Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This air fryer chicken parmesan gets a genuinely crispy breaded crust, then a quick topping of marinara and mozzarella melts right in the basket for that classic red-sauce comfort, all without a skillet of hot oil to manage.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Crispy breaded cutlet with no deep frying
- Cheese melts right in the air fryer basket
- Faster than the oven-baked version
- Classic Italian-American comfort food, lightened up
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Set up a breading station: flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper; eggs beaten in a second dish; panko mixed with parmesan, Italian seasoning and remaining 1/2 tsp salt in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket and both sides of the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry the chicken for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella. Air fry for 2-3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve, ideally over pasta.
Tips for success
- Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness so it cooks through in the same time the crust needs to brown.
- Don't add the sauce and cheese until the last few minutes, or the crust will lose its crispness under the moisture.
- Use a good-quality jarred marinara, or a quick homemade one, since it's a major flavor component.
- Cook in batches if your basket is small — crowding prevents the crust from crisping evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Why add the sauce and cheese at the end instead of the beginning?
Adding them only for the last few minutes keeps the breaded crust crispy instead of turning soggy under the sauce for the full cook time.
Can I make this ahead and reheat it?
The breaded, unsauced cutlets can be air-fried ahead and reheated with fresh sauce and cheese added just before serving.
What should I serve air fryer chicken parmesan with?
Spaghetti with extra marinara, garlic bread, or a simple green salad are classic pairings.
Can I use chicken cutlets instead of pounding breasts?
Yes, pre-cut thin chicken cutlets work great and save the pounding step.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 402 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
You might also like
Air FryerCrispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The secret to genuinely crispy air fryer chicken wings without breading or deep frying is a ligh…
Air FryerAir Fryer Chicken Breast
An air fryer cooks chicken breast faster and more evenly than an oven, circulating hot air on al…
Air FryerAir Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders get their crunch from a simple panko coating and a hot blast of …