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    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    30-Minute Meals Air Fryer Recipes Easy Chicken Recipes Kid Friendly Main Courses Real Food May 3, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 7 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy recipe that replicates the classic flavors of deep-fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories. The chicken turns out crispy, crunchy, yet still juicy inside. Chicken Parmesan is an easier and healthier way to enjoy a classic.

    This easy recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, featuring a seasoned, crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken breasts, replicates the classic flavors of fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories.

    Pair this family-favorite chicken with a side of Instant Pot Spaghetti and a Caprese Salad for an easy, delicious, Italian-American feast.

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on white plate served with side of spaghetti.

    I love taking classically heavy dishes and lightening them up while keeping their classic flavor. From recipes like Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo and Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan to this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you can enjoy the same flavors you know and love in your favorite Italian-American dishes, while significantly cutting the fat and calories.

    This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan was inspired by my recipe for Baked Chicken Parmesan, which is also a lightened-up version of the classic dish. The chicken is tender, juicy, and features a perfectly seasoned coating and of course is topped with homemade spaghetti sauce and gooey, mozzarella cheese. It is truly one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare chicken.

    why you will love this recipe

    • No excess grease! Instead of being pan-fried in oil, this recipe uses the air-fryer and just a tiny bit of cooking spray to create the same crispy, golden exterior that Chicken Parmesan is known for.
    • Keeps the Heat Out of the Kitchen. While I love Baked Chicken Parmesan, this air-fryer recipe doesn't require heating up the oven or the house, making it perfect to enjoy year-round.
    • Ready in Under 30 Minutes. Even with breading the chicken, this recipe is on the table from start to finish in under 30 minutes, making it a wholesome 30-minute meal you can enjoy any night of the week.
    • Family-Favorite Recipe. From the crispy crust to the juicy chicken to the gooey cheese, everyone loves Air Fyer Chicken Parmesan.

    Notes on Ingredients and Equipment

    Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on counter.
    • Chicken: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about ½ inch thick. It is critical that you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are even in size, so they cook evenly. I recommend cutting the chicken breast in half widthwise and then pounding to even thickness or purchasing chicken cutlets.
    • Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest, crunchiest breading panko breadcrumbs are best. They can be found right next to traditional breadcrumbs in your grocery store. The results of using panko over classic breadcrumbs are huge, so please don't skip this recommendation.
    • Parmesan Cheese: I highly, highly recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of jarred parmesan for the best flavor.
    • Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce, or Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce.
    • Mozzarella Cheese: For the cheese, you can opt to use either sliced fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Air Fryer: This recipe will work with any air fryer you have. I personally have a basic GoWise Air Fryer that has worked well for me.

    How to Air Fry Chicken Parmesan

    • Prepare the chicken by slicing the chicken breasts into cutlets. Place one hand flat on top of a chicken breast and holding a knife parallel to the cutting board, slice it horizontally, from the thick end to the thin end, into two even pieces. If your chicken cutlets are not even in thickness, place the pieces of chicken in between two slices of plastic wrap and pound to even thickness.
    • Prepare the breading station by setting up 3 shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with salt and garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. In the final dish, combine the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
    3 shallow bowls for breading chicken parmesan.
    • Dredge the chicken in the four, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg mixture. Allow the excess egg to drip off and then finally coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere, and place on a plate.
    • Spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray and then place, sprayed side down, into the basket or tray of the air fryer. Be careful to not overlap the chicken, so it cooks and browns evenly. Most models only can cook 2 pieces of chicken at a time, so you may need to work in batches if preparing more than two servings.
    • Spray the top of the breaded chicken with the cooking spray and then air-fry for 6 minutes at 370 degrees F.
    • Flip the chicken and spray lightly again with cooking spray. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
    • Remove the basket or tray from the air fryer and top each piece of chicken with about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
    • Return to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
    Collage of 4 pictures with step by step pictures showing air frying chicken parmesan.

    Serving Suggestions

    Chicken Parmesan is classically served with a side of pasta. I love pairing it with Instant Pot Spaghetti or Pasta Puttanesca for a hearty entree. Of course, you can keep this meal on the lighter side and pair Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with a Greek Salad, Caesar Salad, Roasted Broccoli, or Green Beans Almondine.

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on a plate with a side of spaghetti.

