees F until cheese is completely melted and browned and a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165 degrees F, 5 - 10 minutes.
Serve, garnish with chopped parsley.
2 servings.