Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Craving crispy, golden-brown chicken Parmesan without the mess of frying?

This air fryer recipe is your new best friend. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have juicy, crunchy chicken topped with gooey mozzarella and marinara—
all made in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.

It’s the ultimate quick dinner solution for when you’re craving something hearty and delicious,

but don’t want to deal with the oil splatters and lengthy prep time.

Give it a try—you’ll never go back to traditional methods again!

For Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Butterfly them to create thin pieces for that crispy texture.
Panko Bread Crumbs & Parmesan – The panko adds crunch, and the Parmesan gives the breading extra flavor.
Seasonings (Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder) – These will flavor the breading for an added kick.
Marinara Sauce – Opt for homemade or your favorite jarred marinara for the perfect base.
Mozzarella – Use shredded mozzarella for that gooey, melty texture on top of the chicken.

For Air Fryer Cooking

Flour – Used for dredging the chicken to help the breading adhere.
Eggs – Help the breading stick to the chicken for that crispy, golden coating.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Craving crispy, golden-brown chicken Parmesan without the fuss? This air fryer recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of the classic dish—no oil, no hassle—just perfectly crispy chicken topped with melty mozzarella and marinara.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 50

Servings: servings

Calories: 332kcal

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half widthwise. This will give you 4 thin pieces of chicken. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Set Up Dredging Station:

In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your dredging ingredients:
In the first bowl, place flour and season with salt and pepper.
In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.

Coat the Chicken:

Working one piece at a time, coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly to both sides.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Add Marinara and Cheese:

Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Continue cooking at 400°F for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve:

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and divide it among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pasta: Serve the chicken Parmesan over your favorite pasta (spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccine, etc.) to soak up the delicious marinara.
Garlic Bread: A classic side to complement the meal.
Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts: A flavorful twist on Brussels sprouts.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A perfect side to soak up extra sauce.

Nutrition

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Can I skip the preheating step in the air fryer?
Nope! Preheating your air fryer is key to making sure your chicken gets nice and crispy. Preheat it for about 3-5 minutes so that it’s at the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken evenly and quickly.

What if my chicken breasts are too thick?
No worries! Just butterfly the chicken breasts, which means cutting them in half horizontally. This will give you thinner pieces that cook faster and crisp up better. Easy fix for a perfect bite!

Can I skip the egg dredge step?
I wouldn’t recommend skipping the egg dredging part—it helps the panko and Parmesan coating stick to the chicken. But if you want to simplify, you could try using a cooking spray for a lighter coating!

How can I make sure the chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket?
Great question! Lightly spray the basket with oil before adding your chicken. This helps keep things from sticking, so your chicken stays crispy and doesn’t end up stuck to the basket!

What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
If you’re out of mozzarella, you can easily substitute with another melty cheese like provolone or even cheddar. You’ll still get that cheesy goodness, just with a different flavor twist!