Can I make this without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, then top with sauce and cheese and bake until melted. You can also pan-fry the chicken before finishing in the oven.

Why is my breading falling off?

Make sure you're following the proper sequence: flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Also, pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken and letting the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier. Pound them to even thickness and you may need to adjust cooking time slightly - check for that 165°F internal temperature.

How can I keep the chicken crispy when serving with sauce?

For maximum crispiness, add the sauce and cheese just before serving. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping, or only cover half the chicken with sauce to maintain some crunch.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1⅛ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large eggs; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds); ¼ cup olive oil; 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) + more for serving; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

This incredible Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan transforms a classic Italian favorite into a quick weeknight miracle! Crispy, golden chicken topped with tangy marinara and melty mozzarella cheese – all ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy exterior without the mess and hassle of traditional frying, making this a game-changer for busy households who still want restaurant-quality meals at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates that perfect golden crust that rivals deep-fried versions, but with significantly less oil.
Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 30 minutes – faster than delivery and definitely quicker than traditional oven-baked methods.
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Healthier Option: You’ll get all the flavor and crispy texture of traditional chicken parmesan with a fraction of the oil and calories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of the breading that helps everything else stick to the chicken.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra crispy coating that doesn’t get soggy under the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breading that elevates the entire dish.
Italian seasoning: Infuses the breading with classic herbs that complement the marinara perfectly.
Garlic powder: Provides that savory depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have.
Eggs: Acts as the essential glue that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
Chicken breasts: The star of the show – tender and juicy inside with a crispy exterior.
Olive oil: A light drizzle helps achieve that golden-brown perfection in the air fryer.
Marinara sauce: Brings the tangy, tomato-rich flavor that defines chicken parmesan.
Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey, cheesy pull when you take a bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture or choose a spicy marinara for a chicken parm with a kick.

Herby Chicken Parm

Mix fresh chopped basil and parsley into your breadcrumbs for a fragrant, herb-forward version.

Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

Butterfly thicker chicken breasts and stuff with spinach and ricotta before breading for a surprising twist.

Protein Swap

Use thin-sliced pork chops or turkey cutlets instead of chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping the same great technique.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three shallow dishes for your breading assembly line. In the first dish, combine flour and a pinch of salt. In the second dish, whisk together Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and remaining salt. In the third dish, beat the eggs.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly thin for consistent cooking. Either slice thicker breasts horizontally or pound them between parchment paper. Season each piece with a light sprinkle of salt.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Step 4: Air Fry First Round

Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Drizzle lightly with olive oil and cook at 370°F for 7 minutes.

Step 5: Flip and Continue Cooking

Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Return to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is hot and the cheese has melted into gooey perfection.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat the chicken dry before starting the breading process – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Don’t skip the flour step – it creates the foundation that helps everything else stick properly.
Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F at its thickest part.
Let the chicken rest for about 2 minutes after the initial cooking before adding sauce and cheese – this helps maintain crispiness.
Use the right-sized chicken breasts – about 6 ounces each works perfectly for even cooking.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve your chicken parmesan over al dente spaghetti or alongside a simple garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. A crisp Caesar salad or some roasted broccoli makes for a perfect vegetable companion.

Presentation Ideas

For a restaurant-style presentation, place the chicken slightly overlapping the pasta, sprinkle with fresh basil, and add a light dusting of extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Make It a Meal

Create a complete Italian feast by starting with a small caprese salad, followed by the chicken parmesan main course, and finishing with a light lemon sorbet for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken separate from any additional sauce to preserve crispiness.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce and cheese) by placing pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Add the toppings when reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat chicken parmesan in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes before adding fresh sauce and cheese for another 2 minutes. Alternatively, use a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, then top with sauce and cheese and bake until melted. You can also pan-fry the chicken before finishing in the oven.
Why is my breading falling off?

Make sure you’re following the proper sequence: flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Also, pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken and letting the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier. Pound them to even thickness and you may need to adjust cooking time slightly – check for that 165°F internal temperature.
How can I keep the chicken crispy when serving with sauce?

For maximum crispiness, add the sauce and cheese just before serving. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping, or only cover half the chicken with sauce to maintain some crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan brings restaurant-quality Italian cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of crispy, seasoned chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese creates that perfect comfort food experience we all crave. What I love most is how the air fryer transforms this traditionally labor-intensive dish into something you can easily prepare on a busy weeknight. Give it a try – I promise your family will be requesting this regularly!