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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian-American dish. This recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy coating on tender chicken breasts, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthier version reduces oil usage while delivering the comforting flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular, panko, or a combo)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs

Toppings and Sauce

  • ½ cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets and pound them to an even thickness, then set aside.
  2. Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 6 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to coat evenly on all sides.
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with oil using an oil sprayer to help crisp the coating.
  5. Air Fry Chicken: Cook for 8-11 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese Toppings: Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on each piece of chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  7. Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked.

Notes

  • For best results, use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  • Make sure to pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  • If you don’t have an oil sprayer, lightly brushing the chicken with oil works as well.
  • Serve additional marinara sauce on the side for extra flavor.
  • Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is safely cooked through.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American