Craving a lighter version of chicken parmesan without sacrificing any of the flavor? My air fryer chicken parmesan recipe is the perfect solution. Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior paired with gooey mozzarella and rich marinara, all without the need for excessive oil or frying. This classic Italian dish gets a modern twist—perfectly crispy and oh-so-satisfying, yet much healthier than the original.
Ingredients List
Chicken and Coating:
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make the cooking process more efficient and ensure delicious results, you’ll want to have the following tools on hand:
- Air Fryer: The star of the recipe, an air fryer is essential for creating that perfect crispy chicken without deep-frying.
- Shallow Bowls or Plates: For coating the chicken in flour, eggs, and the panko mixture, use three flat shallow dishes.
- Tongs or a Spatula: Tongs make it easy to flip the chicken without disturbing the breading while cooking in the air fryer.
Make sure you gather all your ingredients and tools to set yourself up for a seamless cooking experience. With everything prepped, let’s dive into the recipe!
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken
The first step to making air fryer chicken parmesan is to prepare your chicken breasts. Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half widthwise, all the way through, to create 4 thinner pieces. This step is essential to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Once your chicken fillets are ready, season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Next, you’ll need to create a breading station for coating the chicken:
- In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour and season it with a substantial pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until no streaks of yolk or white remain.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Now you’re ready to coat the chicken with these layers of flavor!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
This part involves dipping your seasoned chicken into each layer of the breading station:
- Start by coating one piece of chicken in the seasoned flour . Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumpy breading.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off so your breading sticks smoothly.
- Finally, press the chicken into the panko mixture , making sure it’s evenly coated with the seasoned breadcrumbs on both sides. Gently press to ensure the coating adheres well.
Repeat this process for all four pieces of chicken. Make sure to handle the chicken gently so the breadcrumb coating remains intact.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Now that your chicken is perfectly breaded, it’s time to cook it to crispy perfection using your air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot when the chicken goes in.
- Carefully arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket—if needed, cook in batches to avoid the pieces touching. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain that crispy texture.
- Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side , flipping halfway through the cooking process. You’re looking for golden-brown, crispy breading and an internal temperature of 165°F for the chicken. The airflow in the air fryer will give you that crunchy crust without the excess oil of deep frying.
Step 5: Add Marinara and Mozzarella
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to add the signature flavors of chicken parmesan: marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Top each piece of chicken with a few spoonfuls of your store-bought or homemade marinara. Be sure to spread it out for full coverage.
- Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara. This will create that rich, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy layer that makes chicken parmesan so irresistible.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F, just until the mozzarella is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
You’ve officially reached the “wow” stage! Your chicken parmesan will now have that perfect crispy base paired with a gooey cheese topping.
Serving and Garnishing
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
With your perfectly crispy and cheesy chicken parmesan ready, it’s time to serve it up and add the finishing touch:
- Divide the chicken among plates , making sure everyone gets a piece covered in sauce and melty cheese. You can pair this dish with pasta, a side of garlic bread, or even a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. The parsley adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your air fryer chicken parmesan is ready to be devoured! The juicy chicken, crispy exterior, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella make for the ultimate comforting dish—all with a healthier twist, thanks to the air fryer. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds without too much time or effort.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, place the chicken parm in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat your chicken in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breading soggy.
Conclusion
Making chicken parmesan in the air fryer gives you all the flavor and crunch with less grease and less guilt! By following this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish made fresh at home in no time. The air fryer truly brings the best of both worlds—crispy chicken and melted cheese for a healthier version of a beloved classic. Enjoy your cooking adventure and feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different sauces or cheeses.