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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.
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
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 3/4 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
Dan B
Sunday 9th of April 2023
I just made it in my new air fryer. Thanks for a great, simple, fast recipe!
Mallory K
Sunday 25th of December 2022
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
Tuesday 3rd of January 2023
Yay! So glad to hear that from your husband.
Monica R
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
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
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
So glad to hear it!
Saturday 25th of June 2022
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
Saturday 2nd of July 2022
I'm so glad to hear it's a staple.
Carolyn
Sunday 29th of May 2022
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
Monday 30th of May 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed it.