Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick sandwich bread (Italian, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- 2 cooked breaded chicken cutlets or chicken tenders, sliced
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (or mayonnaise for extra crispness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Mix the garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the softened butter. Spread the mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Place two slices of bread butter-side down.
- Sprinkle a little mozzarella on the bread.
- Add sliced chicken.
- Spoon over a few tablespoons of marinara (don’t overdo it to keep the sandwich crisp).
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil if using.
- Finish with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the sandwiches in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes, then carefully flip.
- Cook another 4–6 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Use leftover chicken Parmesan or frozen breaded chicken tenders for a quick meal.
- Add a slice of provolone for even more cheesy flavor.
- If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C) for the final few minutes.
- Avoid adding too much sauce, or the sandwich may become soggy.
Nutrition (Approximate, per sandwich)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 1,350 mg
