Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
A healthier twist on a classic Italian favorite, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, topped with warm marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Breading Station
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 6 tbsp reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls—one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere well.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between them for proper air circulation.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 6 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Warm Marinara Sauce: While the chicken cooks, gently heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
- Add Toppings: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the topped chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium marinara sauce and adjust salt accordingly.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Air Fryer Recipes, Easy Italian Dinner, Healthy Chicken Parmesan