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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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Destany says
Yes!! I have been searching for new air fryer recipes because I've become obsessed with using ours lately, and this would be perfect. We love us some chicken parmesan, and anything that saves us time is great!
Violeta León says
I don't have an Air Fryer but I think I need one! that meal seems so delicious, I will try it myself because I love Parmesan cheese! Thanks for that amazing recipe.
Stephanie says
I love chicken parmesan! I don't have an air fryer but this recipe looks so good!
Jen Temcio says
I will make this with your fresh marinara sauce because it will taste so much better! This recipe is perfect for my healthy family.
Laura @ The Mindful Mom Blographer says
Chicken parm is one of my favorite things to get at a restaurant, but at home, as you mentioned you did, I have always baked it. They are good, but not fry-er good. The ones you made in the air fryer look AMAZING! I have just started hearing how awesome air fryers are. I may have to start looking more into getting one!
Rebecca Bryant says
So Yummy. My family loves chicken parmesan and this recipe sounds amazing. I like the idea of air frying for a healthier option.
Lois Alter Mark says
Ooh, that looks delicious! I'm a big fan of chicken parmesan and had no idea you could make it in an air fryer! Will have to try this!
Reesa says
This looks so good! I can't wait to get an air fryer.
Kristine says
Ooh yes! We love us some chicken parmesan over here! This recipe sounds incredible! I can't wait to try this, thanks!
Jamie says
That looks delicious! I keep seeing air fryers and am so tempted to get one, this is really making me consider it!
Alicia Taylor says
Ooh! I bet if you can make that in one, eggplant parm would also be great! A healthier eggplant parmesan - now that has me interested!
Rita says
I made eggplant parm just the other day in my air fryer, and it was SPECTACULAR!!!! The best I've ever made! I was lucky enough to have perfect eggplants from my garden. I served them over a bed of zucchini noodles and homemade marinara. My health-conscious son and his wife couldn't stop raving about the meal! Enjoy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Jasmine says
I need to get an air fryer! I make egg plant parmesan very often but this way more healthier and easier too!
Melissa Novotny says
This is sooo easy and really delicious. My teenage sons loved it and they are so fussy! I served it with fries and a tossed salad...it was just like a restaurant meal.
Noor Fatima says
Must invest in an Air Fryer...this chicken looks DELICIOUS. I LOVE chicken Parmesan but have only ever had it fried. Yours looks so good, I might try the healthy way too.
Ginny says
Air Fryers are my new love. They crisp things up so nice. Bring on the marinara!
Nicole Aguilar says
I don't eat meat, but I my family would love this. breaded chicken cutlets are one of their favorites.
Rachee says
Chicken Parmesan and I have a love hate relationship. I never enjoy it when I eat out but I think if I make it at home I can control the crunchiness of the chicken. I want, nay...NEED an air fryer!
Anjali says
i love eggplant parmesan!
Cynthia says
We haven't had a chicken dinner in a while! I'm so curious about the air fryers and you have so many recipes, that I went online to see where can I find one, as I haven't even seen one before! Turns out they are everywhere online! Maybe this will be my Christmas gift 😉
Louise Smith says
OMG, I really need to get myself an air-fryer! I keep seeing all these delicious recipes, just like this one, and would love to give them a try. These just look SO good 🙂
Louise x
Carol Cassara says
You had me at low fat. I look for healthier recipes for the dishes that I usually enjoy, like this one! I really should get myself and air-fryer it looks like I'm missing a lot.
dawn says
what a fascinating tool. i've never used an air fryer but this looks amazing. i am very curious about what else it can do now!
lonna says
I must be missing the air fry temp? I see 7min then 3min, at what temp? I have a vortex plus.
staysnatched says
370 degrees.
Ingrid says
Parmesan chicken is one of my favorites. I like how you took us through the paces step by step. The air fryer is definitely an option for the weight watchers like me.
Morgan says
I have found a recipe I can eat and using a air fryer happy days! Thanks so much I love my little air fryer because I suck at cooking and it really does help reduce fat! X
David Elliott says
I just got an air fryer and I am going to have to try it out soon. I would definitely love trying out this recipe.
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says
I need to get an air fryer already. My husband and I bought a deep fryer when we first got married but I think it's time to upgrade to a healthier option.
Candy Rachelle says
I've seen the air fryer on here a few times. I've mentioned it a few time to my fiance. Hopefully he gets the hint and make this one of my Christmas gifts!
Dana McKee says
At the top of the recipe, it says 10 min prep and 20 min cook time. Yet in the instructions, it says to cooks 7 mins and then add marinara sauce and cheese and cook an additional 3 mins. So, is the cook time 10 mins or 20 mins. Seems like 10 mins would not be enough?
staysnatched says
I cook 2 chicken breasts at a time in the Air Fryer. The total serving size of this recipe is 4 chicken breasts, so the total cooking time is double because you perform the step twice.
Lisa says
Can I make this with frozen chicken?
staysnatched says
I wouldn't use frozen.
Johanne says
Can I use an Actifry machine to make this recipe in place of what you call an Air Fryer?
staysnatched says
I am not familiar with the Actifry brand. Air fryer is a product type, it isn't a brand. So if Actifry is an air fryer, then yes.
