It was one of those nights where I needed comfort food but didn’t want to stand over a sizzling skillet. I opened the fridge, spotted chicken breasts, and remembered the air fryer. In less than 30 minutes, dinner was golden, crispy, and bubbling with cheese. This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan changed the game.
This recipe gives you that classic crunch without deep frying. The chicken turns crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and each piece gets smothered with marinara and gooey mozzarella. Plus, it cooks quickly and makes less mess. It’s a simple, satisfying twist on a family favorite—perfect for weeknight dinners.
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How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air fryer chicken parm skips the splatter and long baking time. You get that crispy crust with way less oil. It’s faster than oven-baking and easier than frying in a pan.
The prep is simple: slice, season, coat, and cook. The secret is layering—crispy breaded chicken, topped with warm marinara and melty cheese. All done inside the air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy. Just the essentials:
- Chicken breasts give you that hearty bite.
- Panko bread crumbs bring crunch.
- Parmesan and mozzarella add savory flavor and creamy melt.
- Marinara ties it all together.
- Dried herbs and garlic powder lift the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Butterfly the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets. This helps it cook fast and crisp up better.
Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper.
2. Set Up Dredging Bowls
You’ll need three:
- First bowl: all-purpose flour with a little salt and pepper
- Second bowl: two beaten eggs
- Third bowl: mix panko, grated Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder
3. Coat the Chicken
Start with flour. Shake off the extra.
Dip in egg. Let the excess drip off.
Press into the panko-Parmesan mix until fully coated. Don’t rush this step.
4. Air Fry Until Crispy
Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes on one side. Flip, then cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add Sauce + Cheese
Spoon marinara over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella.
Air fry 3 more minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness.
Tips For The Best Chicken Parmesan
- Thinner chicken cooks better. It gets crispier and cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each piece breathing room.
- Use extra panko. This makes sure every part of the chicken gets a good coating.
- Fully coat with egg and flour. Skipping or rushing leads to patchy breading.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This dish goes with almost anything:
- Twirl it into spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine.
- Add a side of garlic bread for a cozy combo.
- Try it with Cacio e Pepe Brussels sprouts or garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Chicken Parmesan Variations
Want to mix it up?
- Make it spicy. Add more crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Parm. Use buffalo sauce instead of marinara.
- Mini Parm nuggets. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for kid-friendly portions.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Crispy & Delicious
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and fast—this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gives you all the classic comfort without the oil or mess. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
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 (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise to make 4 thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko, Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then eggs, then the seasoned panko mixture. Shake off excess at each step.
4. Place chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.
6. Top each piece with marinara and shredded mozzarella. Air fry for another 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Thinner chicken pieces cook more evenly and get crispier.
Make sure to fully coat the chicken with egg and panko for the best crunch.
Use more panko than you think you need to ensure full coverage.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this prevents steaming and keeps the crust crispy.
Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
More Such Recipes
If you love crispy chicken, check out these reader favorites:
Try crispy air fryer chicken thighs for juicy meat with a crackling crust.
Or whip up air fryer chicken sausage and veggies for an easy one-basket meal.
Need another cheesy favorite? This Garlic Parmesan chicken recipe is a go-to.
And for basics, these air fryer chicken breasts never fail.
FAQ
Is chicken parm good in an air fryer?
Yes! It turns out crispy and golden without needing oil. The cheese melts perfectly and the marinara warms up just right.
Can I put raw chicken in my air fryer?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thin, well-seasoned, and fully coated. It cooks fast and stays juicy.
Does parmesan melt in an air fryer?
Parmesan doesn’t melt like mozzarella, but it adds a salty, crispy texture to the breading. It’s a key ingredient here.
What is the secret to crispy chicken parmesan?
Thin chicken, a full coating of panko, and not crowding the basket. Plus, flipping halfway helps it brown on both sides.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan brings all the flavor with none of the fuss. It’s perfect for when you crave comfort but want something a little lighter and a lot quicker.
Pair it with pasta or greens, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes. Give it a try and let me know what you served it with. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
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