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This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated.
I am still on my experimenting kick with the Air Fryer. I feel like I have mastered battered fried chicken wings (be sure to check out my Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken Wings and Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings recipes), and decided to move over to a fried chicken parmesan recipe.
Table of Contents
What is an Air Fryer and Why Use It
- Air frying is a much healthier alternative to deep frying or pan frying.
- Air frying will save you a ton of time. An air fryer circulates heat and hot air around the food at high speed. This cooks the food and produces a crispy layer and browning. Some cook times are cut in half!
- You will thank your appliance tremendously in the summer when you aren’t heating the house with the oven!
I have made chicken parmesan a few times before. I have always baked it, opposed to frying it. In restaurants, chicken parm is usually prepared fried. Thanks to the Air Fryer I can do that myself out home and save a ton of the fat.
Is Air Frying Healthy?
Air frying cuts up to 80% of the fat of traditional frying, making it a much healthier alternative. Most deep-fried recipes require 2 to 3 cups of oil. With the air fryer, you need only a tablespoon. Because air-fried meals are so much lighter, you will feel less bogged down after eating them.
What Can You Make in the Air Fryer
I get this question a lot and you can truly fry or bake just about anything. Anything that can be baked can be air fried, which includes meat, roasted vegetables, desserts, and breakfast items.
One of the most common things I make is Air Fryer Bacon. It’s quick and easy to do when in a hurry.
When it comes to dessert I love Air Fryer Pound Cake.
Because baked goods work so well, you can also use any dish that you would normally use in an oven in your air fryer, and it will be ok and safe!
What Type of Chicken to Use
You will need to use chicken breasts for this recipe. You also want thinly sliced cutlets. I like to slice the breasts in half (horizontally). From there, you can pound them with a mallet if you wish. This is optional and will help the chicken cook at an even and consistent temperature.
How to Air Fry Chicken Parmesan
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner chicken breasts.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl large enough to dip the chicken breasts. Stir to combine.
- Place the egg in a bowl large enough to dip the chicken.
- Dip the chicken in the egg and then the breadcrumbs mixture.
- Place in the chicken breasts in the air fryer.
- Air fry.
- Open the air fryer. Top each of the breasts with marinara sauce and then the shredded mozzarella.
- Air fry.
Air Fryer Temperature
I use 370 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook the chicken for 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
I love to use my Homemade Marinara Sauce in this recipe. Feel free to use whatever you like.
Pair With These Side Dishes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Ravioli
Air Fryer Potato Skins
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Southern Chicken Spaghetti
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
You may also love my Air Fryer Steak.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 16 oz skinless chicken breasts sliced in half to make 4 cutlets
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking oil I use olive oil.
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts on a hard surface and pound them to completely flatten.
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl large enough to dip the chicken breasts. Stir to combine.
- Place the egg in a bowl large enough to dip the chicken.
- Dip the chicken in the egg and then the breadcrumbs mixture.
- Place in the chicken breasts in the air fryer. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil.
- Cook for 7 minutes on 370 degrees.
- Open the air fryer. Top each of the breasts with marinara sauce and then the shredded mozzarella.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese has melted. Every air fryer brand will cook at varying speeds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Notes
- You can substitute any breadcrumbs you wish, including Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
More Air Fryer Recipes:
Air Fryer Shrimp Po Boy
Air Fryer Old Bay Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls
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Wendy says
Loved this recipe and I can't believe how quick it baked in my air fryer!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
John says
This was my second meal from my air fryer Christmas gift and it was great! I pounded two breasts to an even thickness and adjusted the cooking time to 7 minutes first round, then flip and 3 minutes, and finally added the marinara and mozzarella for 2 minutes. It was perfect, just a bit of browning of the cheese. I added a side of spaghetti rigatoni alla marinara to complete.
staysnatched says
That sounds like the perfect pairing!
Jovan says
Seriously best recipe out there for chicken parm! It's super easy to make and incredibly delicious! Everyone compliments how it looks and tastes after! I meal prep and it tastes good all week! I just pop it in the toaster oven to reheat so.the breading stays crispy (although the microwave is fine too).