Lisa E says
Sounds great, Just checking it’s 400 degrees Fahrenheit? So that’s about 205 degrees Celsius converted.
staysnatched says
Yes. All of my instructions are in Fahrenheit.
Lisa says
Thank you, I’ll try this recipe tonight!
Jailene says
I cannot find the marinara sauce recipe
staysnatched says
The first sentence of the recipe says "Get the marinara recipe here." Click the bolded here text. It takes you to the recipe. Scroll to the bottom of the post.
Jacquie says
Have made this recipe several times. So easy and quick. When in a rush I just use our favorite jar of Marinara sauce. Have made this for company too! The air fryer makes this amazing! Thanks for the recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! So glad you enjoy the recipe.
Morgan says
I use to bake a lot of chicken and then I got an Air Fryer for a wedding present and I am still figuring it out. I apologize if this question sounds ridiculous. I would normally dress the chicken with the egg whites and breadcrumbs while the chicken is raw. Do I put the raw chicken in the Air Fryer or do I need to bake it first and then the Air Fryer is to make the breadcrumbs crispy? I am sorry, just want to make sure I get it right.
staysnatched says
Hi! Yes you cook raw chicken in the air fryer.
Laura says
This was easy and delicious! Turned out perfectly! Thanks for the tasty and simple recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I love that it's so easy!
Brianna says
I’ve never tried to make chicken parmesan although it’s one of my favorite foods. I found this recipe on her instagram and it was then easiest fool proof recipe ever. It was so good! My 5 year old couldn’t even get enough! It was so good and healthier than I would have made it had I not found this recipe! Thanks for sharing this with us!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I love when I can impress a 5 year old!
Pat Marino says
Another great recipe. Thank you pat.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
AVE says
Dumb question, how so you spray olive oil on the air fryer?
staysnatched says
You use the oil spray bottle linked in the recipe card.
Jess says
I originally wanted to make stove-grilled chicken parm but wasn't able to find a good recipe, and I'm so glad I remembered my air fryer and found this recipe instead! I used a different sauce that included more veggies, but I cooked the chicken exactly to this recipe and it was amazing. My fiance is usually super picky about what leftovers he eats, but mixed with some spaghetti he was so excited to eat these leftovers until they were gone. Would absolutely recommend!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Lauren says
This was fantastic! I brined my raw chicken breasts in salt water for about 30 mins to help keep them juicy. After that, I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out so good! Thanks for sharing!
staysnatched says
Yum! That sounds amazing!
Andrea Dinh says
This was SO simple and SO good! Quick, easy, and delicious!
staysnatched says
Gotta love a quick recipe!
Arielle says
You are a Godsend! I love chicken parm but could never get it as crispy as I liked! So delicious and gives me so many options when I don’t want it with pasta!
staysnatched says
One of my favorite easy recipes!
Jovan says
Delicious but healthy comfort food! I made this for my weekly meal prep and it is awesome!! I accidentally bought gluten free panko but it worked just fine. I also forgot to spray the chicken with oil for some of the chicken, bit it didn't seem to make much of a difference. ! I just reheat in the toaster oven to keep it crispy but even microwaving is still good, just not as crispy. I love all the flavors without added calories. Stay Snatched shows you can have it all: tasty food and strong body!!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Michelle says
@Jovan, I was actually just looking to see if anyone had tried gluten free panko, so thank you for accidentally trying it! This was one of our favorite recipes before Celiac hit my household so now trying to convert our previous favorites to gluten free versions!
Jenna says
OMG so so so incredible and delicious and easy!! I could eat this every day, and never get sick of it. I cooked mine a little longer because my chicken breasts were half frozen and it still came out so so delicious! Can’t wait to make again
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Victoria says
Like a crazy, I put mozzarella during the initial batter step. The batter fell apart in some places, but it didn't matter because this recipe was too good to fail. Bless you, ma'am!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Megan B says
I’ve only made chicken parm in the oven at home but recently got an air-fryer. This was so good. Never going back to turning the oven on for chicken parm.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!
Susan Fowler says
I made tonight. This is a quick easy and tasty recipe. I have a cuisinart and love it.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Karri says
My teens exclaimed, "WHY HAVENT YOU MADE THIS BEFORE?!! THIS IS COMFORT FOOD!"
It was so damn good. Thanks.
staysnatched says
haha! I love to hear that.
Erika says
Brandi, I know I say this after every recipe of yours I review, but this is delicious!! The breading turned out light, crispy, and so flavorful from the spices & Parmesan cheese. I cooked mine for just 1 minute extra because I had slightly over 1 pound of chicken. I foresee this being another recipe of yours in our meal rotation!
staysnatched says
I never get tired of hearing that. 🙂
Cathy says
Super easy and tasty recipe! I forgot to spray the oil on my first batch before putting it in the air fryer and it still worked out okay, but it’s better if you do spray it. I ended up with a lot of bread crumbs left over so I’ll probably use a little less next time. This recipe is sliding into my rotation of quick and easy meals!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I"m glad you enjoyed the dish.
Bernie Chazin says
@staysnatched,