Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This easy, healthier take on classic chicken Parmesan is a weeknight dinner game-changer.
Crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a deliciously seasoned panko and Parmesan crust, topped with marinara and melty mozzarella—without the mess of deep frying!
Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want a quick, satisfying meal, this air fryer version delivers the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor, all in under an hour.
For Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Breasts – I recommend butterflying your chicken to create thin pieces for extra crispiness.
- Panko Bread Crumbs & Parmesan – The combination ensures a crispy and flavorful breading.
- Seasonings (Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder) – Added to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful, seasoned crust.
- Marinara Sauce – Homemade is best, but store-bought works too for convenience.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella that melts perfectly on top.
For the Breading Station:
- All-Purpose Flour – Seasoned with salt and pepper for the first layer of the breading.
- Eggs – Used to help the breading stick to the chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Craving Chicken Parmesan but want to skip the mess and extra calories? This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken with all the flavors of the classic dish in a fraction of the time.
Print
Pin
Servings: 4 servings
.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half widthwise, yielding 4 thin pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, place the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken:
- One piece at a time, coat the chicken first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully covered, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for Serving:
- Serve your crispy air fryer chicken Parmesan over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine. You can also pair it with sides like garlic bread, cacio e pepe Brussels sprouts, or garlic mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 235 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.75g | Protein: 25.25g | Fat: 10.75g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 1.25g | Sugar: 2.75g | Vitamin A: 337.5 IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 206.25mg | Iron: 1.25mg
- Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of thin cutlets?
Yes! If you don’t have thinly sliced chicken cutlets, just slice your regular chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This helps achieve that crispy, golden texture.
- Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheating the air fryer ensures your chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Set it to 400°F for about 3 minutes before placing the chicken in.
- How do I make sure the breading sticks properly?
The trick is to make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated in the egg wash before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture. Don’t skip the pressing step—this helps the breading stay intact during cooking.
- Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can! Simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety. The recipe will still turn out crispy and delicious.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy again!
