Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick and healthy twist on the classic Italian dish. Cooking it in the air fryer gives you that crispy texture you crave without deep frying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying, but don’t have a lot of time. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy chicken with a cheesy, flavorful twist that everyone in the family will love.

how to make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Pound out the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
2. Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk with a fork until combined.
3. In a second bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick.
5. Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in a greased air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches if all the chicken doesn’t fit.
6. Spritz the chicken with oil spray.
7. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
8. Flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Check the temperature, as cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
9. Top each piece of chicken with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
10. Air fry for 3 more minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Serve immediately.

how to serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan warm, topped with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch. Pair it with a side salad or some pasta for a complete meal. It’s also great for leftovers, so consider making extra!

how to store Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

To store leftover Chicken Parmesan, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer or oven until warm.

tips to make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Make sure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly to cook through properly.
• Adjust the cooking time if your chicken breasts are particularly thick or thin.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

variation

You can substitute the marinara sauce with pesto for a different twist on flavor. Additionally, try using different cheeses, like provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses, for a unique taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

How can I make it gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Panko and check that all sauces and cheeses are gluten-free.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A quick and healthy twist on the classic Italian dish, using an air fryer for a crispy texture without deep frying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pound out the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
2. Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk with a fork until combined.
3. In a second bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Breading

1. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick.

Cooking

1. Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in a greased air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches if all the chicken doesn't fit.
2. Spritz the chicken with oil spray.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Check the temperature, as cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
5. Top each piece of chicken with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
6. Air fry for 3 more minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve warm, topped with fresh basil or parsley, and paired with a side salad or pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.