Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan so delicious:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
• 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 cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them in half horizontally to make thin cutlets. This ensures they cook evenly and get extra crispy. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls:

1. Flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Eggs, whisked until smooth.
3. Panko mixture – Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

3. Bread the Chicken

Working one piece at a time:

• Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
• Dip into egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.

4. Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Add Sauce & Cheese

Spoon marinara over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for another 3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

6. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Classic pasta – Spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine tossed in extra marinara.
• Garlic bread – Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up sauce.
• Roasted veggies – Try garlic green beans, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad – A crisp Caesar or simple garden salad balances the richness.
• Mashed potatoes – For ultimate comfort food vibes.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Don’t skip preheating – A hot air fryer ensures crisp, even cooking.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly – Helps the coating stick and stay crunchy.
• Work in batches – Avoid overcrowding so the air circulates properly.
• Use fresh mozzarella – For extra gooeyness, try fresh slices instead of shredded.
• Homemade marinara – Elevates the dish and adds freshness.

Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free – Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or chili flakes to the breading.
• Low-Carb – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
• Cheese Lovers – Mix Parmesan and provolone with mozzarella for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Freezer: Freeze breaded (but not yet cooked) chicken cutlets for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Pop into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 235 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.75g | Protein: 25.25g | Fat: 10.75g | Saturated Fat: 5g |  Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 1.25g | Sugar: 2.75g | Vitamin A: 337.5 IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 206.25mg | Iron: 1.25mg