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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

5 from 130 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier and quicker twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts are breaded with a flavorful panko and Parmesan mix, air fried to crispy perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and uses the air fryer for a crispy, less oily result.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Toppings

  • 1 cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Set Up Coating Stations: Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season it with a large pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl until blended. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
  3. Coat the Chicken: One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere on both sides.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes at 400°F until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer to plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a crispy coating.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispness.
  • Use homemade marinara for a fresher taste or choose your favorite store-bought brand.
  • For spicier flavor, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Air Fryer Recipes, Italian Chicken, Crispy Chicken