Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan delivers all the crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic Italian-American dish with a fraction of the oil and time. The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy coating on the chicken cutlets without deep frying, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, this easy, healthier twist on a comfort food favorite is perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (sliced in half or pounded thin)
breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain with added Italian seasoning)
grated Parmesan cheese
eggs
all-purpose flour
olive oil spray
marinara sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
dried oregano
fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano.

Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.

Spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Top each piece with a spoonful of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a little heat.
Serve over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or on a toasted roll for a Chicken Parm sandwich.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the breading soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before breading and cooking for even results.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.

Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even crisping on both sides.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too—just adjust cooking time slightly.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Use your favorite jarred or homemade version—look for one with simple ingredients.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispier.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely—crispy chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce are usually a hit with kids.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and avoid moving it too much during cooking.

Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, though the melted mozzarella is a signature part of the dish.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a deliciously simple way to enjoy a beloved classic with less mess and fewer calories. It’s crispy, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying—perfect for a comforting dinner without the extra oil. Give it a try and enjoy all the flavor with none of the frying fuss.