Skip the frying and make this easy air fryer chicken parmesan recipe. It’s an easy, lighter version of the classic crispy chicken cutlet smothered in tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese!
Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer
You’re going to love this 30-minute chicken parmesan. No need to simmer in sauce on the stovetop, or use the big oven. Cooking chicken in the air fryer is quick and simple and as we know from air fryer chicken nuggets and air fryer chicken katsu, the air fryer does a great job of crisping up the breaded chicken while keeping it nice and juicy on the inside.
I like to make this recipe on busy nights or a family dinner on the weekend. It’s as hearty and satisfying as it gets and I love that it’s a lighter way to cook them than deep frying, and yet, they turn out just as delicious as any restaurant version!
We love it served with pasta, garlic breadsticks and simple green salad like they do at Italian restaurants!
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Ingredients For This Air Fryer Recipe
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Chicken breasts: I think it’s best using boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders. For larger breasts, cut them in half into thinner cutlets. You can also pound the chicken between layers of plastic wrap if you’d like instead.
- Large eggs and salt: to coat the chicken before being dipped in the breadcrumbs. It gives the crumbs something to hold on to.
Breadcrumbs: You’ve got a choice of Panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but I recommend adding Italian seasoning. Add a little parmesan cheese too if you’d like.
Olive oil: for a spray or a drizzle. It helps to crisp up the breading. - Marinara sauce: I like using my homemade marinara sauce, but if you’re short on time, your favorite jar of marinara sauce is just fine.
- Parmesan cheese and Mozzarella cheese: You can’t have chicken parm without the cheese! Whenever possible, it’s best to use freshly grated parmesan and freshly shredded mozzarella for flavor and because they melt nicely.
- Dry oregano, fresh basil, or parsley: For optional garnishes
How to Make This Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly for a simple weeknight meal but tastes like it took all day!
Here’s how it’s done.
Step 1: Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast in half to form 2 separate fillets about ½-1/3 inch thick. If needed, place the pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound the thicker side to an even thickness.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and salt together and in a separate shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs. Set up your dredging station so that your bowls are next to each other, that way you aren’t fumbling around.
Step 3: Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Immediately, place it into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing down to ensure the coating sticks on both sides. Set that aside on a plate and continue dredging the remaining pieces.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 360° F. Once it’s ready, place 2 pieces of breaded chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
TIP: Avoid any overlapping, they need enough room between them for the heat to circulate so they crisp up nicely. So you may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
Step 5: Flip the chicken over and spread a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce over each one. Then, sprinkle with both the mozzarella and parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Repeat with remaining pieces and serve garnished with your choice of herb.
Tips
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before you start dredging. It’ll help the coating stick better and give it a crispier coating.
The chicken is done and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165° F. If you’re unsure, use a digital meat thermometer, but because the pieces are so thin, they’ll cook fairly fast.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: It’s definitely at its crispiest when eaten right away, but you can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Allow it to cool completely before you place a lid on it. Any trapped heat will create moisture which inevitably will make it soggy!
Freeze: Keep any pieces you want to save for longer, in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Place them back in the air fryer for a chance to crisp back up again. 360° F for 5 minutes should do it.
More Chicken Dinner Ideas
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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ – ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese diced or shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano or fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise into thin fillets approximately ½ -⅓ inch2 pounds chicken breast
- In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and salt and whisk together.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon salt
- Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.1 ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Dredge each chicken piece in the egg mixture, coating both sides and then place it with breadcrumbs and coat both side again. I like to press the coating onto the chicken well so it’s nice and crispy. Place the coated chicken on a plate, set aside and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360° F.
- Place 2 pieces of chicken in the air fryer basket allowing room between them to get crisp.
- Spray or drizzle with olive oil and cook for 6 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flip the chicken over and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of each piece.½ – ¾ cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts.½ teaspoon dry oregano or fresh basil
- Sprinkle with dry oregano or fresh basil
Notes
Nutrition
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