Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
260 Comments
Posted: 05/27/19
Updated: 09/04/21
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Looking for a healthier way to make Chicken Parmesan? We have it! This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is everything you love about the original but healthier. The chicken is nice and juicy and the Parmesan coating is crispy. This is an easy dinner in your Air Fryer and the whole family is going to love it. We like to pair it with steamed vegetables, zoodles or pasta!
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe!
My family loves Chicken Parmesan but until I got our air fryer, I never made it because frying the breaded chicken in oil is such a hassle and not the healthiest of dinners. I’ve made Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan Burgers and Parmesan Crusted Chicken, but sometimes we want a classic chicken Parmesan with a super crispy crust like you get in a restaurant. You know, the totally delicious but really unhealthy kind? We love it, but it’s a pain to make and is fried in a lot of oil so until now it hasn’t been a go-to dinner at our house.
That’s all changed now that we have an air fryer! Now we can make juicy chicken with a crispy parmesan crust that tastes just like traditional Chicken Parmesan but without all the oil and mess. I hate splattering oil on the stovetop!
Without all of the oil, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is so much healthier, but you’d never guess because it tastes just like the original. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make! You only need a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes to get this chicken dinner on the table. My family loves it!
A Healthier Air Fryer Dinner Recipe!
My kids love Chicken Parmesan but frying the chicken in a pan is just not the healthiest thing to do for everyday dinners. I love that you can make a healthier Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer and my family can’t tell the difference!
The chicken is coated in a crispy Parmesan coating just like you fried it, but without all of the oil. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, it looks just like regular Chicken Parmesan but it’s so much healthier.
What is an Air Fryer?
Do you know what an air fryer is? It’s an appliance that works like a convection oven. The air fryer has a fan which circulates hot air around the food giving it a crispy exterior.
It’s a great alternative to frying because you don’t need all the oil and you can make your favorite fried dishes, like this Chicken Parmesan, without all the guilt.
Plus, it cooks food faster than the oven and, I don’t know about you, but less time cooking is always a good thing in my book!
Is Air Fryer Food Healthy?
Deep-fried foods are generally higher in fat than foods that are prepared with other cooking methods. The benefit of Air Fryers is they require a significantly less amount of oil than deep frying.
This is why the Air Fryer is touted as being a “healthier” alternative to deep frying. Using an Air Fryer over deep-frying food can significantly cut down on the overall fat content of your food due to the reduction in oil used.
What can you cook in an Air Fryer?
You can cook almost anything in an Air Fryer!
- Steaks
- Donuts
- French Fries
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Breasts
- Pork Tenderloin
- Sweet Potatoes
The options are endless!
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Not only is this air fryer chicken parmesan a healthier take on the original, but it’s also so easy to make. You only need six ingredients!
- I like to use two 8-ounce chicken breasts for this recipe. I slice them in half to make four servings.
- I recommend using shredded Parmesan cheese instead of grated because the shredded cheese turns crispy as it cooks and will give your crust a better texture.
- Use Italian-style breadcrumbs, which are already seasoned, instead of plain breadcrumbs.
- Whisked eggs
- Don’t worry about making your own marinara sauce! Using a store-bought sauce makes this recipe really easy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This recipe is so easy you only need five minutes to prep the chicken and 10 minutes to cook it!
- Set the air fryer to 350 degrees F. It will need about three minutes to preheat.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise.
- Pound the chicken into thin slices that are of the same thickness. This will ensure they cook evenly.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese together in a medium-sized bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dip the chicken in the eggs and then dredge it in the breadcrumbs so that it’s evenly coated. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook the chicken for six minutes and then flip the pieces over and top them with the marinara and mozzarella cheese. Cook the chicken for another three to four minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F.
- If you’re cooking the chicken in batches, repeat the process with the rest of the chicken.
Serve these recipes with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is so quick and easy you have plenty of time to make a side dish to go with it! We love it with simple steamed vegetables, pasta, or zoodles or serve it with some of our other favorite side dishes:
More Air Fryer Recipes!
- Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Air Fryer Roast Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN RECIPE BELOW:
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipe! This Chicken Parmesan Air Fryer recipe is healthier than the original and just as good!
Ingredients
- 2 - 8 oz chicken breasts
- ¼ c. shredded Parmesan not grated Parmesan
- 1 c. Italian style bread crumbs
- 2 eggs whisked
- ½ c. marinara sauce
- ½ c. mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Set temperature on Air Fryer to 360 degrees F. Preheat 3 minutes.
- Cut chicken breasts in half, lengthwise and trim.
- Pound the chicken breasts into thinner pieces that are the same thickness.
- In a medium bowl mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl whisk the eggs together.
- Dip each piece of chicken in egg and then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken.
- Place chicken breasts in single layer inside of air fryer basket. If you are using a smaller air fryer you will need to cook in batches.
- Add chicken breasts to preheated Air Fryer and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Air fry for an addition 3-4 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degree F.
- Set aside and keep warm, repeat with remaining 2 pieces
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 541kcal (27%), Carbohydrates: 43g (14%), Protein: 47g (94%), Fat: 18g (28%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Cholesterol: 188mg (63%), Sodium: 1530mg (67%), Potassium: 720mg (21%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 710IU (14%), Vitamin C: 5mg (6%), Calcium: 454mg (45%), Iron: 4.3mg (24%)
Maureen G says
I followed your recipe exactly, the timing and temps worked perfectly. Internal temp of the chicken was 165, I can’t understand why some said their chicken was raw. This is my go to chicken parm recipe now, best I’ve ever made! Thanks!
