If you’re looking for a quick, hearty dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is exactly what you need. With 30-minute dinners like this one, getting a delicious, crispy meal on the table is easier than ever. You don’t need to deal with the mess of frying—thanks to the air fryer, you can make crispy Parmesan crusted chicken with much less oil.
This air fryer chicken parmesan recipe takes juicy chicken breasts, coats them in a crunchy Parmesan crust, and bakes them to perfection. Top it with marinara and gooey mozzarella, and you’ve got a crispy, tender chicken parm that’s just as good as any restaurant version. Plus, it’s one of those easy air fryer recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re craving a classic air fryer chicken parm, looking for a tasty new way to cook chicken breasts for air fryer, or searching for quick air fryer dinner recipes, this meal has got you covered. It’s a perfect recipe for a tasty dinner or a fun way to make Parmesan chicken tenders air fryer style. So let’s dive into this easy chicken breast recipe and make some crispy, cheesy goodness!
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Easy, Crispy, Cheesy Goodness
Chicken Parmesan is one of those meals that just feels like a big, warm hug. It’s got everything—crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comfort food that always hits the spot. But what if I told you that you could make it without all the mess of frying? Yep, the air fryer can do all the magic, and it’s way easier than you think!
Making Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer means you get that crispy, golden crust without deep frying in a ton of oil. It’s lighter, quicker, and still just as delicious. Plus, the best part is you can make it in about 30 minutes. So, whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something delicious, this recipe is here for you.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (I love using panko for an extra crunch!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Get the chicken ready:
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half horizontally (this is called butterflying) to make them thinner. This helps them cook faster and get that crispy texture. Don’t forget to season both sides of the chicken with a little salt and pepper. It’s a small thing but makes a big difference in flavor. - Set up your dredging station:
In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. The egg will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, so make sure each piece is covered well. Now, dip each chicken piece into the egg, letting any extra drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently to make sure they stick all around. This is what gives it that amazing crispy coating. - Air fry the chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping, so they cook evenly. Set the timer for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken over so both sides get crispy. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. - Top with sauce and cheese:
Once the chicken is nice and crispy, it’s time for the fun part—adding the marinara sauce and cheese! Spoon some marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese. Put the chicken back in the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. It’ll look just like the chicken Parmesan you get at a restaurant! - Serve and enjoy:
When the chicken is done, take it out of the air fryer and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or fresh basil on top if you want. You can serve it with spaghetti, a side salad, or some garlic bread. It’s so tasty, you’ll want to dive in right away!
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Less mess, more flavor: Normally, frying chicken can be a bit messy, right? With the air fryer, there’s hardly any cleanup! You get that crispy texture without all the oil, and it’s so much easier.
- Fast and easy: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.
- You can make it your own: Don’t like marinara sauce? No problem! You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even just some extra melted cheese if that’s what you’re in the mood for. This recipe is so versatile.
If you’ve been craving a comforting Chicken Parmesan but want to keep things simple, this air fryer version is the way to go. It’s crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all the time.
FAQs: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
1. How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes 10 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes of cook time, depending on the thickness of your chicken.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! While chicken breasts are often used for a leaner option, air fryer chicken thighs would work great as well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
3. Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with frozen chicken?
If using frozen chicken breasts, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You may need to air fry for 5-8 minutes longer if the chicken is frozen.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gluten-free! Simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
5. What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as spaghetti, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover air fryer chicken parm in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
7. Can I freeze Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before cooking. Simply bread the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen, adding extra time for the chicken to cook through.
8. How can I make the chicken even crispier?
For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and press them firmly onto the chicken before air frying. You can also spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray to help the breadcrumbs crisp up even more.
9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use raw chicken for the crispy coating, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re in a rush. Just skip the breading step and air fry the chicken to heat it through. Then, add sauce and cheese, and air fry for a few extra minutes to melt the cheese.
10. Can I make this recipe in a different air fryer?
Absolutely! This recipe will work in any type of air fryer, whether it’s a basket-style or a countertop oven-style. Just make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
If you’re looking for a 30-minute dinner that’s both easy and delicious, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a fan of air fried food or just need a quick and hearty meal, this air fryer chicken parm will hit the spot. The crispy, parmesan crusted chicken paired with gooey mozzarella and marinara is a combination everyone loves.
This air fryer chicken parmesan recipe is not only simple but versatile too. You can make air fryer recipes chicken breast or even swap out the chicken for air fryer parmesan crusted chicken tenders for a fun twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick dinner or searching for air fryer dinner recipes, this recipe fits the bill.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish optional
Instructions
Prep the chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. Season with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken:
- In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
Air fry the chicken:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken in the air fryer basket (don’t overlap). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add sauce and cheese:
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan, and serve with pasta, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs and press them firmly onto the chicken.
- You can also make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders by cutting the chicken into strips before breading and air frying.
From crispy air fryer chicken to tender chicken and even easy air fryer chicken options, this is the ultimate go-to recipe when you want a tasty dinner that’s ready in no time. Looking for easy chicken breast recipes or parmesan chicken tenders air fryer style?
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
This recipe is flexible and perfect for all kinds of variations. So, next time you’re craving chicken parmesan, give this air fryer chicken parmesan recipe a try – it’s bound to become a favorite in your air fryer recipe collection.
