Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Master this homemade, crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with half the calories of the traditional version. The best easy baking recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes using simple panko-breading technique. Perfect weeknight dinner that doesn't sacrifice flavor or texture!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g total)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml marinara sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Olive oil spray</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat mallet or rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">3 shallow dishes for breading station</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (optional)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1.5cm. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Cut each breast in half if they're particularly large to fit in your air fryer basket.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper in the first; beaten eggs in the second; and in the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This layered coating process creates the perfect crispy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Dredge each chicken piece first in flour (shaking off excess), then in beaten egg, and finally in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating. Place breaded chicken on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches), then spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray for that golden finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook for 6-7 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown, then carefully flip the chicken. The air circulation in the fryer creates a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer using a spatula. If cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm in an oven set to 120°C while preparing the rest.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese. The contrast between the crispy exterior, juicy chicken, tangy sauce and melty cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve immediately for the best experience!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

The recipe uses boneless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (oregano and basil), garlic powder, eggs, flour, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil spray. These create a crispy coating and rich flavour without deep-frying.

How to cook Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan by pounding chicken breasts to even thickness, coating them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and air-frying at 190°C. The key method involves cooking the breaded chicken for 6-7 minutes, then topping with marinara and cheese before cooking 3-4 more minutes until melted and the chicken reaches 74°C internally.

Can I make chicken parmesan without breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option?

Yes! Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or grated Parmesan mixed with crushed rice crackers. Ensure all other ingredients like flour are also gluten-free certified. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously crispy.

Why is my air fryer chicken not getting crispy enough?

For crispier chicken, ensure you're not overcrowding the air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil before cooking, preheat the air fryer properly, and pat chicken dry before breading. Using panko rather than regular breadcrumbs also creates a crunchier exterior.

What sides pair well with Italian breaded chicken dishes?

Traditional pairings include pasta with light olive oil or marinara, garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For lighter options, try zucchini noodles, a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing, steamed broccoli, or a Mediterranean quinoa salad.

Want to try something else in ...