Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

My air fryer chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and so easy to throw together even on busy weeknights! I make this recipe whenever I’m craving classic comfort food without the hassle or mess of deep frying.

My Crispy Recipe For Air Fryer Chicken Parm

My air fryer chicken parmesan came out of one of those classic “what’s for dinner?” nights. I’d been running around all day and needed to throw something together quickly for the family, but after a long day, I was craving some serious comfort food with minimal effort.

I knew I had a pack of chicken breasts in the fridge and a jar of marinara sauce in the pantry, but I was not in the mood to deal with frying and splattering oil on the stove, and the oven never really crisps up breading the way I like it. So I decided to give the air fryer a try!

I was so happy when the breading came out golden and crispy. And when I cut into the chicken, it was still juicy and not at all dry! Best of all, my kids practically inhaled their chicken parm, and my husband Ben asked if I could make “that chicken dish again” the following week. That’s how I knew I had a winner.

And, if you love air fryer chicken recipes, try my air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer fried chicken, air fryer chicken wings, air fryer chicken cutlets, and air fryer chicken thighs.

Chicken Parm in the Air Fryer Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally into chicken cutlets so they cook evenly.
• Bread crumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are my absolute favorite, but regular bread crumbs or a combo will also work.
• Parmesan – I mix shredded Parmesan in with the breadcrumbs to make the breading even crispier and more flavorful.
• Seasoning – A combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt gives the chicken parm that big, cozy taste.
• Eggs – I beat eggs in a shallow bowl to coat the chicken cutlets and give the breadcrumb mixture something to stick to.
• Marinara sauce – I use whatever jarred variety I have on hand.
• Mozzarella cheese – This melts into that bubbly layer that makes chicken parm so irresistible! 

How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. 

STEP TWO: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally, pounding them to even thicknesses as needed, then set them aside.

STEP THREE: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 6 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.

STEP FOUR: Dip each piece of chicken in the whisked eggs, let excess egg drip off, then press the chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly. 

STEP FIVE: Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. 

STEP SIX: Spray the top of the chicken with an oil spritzer, then air fry for 8-11 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden and mostly cooked through. 

STEP SEVEN: Carefully spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each breast, then sprinkle them with mozzarella. 

STEP EIGHT: Continue cooking the chicken for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. 

STEP NINE: Serve hot with a green salad or over pasta with more sauce.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

• I try to slice the chicken breasts as evenly as possible so they will cook at the same rate. I also pound the thicker pieces to help make them more even.
• I use my fingers to really press the breading into the chicken breasts so I get a nice, crunchy crust on the outside!
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. I find it’s much better to cook in batches so the hot air can properly circulate around the chicken and crisp up the breadcrumbs.
• I always flip halfway through so the chicken will crisp up evenly on all sides.
• Try to add the marinara and mozzarella quickly so the chicken won’t cool down too much. I make sure to have the marinara and cheese ready to go so I can work quickly but carefully to avoid spilling in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Variations and Substitutions

• Swap panko for Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a more traditional flavor. I tried this when I realized I was out of panko and it still turned out great!
• Use chicken tenderloins instead of cutlets for smaller portions. This is great for kids’ plates!
• Add dry oregano, basil, or black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for more flavor.
• I sometimes top the chicken parmesan in the air-fryer basket with provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper, richer cheese flavor.
• When I want a little heat, I’ll use spicy marinara or arrabbiata sauce to top the chicken parm.

What to Serve with Air Fryer CHicken Parm

Air fryer chicken parm is my go-to comfort food, so I usually serve it up alongside some air fryer garlic bread, chicken Caesar salad, or my easy biscuit recipe.

If I want to include some veggies in the meal, I’ll whip up my air fryer carrots, air fryer asparagus, or even spaghetti squash in place of pasta!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan FAQs

How to store chicken Parmesan in the air fryer

I let my extra chicken parmesan cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I store the leftovers in the fridge and try to eat them within 2–3 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

How to reheat chicken parm in the air fryer

I think the air fryer is the best way to reheat chicken parm! I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, then air fry chicken parm for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp again.

How do you get breading to stick to air fryer chicken Parmesan?

I make sure the chicken is dry before dipping it in the egg, let any excess egg drip off, and then use my fingers to press the breadcrumbs onto the surface so it really adheres. This gives me an amazing crust every time!

What is the best pasta to pair with chicken Parmesan?

When I make chicken parm, I usually serve it with spaghetti or rigatoni. I toss it in a little olive oil or butter with a sprinkle of salt and garlic powder so it’s flavorful even without much sauce. My kids also like bowties, so sometimes I go with those fun little shapes!

More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

• Air fryer eggplant Parmesan
• Air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken
• Air fryer boneless pork chops
• Air fryer T bone steak
• Air fryer Cornish hen

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