Craving the irresistible flavors of chicken parmesan, but looking for a healthier approach? Look no further than the magic of the air fryer! Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a game-changer, delivering all the cheesy, crispy goodness you love with a fraction of the fat and calories. Get ready to enjoy this Italian-inspired classic in a whole new way.
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Understanding the Power of the Air Fryer
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a quick and convenient method to achieve crispy, crunchy results without the need for deep frying. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer creates a similar effect to deep frying, but with a fraction of the oil. This makes it the perfect tool for creating Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan that’s golden-brown and bursting with flavor, without the guilt.
Compared to traditional frying, the air fryer offers several benefits, including:
- Healthier cooking with up to 80% less fat
- Faster cooking times, often half the time of oven baking
- Crispy, crunchy results without the mess of deep frying
- Versatility to cook a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to entrees
Ingredients for Irresistible Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
To create this mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ready to take your chicken parmesan to new heights? Follow these easy steps to create a delectable Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan that will have your taste buds singing:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan hot, alongside your favorite pasta or salad.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
To ensure your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly crispy and delicious, consider these helpful tips:
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.
- Ensure Thorough Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Achieve Crispy Perfection: For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with al dente pasta, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations and Related Recipes
While the classic Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is undoubtedly delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this Italian-inspired dish:
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: For a vegetarian twist, try swapping out the chicken for breaded and air-fried eggplant slices.
- Chicken Parmesan with Spinach and Ricotta: Add a creamy and nutritious twist by stuffing the chicken with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese.
- Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Chicken Parmesan Sub Sandwich: For a handheld version, serve the air-fried chicken parmesan on a toasted sub roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken parm good in the air fryer? Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent way to cook chicken parmesan, as it allows you to achieve a crispy, golden-brown coating without the need for deep frying. The result is a healthier version of the classic dish that’s just as delicious.
Can you put raw chicken in your air fryer? Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken in the air fryer. The air fryer is designed to cook raw meat and poultry thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I put flour on my chicken before I put it in the air fryer? While it’s not necessary, you can certainly coat the chicken in flour before breading and air frying. The flour can help the breadcrumb coating adhere better and create an even crispier texture.
What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana? Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are essentially the same dish. The terms are often used interchangeably, referring to chicken that is breaded, fried, and topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
Indulge in the Crispy Goodness of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Elevate your chicken parmesan game with the power of the air fryer! Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers all the flavors you love, without the guilt of traditional deep frying. With its crispy coating, melted cheese, and delectable marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this healthier take on a classic Italian-American dish and savor every bite.
Ready to dive into the mouthwatering world of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan? Gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s sure to impress. Buon appetito!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Chicken Parmesan with Spinach and Ricotta
- Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Parmesan Sub Sandwich
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Create Irresistible Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in 5 Steps!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a healthier take on a classic dish, delivering cheesy, crispy goodness with less fat and calories.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place coated chicken in air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Spoon marinara sauce over chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Return to air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Adjust cooking time based on chicken size and thickness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray coated chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams