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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Delightfully tender and juicy chicken breasts come out crispy and perfect in my Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan! The whole family will love this cheesy dish, with its crunchy chicken, melted parmesan, and fragrant marinara sauce.

Two Pieces of Breaded, Partially Cooked Chicken Being Topped with Marinara and Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

You know the part on Shrek 2 when Fairy Godmother yells, “And someone please get me something deep-fried, and smothered in chocolate.”

Well, that’s how I feel about all things Parm. 😁 Eggplant parm, chicken parm, pork medallions parm… if it’s fried, crunchy, and covered in marinara and Parmesan, I’m there! I especially love healthier versions of the classics, like this Baked Chicken Parmesan.

(What’s that? Oh, you don’t have the Shrek movies memorized? Yeah, I didn’t either, before I had kids! 🙃)

A Close-Up Shot of a Piece of Chicken Parmesan on Top of a wire rack

Why Use an Air Fryer?

These days, I don’t do a lot of deep-frying. It can be time consuming and rather messy. Plus, the calories! That’s a lot of oil, right?

Instead, I’m turning more and more to my air fryer! I love how easy it is to get that crispy-crunchy texture with just a fraction of the time, and no mess! 

And, this air fryer chicken Parmesan recipe takes that air-fryer magic to new levels. It’s a perfect pairing of tender and juicy chicken, crunchy breading, tangy and rich sauce, and melting cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

A Piece of Chicken Parm on a Metal Spatula Hovering Above an Air Fryer Basket

Recipe Ingredients

Okay, so what do we need to make this chicken recipe? The main ingredients, as you might expect, are chicken, breadcrumbs and Parmesan. You can also make your own  marinara sauce, or purchase it ready-made. Let’s get into it:

  • Chicken Breasts: This recipe makes four servings, which is about one pound of chicken breasts, thinly sliced.
  • Panko: I like to use one cup of panko-style breadcrumbs, but you can substitute whatever kind you like. 
  • Flour: Have ready half a cup of all-purpose flour.
  • Parmesan Cheese: You’ll need 1 cup plus 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • Egg: For the breading, I used one whole egg.
  • Garlic & Onion Powders: a tablespoon of each adds intensity of flavor. 
  • Oregano: A tablespoon of dried oregano adds classic Italian flavor to the sauce and chicken.
  • Thyme: Earthy, pungent thyme balances the richness of the dish.
  • Marinara: You’ll need 1 to 1.5 cups of good-quality marinara sauce.
  • Cooking Spray: Use your favorite cooking spray. 
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Three Glass Containers on a Counter – One Containing Raw Chicken, One Containing the Egg Mixture and One Containing the Un-Combined Breading Mixture

How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer

It’s very easy to make this dish! Just be sure not to crowd the Air Fryer basket; if your chicken pieces are too large, cook them in batches.

  • To Prep: Prepare your breading station by setting out two shallow bowls plus an extra plate for your prepared chicken breasts. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. In the first bowl, crack 1 egg and lightly whisk. Generously season the beaten egg with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, add your panko bread crumbs, flour, parmesan cheese and seasoning.
  • Rinse & Dry Chicken: Rinse and pat dry your thinly sliced chicken breasts. If you don’t have thinly sliced chicken breasts at your local supermarket, you can purchase regular chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them in half lengthwise and pound them thinly (to ensure even cooking throughout). Set aside.
  • Coat in Breading: Take one chicken breast at a time, gently dip it in the egg mixture first and then thoroughly coat it right after in the breading crumb mixture. Use a fork to toss the chicken around in the bowl to ensure that it’s is fully covered. Set the prepared breaded chicken on the separate plate until you are ready to cook. Repeat until all 4 chicken breasts are prepared.
Three Pieces of Raw Chicken Beside a Piece of Raw, Coated Chicken and the Breading and Egg Mixtures
  • Fry Chicken: Remove the air fryer basket and place the breaded chicken in a single layer inside. (Depending on how big your air fryer is, you may have to cook only two at a time.) Gently spray the tops of each chicken slice with cooking spray (this will help the crumbs to crisp up when frying). Fry your chicken breasts in the preheated Air Fryer for an initial 10 minutes. 
  • Turn Chicken & Fry Again: Flip your chicken breasts over and add marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Close the air fryer basket and fry for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the Air Fryer basket and serve it with additional marinara. Enjoy!
Two Pieces of Partially Cooked, Breaded Chicken with Marinara Sauce Spread on Top

Tips for Success

Before you start cooking, hang with me one sec! I’ve got a few handy tips and tricks to help you make this easy recipe super awesome!

