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