Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
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If you love chicken parmesan but don't love the mess of frying, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is about to be your new go-to. t's an easy, healthier take on chicken parm that comes together quick!
Quick Look: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- 🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 📊 Calories: 347
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If you're looking for another healthy air fryer recipe, try my Air Fryer Chicken & Roasted Veggies recipe! It's super easy and a great healthy weeknight dinner idea.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- A Healthier Alternative to a Classic - You get all the crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional chicken parmesan without the deep frying. The air fryer keeps things lighter while still delivering that golden, crunchy coating we all crave.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner - No messy frying and no complicated steps! The air fryer makes this recipe incredibly simple, so you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table fast... even on busy nights!
- High Protein & Filling - The chicken is protein-packed, making it a great option if you're looking for a balanced meal that actually keeps you full.
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Select Ingredients
- Bread Crumbs - I love Italian bread crumbs in this recipe but you can swap for whatever bread crumbs you have on hand. You can make this gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free breadcrumb option as well.
- Chicken Breasts - This recipe works best with thinly sliced chicken breasts
- Cheese - This recipe works great with freshly shredded cheese for the best melty option!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try my Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad! The chicken is made in the air fryer and it's coating is crisp and full of flavor... just like this chicken parmesan!
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ No Air Fryer?: If you don't have an air fryer, this chicken parmesan can easily be baked in the oven. Bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes or so. Set over a baking sheet to help it crisp up, then add the sauce and cheese at the end. You'll still get a deliciously crispy result, just with a slightly longer cook time.
➡️ Flip if you don't have a crisper plate - If your air fryer doesn't have a crisper plate or rack, be sure to flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking. This helps both sides brown evenly and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
➡️ Spray chicken with cooking spray - To get that crisp texture on your breading, be sure to spray your breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray or olive oil spray right before you air fry. This helps it crisp and get a nice golden brown outer crust.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Whisk 2 eggs together into one small, shallow dish. In another shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese together.
Step 2: Salt and pepper chicken breast to season. Then dip into egg to lightly coat.
Step 3: Next dip into bread crumb and parmesan mixture to coat.
Step 4: Place in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray with olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for about 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and breading is starting to crisp.
Step 5: Spread about ¼ cup marinara over each coated chicken breast.
Step 6: Top with ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and cook until cheese has melted about 2-3 more minutes. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Recipe FAQs
If your air fryer doesn't have a crisper plate or rack, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
Yes! If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken parmesan in the oven. For best results, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees F internally, then add the sauce and cheese near the end of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to help maintain crispiness.
Check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for more easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
More Healthy Chicken Recipes
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Whisk 2 eggs together into one small, shallow dish.
- In another shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese together.
- Salt and pepper chicken breast to season. Then dip into egg, then into bread crumb mixture, then place in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook for about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. May need to flip half way through if not using a crisper plate or rack.
- Next, spread about ¼ cup marinara over each coated chicken breast and sprinkle with about ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and cook until cheese has melted about 2-3 more minutes. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Remove from air fryer and serve alone or on top of spaghetti. Enjoy!
This is the best Chicken Parmesan! My kids always eat it with spaghetti and it's a hit every single time I make it!