Name: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each); 1 egg, beaten; Salt and black pepper to taste; Cooking spray; 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Pasta for serving (optional)

Juicy chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, air-fried to crispy perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melty cheese – this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan delivers all the flavors of the classic Italian-American dish with less oil and half the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a healthier, quicker weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer creates that satisfying crispy exterior without the need for deep frying, cutting down on calories while still delivering that signature crunch. The process is simple and streamlined, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the cleanup is minimal compared to traditional frying methods, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Ingredients

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

Seasoned bread crumbs provide that essential crispy coating that makes chicken parmesan so satisfying. They’re pre-seasoned, which adds an extra layer of flavor without additional work.

Parmesan cheese brings its distinctive nutty, salty flavor to both the breading and as a final topping. For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties.

Italian seasoning enhances the breadcrumb mixture with classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. If you don’t have the blend on hand, you can use individual herbs you have available.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts serve as the protein foundation. Using smaller chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each) ensures even cooking and the perfect meat-to-coating ratio.

Egg acts as the essential binder that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken. For a lighter option, you could use egg whites only.

Salt and black pepper are fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Always season your chicken before breading for the best taste penetration.

Cooking spray helps achieve that golden-brown exterior without deep frying. A high-quality olive oil spray works particularly well with the Italian flavors.

Marinara sauce delivers the tangy, rich tomato component that’s signature to chicken parmesan. Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade if you have it.

Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty, stretchy top layer. Fresh mozzarella can be used for a more upscale version, though shredded works perfectly for even melting.

Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness and adds visual appeal. They’re not just garnish—these herbs add a fresh flavor dimension.

Pasta offers the traditional accompaniment, providing the perfect vehicle for extra marinara sauce. Any type works well, from spaghetti to penne.

Directions

Combine bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Dip chicken in beaten egg. Season chicken with salt & pepper and then dip into the bread crumb mixture (press to adhere). Spray chicken with cooking spray and place in the air fryer.
Cook 6 minutes. Flip chicken over and cook an additional 5-6 minutes.
Spread marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella and shredded Parmesan. Air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F.
Top with herbs and serve with pasta and additional sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner. The total time from start to finish is approximately 40 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains one chicken breast topped with sauce and cheese, which can be accompanied by a portion of pasta for a complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture and use arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara for a kick of heat.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free pasta or over sautéed zucchini noodles.

Herb-Crusted: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches: Serve the cooked chicken on toasted garlic bread or ciabatta rolls with extra marinara and melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.

Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with 1/2-inch thick slices of eggplant for a vegetarian alternative. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes before patting dry and proceeding with the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pasta separate from the chicken to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken parmesan (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag for easy single-serving reheating.

Reheating in Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated chicken parmesan in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again.

Reheating in Oven: Place refrigerated chicken parmesan on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating in Microwave: For the quickest option, microwave individual portions on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, though note this method won’t maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Why is my breading falling off the chicken?

This typically happens when the chicken is too wet or the breading process is rushed. Make sure to pat your chicken dry before dipping in egg, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere.

Do I need to pound the chicken breasts?

While not required, pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) helps them cook more evenly. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, this extra step is recommended.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, then add the sauce and cheese and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer—chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Cook as directed when ready to serve. I don’t recommend adding the sauce and cheese until you’re ready to complete the final cooking.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan besides pasta?

Great alternatives include garlic bread, a side salad, roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or even a simple risotto.

Is this recipe healthier than traditional Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, this air fryer version uses significantly less oil than traditional pan-fried or deep-fried versions, making it lower in calories and fat while still maintaining a crispy exterior.

My air fryer is small. Can I cook the chicken in batches?

Definitely. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, keeping the first batch warm in a low oven (200°F) while you cook the remainder. Add the sauce and cheese to all pieces at once for the final cooking step.

Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of packaged?

Yes, homemade breadcrumbs work wonderfully. If using fresh breadcrumbs, add your own seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt to replicate the flavor of seasoned breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers the perfect balance of convenience and classic flavor. By leveraging the power of the air fryer, you get that satisfying crispy coating without the extra oil, while still enjoying the comfort of melty cheese and tangy marinara sauce. This versatile recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs, and it’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether served over pasta for a traditional experience or paired with vegetables for a lighter option, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan