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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
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Craving a quick and tasty dinner? Try our crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan! Juicy chicken breasts get a golden, cheesy crust in minutes. With simple ingredients, you can whip up this family favorite in no time.
This easy recipe includes step-by-step photos and directions. Follow our guide below for the best results. We share pro tips and tricks, plus answers to the most frequently asked questions.
More Recipes ⭐ Chicken Fried Steak | Firecracker Chicken | Stuffed Chicken
Looking for a delicious and quick dinner idea? Our Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan takes only 30 minutes to make! This recipe stands out with its crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken. Perfect for a family dinner, party, or special occasion, everyone will love this tasty dish. Make this at home for a fun and easy meal that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe:
- For The Chicken:
- 2 (12-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and black pepper to taste
- For The Breading:
- ½ cup of flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of Italian panko bread crumbs
- For The Toppings:
- ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup of sliced mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of marinara sauce (plus more for pasta if using)
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with these easy ingredient swaps! Add your own twist and make it unique.
- Swap chicken breasts:: You can use chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
- Try gluten-free breadcrumbs: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, but watch closely as gluten-free flour may burn faster.
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Get ready to make delicious Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan! Follow our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks below. Let’s get started!
Pro Tip
For most people, this recipe should work well as written, however, be sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as cook times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
FIRST STEP: Cut the raw chicken breasts in half by butterflying them. This will create four thin chicken breasts.
SECOND STEP: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place on a plate or a piece of parchment paper, and set aside.
THIRD STEP: Build your breading station by pulling out three shallow bowls. Pie pans work great for this.
FOURTH STEP: Add the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika to one of the shallow bowls. Using a whisk, stir to combine.
FIFTH STEP: In the second bowl, add the two eggs. Using a whisk, stir to break up the yolks and mix the eggs together.
SIXTH STEP: Add the Italian panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to the third shallow bowl. Using a whisk, stir to combine.
SEVENTH STEP: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
EIGHTH STEP: Place one of the seasoned chicken breasts into the flour mixture, making sure to coat the chicken breast fully.
Then, place the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture. Cover to fully coat. Finally, place the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture. Cover to fully coat.
NINTH STEP: Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate and repeat this process for the rest of the chicken breasts.
TENTH STEP: Once your air fryer has come to temperature, place one or two of the prepared chicken breasts into a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
Note that lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper is optional.
Cook for ten minutes at 400°F. Make sure to flip the chicken over after six minutes. Repeat this process until all of the chicken has cooked.
Pro Tip
When working in batches, you can heat the oven to 300°F and place the cooked chicken in the oven, in an effort to keep it warm.
ELEVENTH STEP: While the chicken is cooking, slice some mozzarella cheese and open the jar of marinara.
TWELFTH STEP: Once all four pieces of chicken have finished cooking, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce (about 2 tablespoons) over each piece of chicken and then top with a slice or two of mozzarella.
Pro Tip
Make sure the chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
THIRTEENTH STEP: Place one or two of the pieces of chicken at a time into the air fryer and cook for two minutes at 400°F or until the mozzarella has melted and just started to brown on top.
FOURTEENTH STEP: Repeat this process until all of the chicken has melted mozzarella on top.
FIFTEENTH STEP: Serve with your favorite pasta and more marinara sauce for a complete meal.
How to Serve
You can serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in many ways, since it's perfect for family dinners, special occasions, and year-round enjoyment. Kids and adults both love this delicious dish!
- Family Dinners: Serve this dish with a side of fresh pasta dish and garlic bread for a cozy family meal. Kids will love the crispy, cheesy chicken, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Special Occasions: Impress your guests at parties or holiday gatherings with this tasty dish. Pair it with a fresh salad and a glass of wine for an elegant touch.
- Seasonal Feasts: Enjoy this recipe in any season, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter feast. Add sauteed vegetables or a warm tomato soup to complement the meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is more than just a meal—it's a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- Crispy Perfection: This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy crust that cooks perfectly in the air fryer. The quick cooking time and simple ingredients make it a go-to favorite, so you can add it to your regular dinner rotation.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, everyone in the family loves this dish. Pair it with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that pleases both kids and adults.
- Easy and Convenient: With step-by-step photos and clear instructions, anyone can make this delicious dish. Pro tips and tricks ensure success every time, making this recipe a reliable favorite.
Enjoy this comforting classic that brings joy to any occasion, so make this quick and easy dinner tonight.
Cooking FAQ
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan cooks in just 12-15 minutes. This quick cook time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Using thawed chicken ensures even cooking and a perfect, crispy crust.
How do I get the chicken crispy in the air fryer?
Spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray. This step ensures a golden, crispy crust every time, and prevents burning.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 375°F for the best results, since this temperature cooks the chicken evenly and crisps the coating perfectly.
Serving FAQ
Can I serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan at a party?
Yes, it’s perfect for parties and special occasions, because your guests will love the crispy, cheesy chicken.
Can I serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with a dipping sauce?
Yes, marinara sauce or a garlic aioli pairs perfectly. These sauces add extra flavor and fun to your meal.
What drinks pair well with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Pair it with a light white wine or a cold glass of lemonade. These drinks complement the rich flavors.
Can I serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan at a potluck?
Yes, it’s a great potluck dish since it's easy to transport and reheat, everyone will enjoy this tasty chicken.
Can I serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan year-round?
Yes, this dish works for any season. It’s a great choice for summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, since it's a favorite almost everyone loves.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of this recipe. From making ahead to reheating, we've got you covered.
Can I prepare Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken and store it in the fridge. Cook when you're ready to serve.
What's the best way to store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until hot and crispy.
How should I reheat Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan when ready to serve?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy and delicious.
Can I reheat Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in the microwave?
Yes, but use the microwave in 30-second increments to avoid overcooking. The air fryer is better for maintaining crispiness.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 24 ounces chicken breasts
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Breading
- ½ cup lour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Italian panko bread crumbs
Toppings
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sliced mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus more for pasta if using)
DIRECTIONS
- Cut the chicken breasts in half by butterflying them. This will create four thin chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place on a plate or a piece of parchment paper, and set aside.
- Build your breading station by pulling out three shallow bowls. Pie pans work great for this.
- Add the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika to one of the shallow bowls. Using a whisk, stir to combine.
- In the second bowl, add the 2 eggs. Using a whisk, stir to break up the yolks and mix the eggs together.
- Add the Italian panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese to the third shallow bowl. Using a whisk, stir to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place one of the seasoned chicken breasts into the flour mixture, making sure to coat the chicken breast fully. Then, place the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture. Cover to fully coat. Finally, place the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture. Cover to fully coat.
- Place on a clean plate and repeat this process for the rest of the chicken breasts.
- Once your air fryer has come to temperature, place one or two of the prepared chicken breasts into a parchment lined (lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper is optional) air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. Make sure to flip the chicken over after 6 minutes. Repeat this process until all of the chicken has cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, slice some mozzarella cheese and open the jar of marinara.
- Once all four pieces of chicken have finished cooking, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce (about 2 tbsp) over each piece of chicken and then top with a slice or 2 of mozzarella.
- Place one or two of the pieces of chicken at a time into the air fryer and cook for 2 minutes at 400°F or until the mozzarella has melted and just started to brown on top.
- Repeat this process until all of the chicken has melted mozzarella on top.
- Serve with your favorite pasta and more marinara sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as cook times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
- When working in batches, you can heat the oven to 300°F and place the cooked chicken in the oven to stay warm.
- Make sure the chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
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