Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick and delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Crispy breaded chicken topped with melty mozzarella and savory marinara sauce makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Using an air fryer keeps it light without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain or seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup plain panko bread crumbs
• 2 1/4 ounces Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 to 5 ounces each), pounded to an even thickness
• 4 to 8 tablespoons homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 ounce mozzarella, shredded (1/4 cup), or to taste
• Pasta, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat an air fryer to 350 degrees using the air crisp feature. In a shallow plate, mix both bread crumbs with the Parmesan and Italian seasoning. In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
2. Step 2: Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, coating it evenly, and let excess egg drip off. Then press into the bread crumb mixture to evenly coat. Place the prepared chicken in the air fryer in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. If you do, heat an oven to 200 degrees.
3. Step 3: Cook until the crust turns deep brown, 7 to 8 minutes. The timing depends on the air fryer. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons marinara over each breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Cook until the cheese melts and the chicken cooks through, an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven while preparing the next. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta and extra sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use a mix of panko and regular bread crumbs as described.
• If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breading mixture or marinara.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thin chicken cutlets to reduce cooking time.
• Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes to retain crispiness or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper breading adherence. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, then top with marinara and cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.5 from 113 reviews

This Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American favorite. Crispy breaded chicken breasts are air-fried to golden perfection, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and served alongside your choice of pasta for a satisfying, delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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For the Chicken

• 1/2 cup plain or seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup plain panko bread crumbs
• 2 1/4 ounces Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 to 5 ounces each), pounded to an even thickness

For Topping

• 4 to 8 tablespoons homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 ounce mozzarella, shredded (1/4 cup), or to taste

For Serving

• Pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Heat an air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using the air crisp feature to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow plate, combine the plain or seasoned bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, coating thoroughly and letting any excess drip off. Then press each piece into the bread crumb mixture firmly, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
4. Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer: Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so the pieces don’t overlap. If cooking multiple batches, preheat an oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep cooked chicken warm.
5. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes or until the crust turns a deep brown and is crispy, adjusting time according to your air fryer’s performance.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Finish Cooking: Continue to air fry for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
8. Serve: If multiple batches were cooked, keep the first batch warm in the preheated oven while finishing the others. Serve the chicken parmesan immediately alongside cooked pasta and extra marinara sauce.

Notes

• You can use either plain or seasoned bread crumbs depending on your taste preference; seasoned crumbs add extra flavor without needing additional seasoning.
• Make sure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for oven baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer or oven for best texture.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Air Fryer Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken Parmesan, Healthy Chicken Parmesan