Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air fryer chicken parm is a combination of so many things I love. I definitely enjoy a classic chicken Parmesan, especially because its a dish that is tied in with one of my favorite countries (Italy). But, what’s even better is that this chicken parm uses my all-time favorite kitchen appliance, the air fryer.

When I use the air fryer, I feel so much less guilty (because you barely need any oil), and the resulting chicken is still so crispy and juicy. Oh, and did I mention my protein-focused boys are also in love with it? I am truly obsessed and proud of this air fryer chicken Parmesan recipe that we all enjoy.

Making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air fried chicken Parm uses six simple ingredients and takes a mere five minutes of prep time. It’s so easy that even a caveman could do it!

• Tenderize the chicken: Slice the skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then use a meat tenderizer to pound each breast thin.
• Bread the chicken: Next, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs in a shallow dish. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs together. Bread the chicken by dipping each piece into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
• Air fry: Lightly spray the air fryer tray with cooking spray. Then, place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for five minutes. Flip it over and top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Then, air fry it for an additional few minutes until cooked through.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Parmesan

I love how the air fryer makes cooking so simple. Nevertheless, a few tips are always welcome, even if using the foolproof air fryer machine!

• Pound the chicken evenly: To promote even cooking, pound each chicken breast out until it is evenly thick throughout the whole piece.
• Assemble the chicken in a single layer: Assemble the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures all the chicken gets a crispy crust and cooks evenly. If you have to cook it in batches, it’ll be well worth the extra few minutes spent!
• Spread the marinara in the center of each breast: To prevent the marinara from spilling off the sides of the chicken breasts, spread it first in the center and then out.
• Substitute the breadcrumbs (optional): If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use Panko with a bit of Italian seasoning. Keep in mind that breadcrumbs are usually finer and more dense than Panko, so the crust may be slightly different.

Storing & Reheating Leftover Chicken Parmesan

This air fryer chicken parm recipe makes about four servings, so depending on your family and your hunger, you may have leftovers. Here’s how to best store your leftover chicken parm for next time.

• Refrigerator: Store cooked air fryer chicken parmesan for up to five days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Freezer (Raw or Cooked): To freeze raw or cooked chicken Parmesan, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the entire baking sheet in the freezer uncovered. Once the chicken is completely frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to three months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated chicken in the air fryer for about five minutes. If the chicken is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat the same way (or cook if raw).

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets – Kid-friendly breaded chicken nuggets
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Juicy and tender air fryer wings
• The EASIEST Air Fryer Breasts – Perfectly cooked chicken breasts
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Juicy, versatile chicken thighs

Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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Servings

4 servings

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This air fryer chicken Parmesan gives you all the crispy goodness of the original with much less fat. It's tender, juicy, and covered in tomato sauce and cheese.

Ingredients

• 16 oz chicken breast
• 1/3 cup Parmesan shredded
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Cut chicken in half lengthwise. Using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken until it has the same thickness across.
  
• In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Set aside.
  
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Set aside.
  
• Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, followed by an immediate dunk into the breadcrumb mixture.
  
• Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap the pieces on top of one another.
  
• Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken over and spread marinara sauce in the center of each piece, followed by a handful of mozzarella.
  
• Cook the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of each piece. Serve immediately and enjoy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Amount Per Serving

Calories 400 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 183mg61%

Sodium 1033mg43%

Potassium 650mg19%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 41g82%

Vitamin A 598IU12%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 317mg32%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.