Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is quick, easy, and gives you the same crispy texture you love without the extra oil. The chicken is perfectly breaded, air-fried to a golden crisp, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory marinara sauce. It’s a healthier version of the classic that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, making it an ideal option for a lighter weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer, so there’s less mess and cleanup involved. Serve it with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup marinara sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for coating)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

  2. Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

    • In the first bowl, place the flour.

    • In the second bowl, whisk the eggs.

    • In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly.

  3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.

  4. Cook the chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  5. Top with sauce and cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each piece, then top with a generous portion of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15-16 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

  • Use chicken thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.

  • Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for the breading if you need a gluten-free alternative.

  • Add fresh basil: Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.

  • Make it extra cheesy: Add a layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an even cheesier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through. You can also microwave the chicken for 1-2 minutes, but it may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make the breading ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breading mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it.

3. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For an even crispier crust, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before air frying. The extra layer of oil helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

4. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce works great in this recipe. Just be sure to warm it up before spooning it over the chicken.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a lighter, quicker version of the classic dish, but it doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. With crispy, breaded chicken, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite. It’s easy to make, healthy, and perfect for serving the whole family. Plus, you get the crispy crunch of fried chicken without all the extra oil—what’s not to love?

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-16 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers a healthier, quicker twist on the classic Italian dish. With crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, this version is just as satisfying as the traditional one but with less oil and mess.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture (combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper).
  3. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  6. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and serve with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Notes

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before air frying.If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a gluten-free version.Top with fresh basil for added flavor.Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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