Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy recipe that replicates the classic flavors of fried chicken parmesan, without the excess fat and calories.
Made with a seasoned, crispy coating, and air-fried until just tender, this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite. Pair with a side of Instant Pot Spaghetti and a Caprese Salad for an Italian-American feast.
Air Fryer Recipes are a great way to enjoy a lighter version of your favorite fried foods--just as this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan proves.
Instead of being pan-fried as classic Chicken Parmesan is, this recipe uses the air fryer to replicate those flavors perfectly while lightening the dish up significantly.
The seasoned breading gets golden and crispy while the chicken stays juicy and tender. Finished with a layer of tomato sauce and gooey cheese, this is a dish that is guaranteed to get rave reviews--and everyone will be shocked it is lower in fat and calories than the original.
Notes on Ingredients and Equipment
- Chicken: This recipe for works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that is 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.
- 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.
- Tomato Sauce: By tomato sauce, I do not mean canned tomato sauce, but instead use your favorite jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce. You want the sauce to have flavor and depth, hence why it is best to use prepared marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use slices of 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.
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is classically served with a side of pasta. It is also served with a Greek Salad or Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans Almondine.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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 Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Squash
- 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
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken cutlets
- ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ 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
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.
JQ
If you can't have eggs instead of milk try using buttermilk.
Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Natasha
This is one of the best chicken parmesan recipes that I have tried! It was a huge hit and my family loved them!
Valentina
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!
Kristen Chidsey
Nothing beats an easy chicken dinner. I love hearing you enjoyed Valentina!
Addie
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.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing that tip! That is super helpful.