Description
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this air fryer chicken parmesan is the perfect way to enjoy a beloved classic without the heaviness of deep frying. Golden-brown breaded chicken is topped with savory marinara and gooey mozzarella, then finished in the air fryer for that irresistible melted topping. It’s a dish that works equally well for a cozy family dinner or a weekend treat, with all the comfort of traditional chicken parmesan but half the effort and cleanup. Pair it with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a meal that feels indulgent yet easy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, and seasonings.
- Dip chicken in eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press coating to stick.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray basket with olive oil.
- Cook chicken for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Top with marinara and mozzarella, then cook another 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs. Don’t overload with sauce—just enough to cover the chicken lightly is perfect. Always let chicken rest a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg