Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

If you have made our Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Parmesan Recipe, Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan or Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup then you are going to love this air fryer recipe.

This Chicken Recipe is the perfect comfort food that cooks easily in the air fryer. It cooks golden and crispy and then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is so simple and easy and we think the entire family will love it!

Is Chicken Parm Good in an Air Fryer?

Yes, we think cooking chicken parm in the air fryer is a healthier alternative than deep frying the chicken. It turns out with the perfect crispy texture and is ready in less than 20 minutes.

Top this classic chicken parmesan with sauce, cheese and fresh basil for a dish that is perfect for the weeknight when you are short on time.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts – We used boneless skinless chicken breast
• Eggs – This helps to bind the bread crumb mixture together
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Feel free to use any type of bread crumbs
• Parmesan Cheese – We like using grated parmesan cheese
• Italian Seasoning – Learn How to Make Italian Seasoning Recipe
• Garlic Powder – If you are out see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Olive Oil Spray – Feel free to use any type of cooking spray
• Marinara Sauce – Use store bought or make Easy Marinara Sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – For the best flavor, shred mozzarella cheese from block cheese
• Fresh Basil – We like to use fresh but you can also use dry basil

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer 

• Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. 

Step 2 – Trim the chicken breasts and cut them in half horizontally so that you have 4 chicken filets. Pat them dry with a paper towel.  

Step 3 – Place the eggs in a shallow bowl and whisk them. 

Step 4 – Then in a separate shallow bowl, stir together the panko bread crumbs, parmesan Cheese,salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

Step 5 – Dip both sides of the chicken in the beaten eggs, then dip the chicken in the panko mixture.  Make sure to press the chicken down into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure that it sticks and the chicken has a thick coating.  

Step 6 – Spray the air fryer basket with the olive oil spray thoroughly.

Step 7 – Spray both sides of the breaded chicken with the olive oil as well.

Step 8 – Place the piece of chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Air Fry at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for 4 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 9 – Top each chicken breast with 1 tablespoons of marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Cook for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.  Top with the fresh basil, serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Prepare Air Fryer – If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, run the air fryer at 400 degree F for 5 minutes to warm it up.  
• Chicken – To ensure that the chicken cooks about the same time, slice chicken about the same size.
• Golden Brown Texture – Spray the chicken and the air fryer basket with oil to create a golden brown texture on the chicken.
• Flip Chicken – While cooking the chicken, make sure to flip halfway through. This will help cook the chicken evenly and create a crispy crust on both sides.

How to Know When Chicken is Done Cooking

Make sure to use an instant read meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).

If the chicken has not reached that temperature after the cooking time, cook in 2 minute intervals until this internal temperature is reached.  Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and your air fryer.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan?

This chicken parmesan is delicious served on it own but we love to serve over spaghetti pasta, mashed potatoes or cauliflower.  

Add a side dish of Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, Oven Roasted Asparagus, Easy Caesar Salad Recipe, Homemade Garlic Bread or Roasted Zucchini for a complete meal idea.