Name: Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain or seasoned bread crumbs; 1/2 cup plain panko bread crumbs; 2 1/4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup); 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 2 large eggs; 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 to 5 ounces each, pounded to even thickness; 4 to 8 tablespoons homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving; 1 ounce mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/4 cup), or to taste; Pasta, for serving

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Introduction

Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers a crispy, golden crust with tender chicken inside, all made quickly and easily using an air fryer. This healthier take on a classic Italian favorite pairs beautifully with pasta and marinara sauce for a satisfying meal at home.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti and a piece of chicken parmesan. The chicken has three layers: a crispy golden-brown breaded crust at the bottom, a layer of red tomato sauce in the middle, and melted, slightly browned cheese on top. The spaghetti is twisted into loose spirals, covered in thick red tomato sauce with small bits of herbs, and sprinkled lightly with grated cheese. A fork with a piece of chicken and a knife with a wooden handle rest on the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup plain or seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup plain panko bread crumbs
2 1/4 ounces Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 large eggs
4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 to 5 ounces each), pounded to an even thickness
4 to 8 tablespoons homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving
1 ounce mozzarella, shredded (1/4 cup), or to taste
Pasta, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using the air crisp feature. In a shallow plate, combine both bread crumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Step 2: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then press evenly into the bread crumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If cooking multiple batches, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep cooked chicken warm.
Step 3: Air fry the chicken until the crust turns a deep golden brown, about 7 to 8 minutes, adjusting time depending on your air fryer model. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through. Keep the first batches warm in the oven while cooking remaining pieces.
Step 5: Serve the chicken Parmesan immediately with your favorite cooked pasta and additional marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use a mix of panko and regular bread crumbs as suggested, and make sure to evenly coat the chicken.
Try adding fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce for an herbaceous boost.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the bread crumb mixture.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm gently in the oven. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti and chicken parmesan placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side of the plate, there is one layer of light orange spaghetti coated in smooth red tomato sauce, sprinkled lightly with grated cheese that looks white and crumbly. On the right side, one thick slice of chicken parmesan has three visible layers: the bottom is the light beige cooked chicken breast, the middle layer is a crisp light golden breaded crust, and the top layer is melted pale yellow cheese mixed with chunky red marinara sauce. A silver fork holds a small piece of chicken parmesan and rests on the bottom left edge of the plate, while a knife with a wooden handle lies on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before breading and cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken Parmesan in a conventional oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, then add sauce and cheese and bake another 5 to 7 minutes until bubbly and melted.