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Victoria R says
Super yummy! made this tonight and this will definitely be a recipe to keep making ! how many calories was it ?
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Laura Montgomery says
This was easy and perfect!! The chicken was crispy on the outside and moist on inside. Will definitely make again!!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will make it again.
Stephania says
I made this in the air fryer and it was absolutely deliciously. I did use a jar marinara sauce. Do you have any idea how many weight watchers points this is?;-)
staysnatched says
Glad you enjoyed it. No, I don’t do Weight Watchers. You should calculate it on your own taking into account the store bought marinara you used.
Stephanie says
The most delicious chix parm I've ever made, thanks to Brandi's recipe. Thank you so much!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Mallory says
Wanted to make chicken parm, but didn’t want to pan fry it and make a huge mess of my kitchen. I did a quick Google search for an air fryer version and I should’ve known Brandi would have an air fried chicken parm recipe! Made this last night and let me tell you it was damn good. The crust crisps up perfectly and is sooooo flavorful. I’ve said this before, you really can’t go wrong with any of Brandi’s recipes. Cannot wait to make this one again!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much for that!
Jenn says
I always come back to this recipe when I make chicken parm! So good!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it.
Monica says
So easy, quick, and tasty! I also love that we don't have to use the traditional three-step dredge, yet it still came out flavorful and juicy! This will be on repeat in my house 🙂
staysnatched says
Awesome! so glad you loved it!
Angela says
Just tried this in our Emeril Lagasse air fryer and 10 min total is far too short for two halved thin breasts. Chicken was still very raw. Nothing wrong with our fryer.
staysnatched says
The instructions state you should use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. We are using completely different air fryers. We won't get the exact same result, but you should be following the internal temperature guideline for your own safety, as directed by the USDA. You did not follow the instructions.
Kristin says
1st time ever making Chicken Parmesan and it was a hit! Quick and easy meal that my picky husband and kids devoured! Win Win for mom! #onehappyMOM
staysnatched says
Yes! I'm glad you could impress the picky eaters!
Carissa says
Made this tonight and it was so simple and delicious! Thank you for another staple recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Natalie says
Brandi did it again! I've tried several air fryer recipes for chicken parmesan but this was the best yet. The combo of panko and parm cheese in the breading really gave it a crisp crunch with a lot of flavor. I let the chicken rest while I popped some broccoli into the AF and had a tasty, easy little dinner.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Kristin says
I had never thought about making chicken Parmesan until Brandi posted her recipe and I'm glad I tried it! It was quick and easy and air frying the chicken breast ensured that it was also juicy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Naisha says
This recipe was DELICIOUS like all her other recipes!! I paired mine with a simple ceasar salad. When I tell you I had this for dinner three times in a row! I can't wait to search for more recipes.
Thank You 😊
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy more recipes!
Carolyn says
First time making this. As good as any chicken parm I have had in the restaurant. Chicken was very moist. I did cook it a bit longer than what the recipe said.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Anonymous says
This was a hit on a lot of levels.
Easy to make? Check!
Easy cleanup? Yep!
Healthier take on a restaurant classic? You betcha!
Absolutely delicious? Darn tootin'!
This will 100% be a staple in my repertoire. So easy and yummy. Thanks!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it's a staple.
Monica R says
Quick, easy, and not having to heat up the house = a win always! I sound like a broken record because Brandi's recipes are all so good! This one is no exception.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Mallory K says
I’ve made this before but can’t remember if I’ve reviewed it. My husband loves chicken Parmesan, and Brandi comes in clutch again. I used sliced mozzarella instead of shredded as I had a fresh mozzarella ball that needed to be used. Even my husband said it’s better than our local restaurants version of chicken Parmesan.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear that from your husband.
Dan B says
I just made it in my new air fryer. Thanks for a great, simple, fast recipe!
Juan Guzman says
Recipe is amazing and simple even for a busy guy with average cooking skills like me 🤣
staysnatched says
haha! That's always the goal!
Monica O says
Super easy and quick, and tastes so good! The seasonings are great. I also add crushed red pepper for spice, and serve over pasta.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!