Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

If there’s one dinner that never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe a little bit of elbowing for seconds), it’s this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. I started making this recipe on a whim one weeknight when I was pressed for time, had hungry kids circling the kitchen like little sharks, and absolutely zero motivation to pull out a bunch of pots and pans. I had some chicken breasts thawed, a jar of marinara, and just enough mozzarella—and that’s how this household favorite was born.

What I love most about this dish is how it delivers that classic Italian-American comfort food experience, but with way less mess and time involved. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly smothered in melty cheese and tangy marinara. Using the air fryer means I don’t have to stand over a hot skillet or crank up the oven, which is a total win for any busy weeknight.

My husband swears it tastes better than what we’ve had at restaurants, and my picky eaters? Let’s just say there are zero leftovers when this is on the menu. It’s also been a lifesaver when unexpected guests drop by—pop it in the air fryer, throw together a salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent spot on our meal rotation.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They stay extra juicy and have a richer flavor.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Use your favorite jarred marinara for ease, or make a quick homemade version if you have time. Look for one with no added sugar and plenty of herbs.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it up to 12 hours in advance. Just air fry when you’re ready.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures both sides are golden and crispy.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake it at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or pan-fry it—just expect a little more cleanup.

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Olive oil spray

Tools & Equipment:

Air fryer

Three shallow bowls (for dredging)

Tongs

Cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thin cutlets. Pat them dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Bread the chicken: Set up a dredging station with three bowls—flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and Italian seasoning in the third. Dip each cutlet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket with olive oil spray. Place chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Add sauce and cheese: Spoon marinara over each cutlet, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and golden.

Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Thin is in: Thinner cutlets cook faster and more evenly. You can pound them if needed.

Crispy finish: A quick spray of oil over the breading helps get that golden, crisp texture in the air fryer.

Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

Double the batch: This freezes beautifully! Just reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal later.

Customize it: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap in provolone for a different cheesy finish.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a huge hit! My kids actually asked for seconds—unheard of! Love how easy it was with the air fryer.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasted great, but next time I’ll use more marinara. The cheese was perfectly melty though!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Restaurant-quality without all the fuss. We served it over spaghetti and it felt like a treat!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is now on my weekly rotation. So much easier than traditional chicken parm, and just as delicious.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The flavor was great, but I found it a bit dry. I think my chicken was too thick—will slice thinner next time!”

Printable Recipe

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