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    Store leftover Air Fried Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, air fry the chicken parmesan for 3 minutes at 360 degrees, or until warmed through. This will help keep the coating nice and crispy.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    Yes! This recipe is designed for 2 pieces of chicken, but it can easily be doubled or even tripled. Just keep in mind you will need to work in batches, as you don't want to overcrowd the air fryer.

    What is the best way to hold the chicken warm if prepared in batches?

    If you need to prepare in batches, place the uncooked breaded chicken in the refrigerator while the first batch is in the air fryer. Once the first batch has been cooked through, place the cooked chicken parmesan on a sheet pan and hold it warm in a 200-degree F oven.

    Can you make gluten-free Chicken Parmesan?

    Yes, you can use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko.

    Can you make this recipe egg-free?

    The egg wash really helps the breading adhere to the chicken. However, if you are egg-free, use milk in place of the egg wash.

    More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

    • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    If you enjoyed this healthier Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on white plate served with side of spaghetti.

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy recipe that replicates the classic flavors of fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 289kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken cutlets
    • ¼ cup flour
    • â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • â…“ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • ¼ cup prepared tomato sauce
    • 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese or ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • If needed per your air fryer model, preheat to 370 degrees F.
    • Place one hand flat on top of a chicken breast and holding a knife parallel to the cutting board, slice it horizontally, from the thick end to the thin end, into two even pieces. If your chicken cutlets are not even in thickness, place the pieces of chicken in between two slices of plastic wrap and pound to even thickness.
    • Prepare the breading station by setting up 3 shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. In the final dish, combine the panko, Parmesan, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
    • Dredge the chicken in the four, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg mixture. Allow the excess egg to drip off and then finally coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere and place on a plate. Spray the top with cooking spray.
    • Place the chicken, sprayed side down, in the basket or tray of the air fryer. Spray the chicken again with cooking dpray, so that now each side has been coated in cooking spray. Air fry for 6 minutes at 370 degrees F. Remove the basket/tray from the air fryer and flip the chicken. Return to the air fryer for 4 minutes.
    • Remove the basket or tray from the air fryer and top each piece of chicken with about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
    • Return to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
    • Serve immediately.

    Equipment Needed

    • Air Fryer

    Notes

    This recipe is designed for 2 pieces of chicken, but it can easily be doubled or even tripled. Just keep in mind you will need to work in batches, as you don't want to overcrowd the air fryer.
    If you need to prepare in batches, place the uncooked breaded chicken in the refrigerator while the first batch is in the air fryer. Once the first batch has been cooked through, place the cooked chicken parmesan on a sheet pan and hold warm in a 200-degree oven.
    Gluten-Free Modification: Use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko.
    Egg-Free Modification: If you are egg-free, use milk in place of the egg wash. 
    Storage/Reheating: Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, air fry the chicken parmesan for 3 minutes at 360 degrees, or until warmed through. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 779mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 466IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 387mg | Iron: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Instant Pot Chicken Wings
    Healthy Overnight Oats »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. JQ

      July 16, 2021 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      If you can't have eggs instead of milk try using buttermilk.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 17, 2021 at 6:10 am

        Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Natasha

      July 04, 2021 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      This is one of the best chicken parmesan recipes that I have tried! It was a huge hit and my family loved them!

      Reply
    3. Valentina

      July 02, 2021 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      I cant believe that you can make this amazing chicken parmesan in the air fryer! The chicken is so tender, juicy and so EASY to make!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 03, 2021 at 7:16 am

        Nothing beats an easy chicken dinner. I love hearing you enjoyed Valentina!

        Reply
    4. Addie

      July 01, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      Hi, Kristen - I haven't tried the recipe yet but I certainly will! That said, I'm trying to stick to a low carb regime and I found Artisanal Fried Pork Rinds in my local Walmart, which have zero carbs, for any of your readers who are on a similar dietary path. I've used them before, crushing them myself, but these are so much more convenient, less messy and time consuming.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 01, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        Thank you for sharing that tip! That is super helpful.

        Reply

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    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy recipe that replicates the classic flavors of deep-fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories. The chicken turns out crispy, crunchy, yet still juicy inside. Chicken Parmesan is an easier and healthier way to enjoy a classic.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy recipe that replicates the classic flavors of deep-fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories. The chicken turns out crispy, crunchy, yet still juicy inside. Chicken Parmesan is an easier and healthier way to enjoy a classic.

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