Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a modern, healthier take on the beloved Italian-American classic. Crispy breaded chicken breasts are topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, all achieved with minimal oil and maximum flavor thanks to the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of Chicken Parmesan delivers the same delicious crunch and gooey cheese topping with far less oil and fewer calories. The air fryer ensures perfectly crisp chicken while keeping it juicy inside. It’s quick, efficient, and makes cleanup simple, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil spray
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
4. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray.
5. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Return to the air fryer for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Cheese Choices: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
• Sauce Options: Use homemade tomato sauce or pesto for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness, or microwave briefly for convenience (though the coating may soften). Not recommended for freezing after cooking due to cheese texture changes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 425°F in the oven for 20–25 minutes or pan-fry in a skillet.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Ensure the chicken is patted dry before dredging and press the coating firmly onto the surface.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but fresh mozzarella or block-shredded cheese melts more evenly.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara with minimal added sugar.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, bread the chicken and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours before air frying.

How thick should the chicken be?

Aim for ½ inch thickness for even cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and omit Parmesan in the coating.

Is it possible to use frozen chicken breasts?

Thaw completely before breading and cooking for best results.

Does the air fryer need to be preheated?

Preheating helps ensure even, crisp cooking, especially with breaded items.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers a convenient and lighter way to enjoy a timeless classic without sacrificing flavor or texture. With its crisp coating, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to impress—perfect for weeknights, family meals, or anytime you crave something comforting and satisfying.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a lighter version of the classic Italian-American dish, featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, all made easily in the air fryer.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 18 mins
• Total Time: 28 mins
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
2. Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in the third.
3. Dip chicken into flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add chicken and spray tops lightly.
6. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for 5 more minutes or until chicken is golden and cooked through.
7. Top each piece with marinara and mozzarella. Air fry for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use panko for extra crunch if desired.
• Serve with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg