This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gives you all the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of the classic dish with far less oil and fuss. Juicy chicken breasts get coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, air-fried until golden, then finished with warm marinara and melty mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly Italian-style favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2–3/4 inch) for more even cooking.
- Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Press gently so the crumbs adhere well. Shake off any excess.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
- While the chicken cooks, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- When the chicken is done, carefully remove the basket. Spoon some marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
- Transfer the chicken to plates, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Variation
- Panko-Crusted Chicken Parmesan: Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy coating.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture and use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
- Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with Parmesan in place of breadcrumbs and choose a low-sugar marinara sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Air fryer models vary, so cooking times may differ slightly; always rely on an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for doneness.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; proper air circulation is key to getting a crispy crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- If using very large chicken breasts, you may need to add 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time after flipping check with a thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta with extra warmed marinara on the side for a classic pairing.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad and garlic bread for a restaurant-style Italian dinner at home.
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken over sautéed zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Tips
- Spray the air fryer basket and the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray to help the coating brown evenly and prevent sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and a block of mozzarella that you shred yourself for the best flavor and melt.
- If making multiple batches, keep cooked chicken warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) while you finish the rest.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 36 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 780 mg (approx.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well; adjust cook time slightly and ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally. - Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Flipping helps both sides crisp evenly and prevents the bottom from getting soggy, so it’s recommended. - Can I make this ahead of time?
For best texture, cook the chicken fresh. You can, however, bread the chicken a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry. - What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 18–22 minutes, then add sauce and cheese and bake until melted.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan delivers everything you love about classic chicken parm crispy coating, bright marinara, and gooey cheese without the mess of deep frying. Fast enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company, this lighter, air-fried version brings Italian-American comfort to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gives you all the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of the classic dish with far less oil and fuss. Juicy chicken breasts get coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, air-fried until golden, then finished with warm marinara and melty mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly Italian-style favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2–3/4 inch) for more even cooking.
- Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Press gently so the crumbs adhere well. Shake off any excess.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
- While the chicken cooks, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- When the chicken is done, carefully remove the basket. Spoon some marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
- Transfer the chicken to plates, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay juicy inside while the coating crisps up.
- Use a flavorful marinara sauce you love the sauce is a big part of the final taste of the dish.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking the chicken a couple of minutes early to avoid overcooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute and the crust sets slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 5 g (approx., from marinara)
- Sodium: 780 mg (approx., varies by marinara and cheese)
- Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 6 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 20 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 36 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 105 mg (approx.)
Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, healthy chicken parm, crispy air fryer chicken, easy Italian dinner, weeknight chicken recipe