Michelle Sperr says
Hi Maureen! So glad you loved this recipe!
Meg :) says
…I made it and loved it… I think the undercooked chicken comes from the 160 F listed in your directions… Is that an error or is it suppose to be that low? I cooked mine at 360* F and mine turned out perfect.. I did spray mine with olive oil spray to add some crunch!! But this recipe is a keeper and I will be following you for more yummy recipes!!
Meg in NE 🙂
Michelle Sperr says
Hi Meg. Thank you for your comment. You are correct to cook them at 360 degrees. I suggest cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degree F.
Wendy Johns says
Dear Meg,
I am sure you must have re-read the directions but it says to cook it on 360 degrees.
1. Set temperature on Air Fryer to 360 degrees F. Preheat 3 minutes
The internal temperature of the chicken is to be 165 degrees.
8. Add chicken breasts to preheated Air Fryer and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Air fry for an addition 3-4 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degree F.
I have made this mistake before. So I always read the directions several times so I understand the temps and ingredients. And the steps. I try to take shortcuts sometimes but it doesn’t always work to do that in my book. Or my kitchen. lol
Just FYI.
Michelle Sperr says
Thanks Wendy!
Lindsey Huerter Putz says
Brutally raw inside. Looked so good outside too:/
Michelle Sperr says
Hmm….I haven’t had that problem before Lindsey. Make sure your temperature on the Air Fryer is set to 360 degrees F and reheat 3 minutes. I also cut and pound my chicken breasts so they aren’t as thick and find that helps to get it cooked to perfection! Hope it turns out better next time!
Scott Whall says
So glad we found this! the chicken in the Air Fryer was done to perfection! Since we did not have chicken breasts on hand, we used chicken thighs, so slight alteration there, but as long as you can trim most of the fat from the thighs prior to coating, it works with the same time frame as the chicken breasts. Keeping this one for many more meals in the future !! Thanks!!
Michelle Sperr says
You’re welcome Scott! Glad you enjoyed this recipe – it sounds delicious with the chicken thighs!
Scott Whall says
Should have mentioned this earlier, but I combined this recipe and the one here: https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/air-fryer-chicken-thighs/ for cook time. I found, for the thighs, cooking at 400 for 16-18 minutes was better.
Mireille says
Amazing!! My husband is a fussy one, so I’m always looking for new recipes that I think he will like, and he loved it!! Will definitely be making this again. I found the directions very easy to follow and the temps and times very accurate. I think if anyone is having trouble with their chicken not being cooked, they have probably not cut it thin enough or pounded down, 2 very important steps.
Michelle Sperr says
Awesome to hear that you and your husband loved this recipe Mireille – thank you for your comment!
PB says
Not even in the neighborhood of cooked through after following this recipe to the letter.
Michelle Sperr says
Hmmm…sorry about that PB. You may have to adjust your cooking time. I haven’t had that problem before.
Ashley says
I had the undercooked problem each subsequent time I made it (first time was perfect). I decided to cook both sides before adding sauce and cheese (then warming those) and it worked perfectly!
Julie Evink says
Glad that worked!!
Mario says
Same. Not cooked at all
Sherry says
Delicious! Chicken Parmesan is my husbands favorite. Was somewhat apprehensive about making this for him. He LOVED it!
Kara says
This was an absolute hit wi my family!! Thank you for sharing!
Michelle Sperr says
What a compliment Kara! Glad you all loved this recipe!
Patti DeBeau says
Made this last night, it was yummy!
I am new to the air fryer world. How do you get that browned look on the bread crumbs? Mine was definitely cooked long enough but did not have that browned look.
Michelle Sperr says
Glad that it was delicious Patti!
rm says
mine wasn’t browning either so i sprayed on a little cooking spray – the crust got nicely brown and crispy!
Josephine Jennifer Crawford says
I will definitely try this recipe. Thanks for taking the time.
Michelle Sperr says
You’re welcome Josephine! Let me know how it turns out. I hope you love it!
Josephine Jennifer Crawford says
It was delicious! Thanks.
Michelle Sperr says
Yay. So glad that you loved it.
Kristie dentice says
Loved it. Thank you for such a fast easy & delicious dish. I will DEFINATLY make it again.
Michelle Sperr says
You’re welcome Kristie! Glad this was a hit at your home!
Stacey says
Excellent recipe! Made this for my husband’s birthday dinner in place of my normal fried then baked version, and it was a huge hit with both he and my 9 year old.
Michelle Sperr says
Stacey, thank you for your comment! I’m glad this was a success at your house! My family loves this recipe too!
Michelle Hardin says
New fave way make chicken Parmesan. I added. Steamed broccoli as a side with the spaghetti. I used provolone instead of mozzarella and was delish.
Julie Evink says
Great to hear Michelle! Thanks for leaving a review!
Amanda Cech says
Is the calorie content for the whole batch of chicken?
Julie says
No, you start with two 8 oz chicken breasts and slice them into cutlets, making 4 pieces of chicken. The calorie count is for 1 of those 4 pieces.
Sam says
I modified the recipe by splitting the breast and stuffing with artichoke dip. The breadcrumbs came out golden and toasted, and chicken flavorful and moist.great taste and no oil!
Julie says
That sounds incredible! Thanks for sharing, Sam! I’m glad you enjoyed it!