Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate way to enjoy this classic dish without the extra oil and hassle. You still get that crispy, golden-breaded chicken topped with rich marinara and melty mozzarella—but instead of deep-frying, the air fryer does all the work in a fraction of the time.
With Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you get the perfect balance of crunch and flavor without the mess of traditional frying. It’s quicker, easier, and just as delicious. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or craving some comfort food, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!
Why Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a Game-Changer
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan takes everything you love about the classic dish and makes it quicker, easier, and way less messy. Instead of dealing with a pan full of hot oil, the air fryer gives you that same crispy, golden-breaded chicken with just a light spritz of oil. The result? A perfectly crunchy coating with juicy, tender chicken inside—no greasy mess required.
One of the best things about making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is the speed. Traditional Chicken Parmesan takes time, especially if you’re frying in batches. But with an air fryer, you get even cooking in half the time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—no splattered oil all over your stove! It’s the easiest way to satisfy your Chicken Parm cravings without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
To make this crispy, cheesy favorite, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what to grab:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and pounded thin for even cooking.
- Breadcrumbs – Panko works best for extra crunch.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds that rich, nutty flavor to the breading.
- Eggs – Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Marinara sauce – Go with your favorite store-bought brand or make it homemade.
- Mozzarella cheese – Because melty, gooey cheese is a must!
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper – Simple seasonings that add tons of flavor.
- Fresh basil (optional) – A little sprinkle on top makes it feel extra special.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make the best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is super simple, and the air fryer does most of the work. Just follow these easy steps:
- Prep the Chicken – Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Set Up the Breading Station – In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken – Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Air Fry the Chicken – Lightly spray both sides with oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese – Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Enjoy – Let the chicken rest for a minute, then top with fresh basil and dig in!
With these easy steps, your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan will come out crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—without the mess of traditional frying!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Want to make sure your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every time? Here are a few simple tricks:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs – Regular breadcrumbs work, but Panko gives you that extra crunch.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer – This helps the chicken cook evenly and crisp up faster.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Give each piece space so the air can circulate. If needed, cook in batches.
- Lightly Spray with Oil – A little cooking spray helps the coating get golden and crispy without making it greasy.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving – This keeps the breading from slipping off when you cut into it.
Follow these tips, and your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan will come out crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible every time!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a meal on its own, but let’s be honest—it’s even better with the right sides. Here are a few tasty options to round out your plate:
- Classic Spaghetti – Because Chicken Parm and pasta are a perfect match. Toss it with extra marinara for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Roasted Veggies – If you want a lighter option, roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus work great.
- Mashed Potatoes – Not traditional, but trust me, creamy mashed potatoes with Chicken Parmesan? Chef’s kiss!
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Parmesan Chicken Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you love crispy, cheesy dishes, check out this Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe for the perfect appetizer!
No matter what you serve it with, Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a guaranteed hit. Pick your favorite sides and get ready for a meal that feels straight out of an Italian restaurant—without the hassle!
How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan fresh and delicious:
Storing Leftovers:
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- If freezing, wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating for Crispy Results:
- Air Fryer (Best Option): Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep the breading crunchy.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): It works, but let’s be real—the breading gets soggy.
For the best results, always reheat in the air fryer or oven. That way, your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan stays crispy, cheesy, and just as good as when you first made it!
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Is chicken parm good in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan comes out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly cheesy without the extra oil from deep frying. It’s faster, less messy, and still packed with flavor—basically a win all around!
Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer cooks raw chicken beautifully. Just make sure to cook it at the right temperature (375°F for Chicken Parmesan) and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I melt cheese on chicken in an air fryer?
Definitely! Once your chicken is cooked, add marinara sauce and mozzarella, then air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
Does parmesan melt in an air fryer?
Not really—Parmesan is a hard cheese, so it doesn’t melt like mozzarella. Instead, it adds a crispy, golden crust when mixed with breadcrumbs in the breading. If you want more cheesy goodness, top your chicken with mozzarella and let that melt instead!
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is everything you love about the classic dish—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—but without the hassle of frying in oil. It’s quick, easy, and way less messy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever that Chicken Parm craving hits.
With simple ingredients, a few easy steps, and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. So, what do you think—extra sauce or extra cheese? Let me know in the comments, and if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy, and So Easy!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes! Enjoy all the flavor of the classic dish with less oil and easy cleanup. Perfect for any night!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken – Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Set Up Breading Station – Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Whisk the egg in another.
- Bread the Chicken – Dip chicken into egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
- Air Fry – Lightly spray with oil and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add Sauce & Cheese – Spoon marinara on top, add mozzarella, and air fry for 2-3 more minutes until melted.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let rest for a minute, garnish with basil, and dig in!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray with oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Protein: 40-45g
- Cholesterol: 120-150mg
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