  • Gluten-Free Option: If you want to make this recipe gluten free, it’s easy! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free Panko.
  • Try Pork: You could also make this recipe with pork medallions – like my Pork Parmesan – or use thin boneless chops!
  • Easy Marinara: You can whip up your own fast marinara by seasoning plain tomato sauce with Italian seasoning blend and a bit of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer chicken parmesan is just wonderful over a plate of pasta, but what else can you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try out!

Two Pieces of Breaded, Partially Cooked Chicken Being Topped with Marinara and Shredded Parmesan Cheese

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Store your leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3 to 4 days.
  • To reheat them, place the leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, until just heated through.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

  • You can! If you plan to freeze leftovers, make sure to keep the sauce and the chicken separate (you can add sauce to each plate, but not to the remaining chicken that you’re planning to freeze).
  • Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating.
Two Pieces of Breaded, Partially Cooked Chicken Being Topped with Marinara and Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Delightfully tender and juicy white meat chicken comes out crispy and perfect in my Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: air fryer chicken parmesan, chicken parm air fryer, italian chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 427kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare your breading station by placing out two shallow bowls and an extra plate for your prepared chicken breasts. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
  • In the first bowl, crack 1 egg and lightly whisk. Generously season the beaten egg with salt and pepper.
    In the second bowl, add your panko bread crumbs, flour, 1/4-cup grated parmesan cheese, and seasoning.
  • Rinse and pat dry your thinly sliced chicken breasts. If you don’t have thinly sliced chicken breasts at your local supermarket, you can purchase regular chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut in half, lengthwise, and pound thin to ensure even cooking throughout. Set aside.
  • Take one chicken breast at a time; gently dip in the egg mixture first and then thoroughly coat right after in the breading crumb mixture. Use a fork to toss the chicken around in the bowl to ensure that the chicken is fully covered.
    Set prepared breaded chicken on the separate plate until you are ready to cook. Repeat until all 4 chicken breast are prepared.
  • Remove the air fryer basket and place the breaded chicken in a single layer inside. Depending on how big your air fryer is, you may have to cook only two at a time. Gently spray the tops of each chicken slice with cooking spray (this will help the crumbs to crisp up when frying).
  • Cook your chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer for an initial 10 minutes. Then gently flip your chicken breasts over and add 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of your chicken and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Close the air fryer basket and fry for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer basket and serve over a warm bed of noodles and a vegetable of your choice. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1059mg | Potassium: 781mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 655IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 4mg

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Don’t you just love easy Air Fryer recipes like this one? Try the following next!

17 Comments

  • Kara
    Jun 15, 2021 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    I subbed out some of the parmesan on top for shredded mozzarella. Turned out just perfectly! I served them over pasta with extra marinara sauce, and everyone was happy!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:33 am

      That’s great! I am very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Beth
    Jun 15, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    This is calling my name! My family is going to love this recipe. Looks so delicious and sounds perfect for our lunch today! Can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:32 am

      I hope you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Erik
    Jun 15, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    5 stars
    Okay, this would be perfect for a weeknight dinner. Love it!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Amanda
    Jun 15, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect for weeknights, my whole family loved every bite!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:31 am

      That’s great! I am very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Vikki
    Jun 16, 2021 at 1:21 am

    5 stars
    Very crispy and delicious! Air fryer was a great idea for this one

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:30 am

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Catalina
    Jun 16, 2021 at 5:08 am

    5 stars
    It’s such an amazing dinner idea! I love that is healthier than the classic one.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:30 am

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Toni
    Jun 16, 2021 at 6:38 am

    5 stars
    This was a huge hit at my house! Everyone really loved it!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2021 at 11:30 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    Jun 16, 2021 at 10:34 am

    5 stars
    I just became so hungry for air fryer chicken!! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  • Natasha
    Jun 16, 2021 at 8:16 pm

    5 stars
    Can’t believe it was so easy to make and the result was so much better than the ones that we order at the restaurant! The chicken came out tender and moist.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 22, 2021 at 10:18 am

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply

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