Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Looking for a crispy, cheesy dinner that doesn’t involve standing over a pot of hot oil or turning your kitchen into a grease explosion zone? This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe is about to change your weeknight dinner game. It’s faster than takeout, way healthier than the deep-fried version, and still gives you that satisfying golden crunch on the outside and gooey cheese on top.

I remember the first time I tried to make traditional Chicken Parm. I was knee-deep in flour, oil splatters all over the stove, and by the end, I was too tired to even eat. That’s when I discovered the magic of making Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer—all the flavor, none of the mess. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something comforting, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits the spot every time.

Let’s get into it—crispy chicken, rich marinara, melty mozzarella, and it’s all done in under 35 minutes.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Here’s everything you need for this crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s a simple list, and most of it’s probably already in your kitchen.

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or crushed nuts/flaxseed for low-carb options)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Note: If you’re gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed almonds or ground flaxseed. For a low-carb version, skip the breading altogether and just season the chicken well.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer

This isn’t one of those recipes that requires 20 gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need to get perfect results:

• An air fryer (basket-style or oven-style both work)
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken evenly)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• 2–3 shallow dishes for breading
• Kitchen tongs
• Spatula
• Meat thermometer (to check the internal temperature)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Parmesan in Air Fryer

This easy Chicken Parmesan recipe for air fryer is broken down into 5 main steps. Follow along and trust me—you won’t mess this up.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Don’t skip this step! A hot air fryer means crispy results.

Now take your chicken breasts and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the rest of your Italian seasoning, and a little extra salt and pepper.

Brush or drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken. This is key to getting that crispiness without deep frying. Then press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.

Tip: Use fresh breadcrumbs if you can. The crunch is next level.

Step 3: First Air Fry

Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t stack them—give them space to crisp up properly.

Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check—this isn’t the time to guess.

Step 4: Add Marinara and Cheese

Remove the chicken carefully (it’s hot and crispy—don’t mess it up now!). Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle a mountain of shredded mozzarella on top.

Place the chicken back in the air fryer for another 3 to 5 minutes—just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for about 3–5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and the cheese from sliding off. Trust me—this part’s important.

Now you’ve got yourself a plate of crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan that’s begging to be devoured.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Chicken Parm

Chicken Parm isn’t just a dish—it’s a whole mood. Here are some classic and creative ways to serve it:

• Chicken Parmesan with pasta: Go traditional with spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in extra marinara.
• Add a garden salad: Something crisp and fresh balances out the richness.
• Garlic bread pairing: A must-have if you ask me. Try it with fresh homemade Italian bread.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley: Adds color and fresh flavor.
• Red wine pairing: Chianti or Merlot works beautifully with the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Want something a little more rustic? Pair it with this Italian-style meatloaf with rich marinara on a big family dinner night.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Here’s where the magic happens—little things that make a big difference:

• Season the chicken well. Don’t hold back. Salt and seasoning go a long way.
• Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella. The pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as well.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate.
• Use a thermometer. Make sure your chicken hits 165°F—nobody wants dry meat.
• Let it rest! Seriously, I’ve said it three times now. Resting is key.
• Switch up your cheese. Try provolone, gouda, or even goat cheese for a fun twist.
• Prep extra chicken. These reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

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Description

Crispy, cheesy, and totally mess-free, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Healthier than the deep-fried classic, but just as satisfying.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle or brush olive oil on both sides of chicken.
5. Press chicken into breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
6. Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to air fryer for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melt. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. For a gluten-free or low-carb option, use crushed nuts or flaxseed instead of breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 46g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Final thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe is one of those go-to dinners you’ll make on repeat. It’s easy, it’s healthier than traditional versions, and it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant—but made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this dish brings comfort, crunch, and serious flavor.

And the best part? You didn’t have to deal with a vat of hot oil.

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