This air fryer chicken parmesan is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with melty mozzarella and marinara, with no deep frying required. An easy, lighter twist on a classic Italian favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Save this air fryer chicken parmesan recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy (ready in about 25 minutes)
- Crispy without deep frying
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly with pantry staples
- Customizable with different cheeses and sauces
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 14–16 minutes
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or cut into cutlets)
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station – One bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Bread the chicken – Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Air fry – Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, then cook another 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add toppings – Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, top with mozzarella, and air fry 2–3 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Rest and serve – Let rest 2 minutes, garnish, and serve hot.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Paper towels
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs and press firmly
- Low-carb: Use almond flour and pork rind crumbs
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or part-skim mozzarella
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–6 minutes
- Avoid: Adding sauce too early it softens the crust
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
- Slice and serve over pasta or in a sandwich
- Garnish with fresh basil for presentation
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – estimates)
- Calories: 420
- Carbs: 26 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fat: 17 g
Conclusion
This air fryer chicken parmesan gives you everything you love about the classic dish crispy coating, savory sauce, and melty cheese, without the heaviness of frying. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or when you want comfort food made easy. Save, print, and share this recipe for anytime cravings.
FAQ
Can I freeze air fryer chicken parmesan?
Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken without sauce and cheese. Add toppings after reheating.
How can I make this ahead of time?
Bread and cook the chicken ahead, refrigerate, then add sauce and cheese just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
Do I need oil for this recipe?
No oil is required, but a light spray can improve browning if desired.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.