Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Quick Dinners

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a simple, flavorful dish featuring breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.

This method delivers the crisp texture of traditional chicken parmesan without deep frying. It works well with chicken cutlets, breasts, or other thinly pounded pieces.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start (see the recipe card below for exact amounts):

• Chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Egg
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

How to Make Chicken Parmesan in an Air Fryer

You’ll need an air fryer, a meat tenderizer or rolling pin, mixing bowls, tongs and a whisk.

1. Prepare the air fryer. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
2. Pound the chicken. Slice breasts in half horizontally if needed. Place between parchment and pound to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
3. Prepare the breading. In a bowl combine salt, pepper, panko, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan and garlic powder. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
4. Coat the chicken. Dip each piece first in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Air fry the chicken. Spritz both sides of the breaded chicken with cooking spray. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes, flip, then cook 4–5 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Add sauce and cheese. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons marinara over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for about 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

This chicken parmesan pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic buttered noodles, or a simple green salad. Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce. You can also use the cooked cutlets to assemble sliders for an easy appetizer or lunch.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness and melt the cheese.

FAQs

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Author: Emily Pecoraro

A quick and comforting version of classic chicken parmesan made in the air fryer for a crispy, lighter result.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 339 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts about 1½ pounds, halved horizontally
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 egg whisked
• ¾ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

 

• Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Halve and pound the chicken to an even thickness between sheets of parchment.
• Combine salt, pepper, panko, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan and garlic powder in a bowl.
• Whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
• Dip chicken in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
• Spritz the coated chicken with cooking spray and place in the air fryer.
• Cook 5 minutes at 360°F, flip and cook 4–5 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Top each piece with 1–2 tablespoons marinara and a sprinkle of mozzarella, then air fry 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
• Serve over pasta or noodles if desired and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 339 kcalCarbohydrates: 20 gProtein: 37 gFat: 12 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a general guide.

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