Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

There’s something magical about the perfect bite of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan—a crunchy, golden-brown crust giving way to juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent, yet with the air fryer, you can enjoy all the flavors without the guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or satisfying a comfort food craving, this recipe delivers deliciousness in every bite.

I still remember the first time I made Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan at home. My kitchen was filled with the familiar aroma of garlic, herbs, and bubbling cheese, reminding me of the little Italian bistro my family used to visit every Sunday. We’d always order a big plate of Chicken Parmesan, and while it was incredible, it was also dripping in oil. Recreating that nostalgic meal in a healthier way felt like a victory—one that I now get to share with you.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Healthier than traditional frying: Enjoy crispy, golden-brown chicken without deep frying.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
• Perfectly crispy texture: The air fryer ensures a crunchy parmesan crust without excess oil.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, flavorful meal.
• Customizable: Adjust seasonings, cheese, or breadcrumbs to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To create the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil spray

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice & Pound: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Then, pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 360°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook: Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip.
4. Add Sauce & Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella.
5. Finish Cooking: Air fry for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Use fresh Parmesan: Shredded Parmesan crisps up better than grated versions.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between pieces for even airflow.
• Preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
• Double-coat for extra crispiness: Dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice enhances texture.

If you’re looking for other easy and flavorful dinner ideas, check out this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe for a comforting meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Skipping preheating: Leads to uneven cooking and soggy breading.
• Using wet breadcrumbs: Ensure your breading is dry before cooking to maintain crispiness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Check the internal temperature to avoid dryness.
• Not spraying with olive oil: Lightly spray breadcrumbs for golden-brown crispiness.

For another delicious and crispy dish, you might love this Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Ring—a perfect appetizer or main dish.

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Can You Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Without Breading?

Yes! For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken in Parmesan cheese and seasonings.

How Do You Keep Chicken Parmesan Crispy in an Air Fryer?

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, preheat before cooking, and spray the breading lightly with olive oil.

What Temperature Should Chicken Parmesan Be Cooked At?

360°F is ideal for getting a crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Can You Use Frozen Chicken for Chicken Parmesan?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

How Do You Reheat Chicken Parmesan in an Air Fryer?

Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.

Conclusion

With this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe, you can enjoy a healthier, crispy, and cheesy meal in just 20 minutes! Say goodbye to deep frying and hello to an easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you enjoy Italian flavors, you might also want to try this Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe for a delicious pasta dish.

Ready to give it a try? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!

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