Looking for a crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan without all the oil and mess? These Airfryer Chicken Parmesan are a quick and easy fix, ready in minutes! A healthier twist on the classic comfort food using simple ingredients and no deep frying.
The air fryer is your best friend. It delivers the same delicious crunch of classic fried chicken with far less oil and effort.
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Not only does it speed up the cooking process, but it also results in a lighter dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. If you love comfort food made easy, this Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan is a must-try!
Check out for more chicken recipes made in the air fryer on the blog.
PRO TIPS for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Use thin, evenly sliced chicken breasts so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate in the egg and garlic mixture for the most flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture—don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want that crunch!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
- Preheat your air fryer for a consistently golden crust.
Personalizing the Recipe
- Swap tomato sauce with spicy arrabbiata or creamy Alfredo for a fun twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-friendly.
- Try smoked mozzarella or provolone for a different cheesy profile.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- Eggs
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Italian seasoning, divided
- All-purpose flour
- Panko-style breadcrumbs: Panko ensures crispiness, giving a beautiful coating to the chicken.
- Oil, as recommended by your air fryer brand
- Tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese: give this recipe the signature Chicken Parmesan flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
AirFryer Chicken Parmesan
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix eggs, garlic, and parsley. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight).
Prepare the coating: In one bowl, combine flour with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Add Panko to another bowl.
Dredge: Dip each chicken piece in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat in Panko. Place coated pieces on a clean plate.
Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F and lightly oil the basket.
Air fry the chicken: Place in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
Top and finish: Flip each piece, top with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Cook again: Air fry for another 2–4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches 165°F internally.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Different Methods of Preparation
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or pan-fry in oil until golden and crisp, then finish with sauce and cheese in the oven.
Other Methods of Serving
- Over spaghetti or zucchini noodles
- On toasted sandwich rolls for a Chicken Parm sandwich
- With a side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option
How to Store Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked breaded chicken for up to 2 months; cook directly from frozen with extra time.
FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Just ensure they’re boneless and adjusted for cooking time.
Can I make this ahead?
You can bread and freeze the chicken ahead of time or assemble and refrigerate the components separately.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts perfectly, but provolone or fontina adds a delicious twist.
Can I skip the flour step?
Flour helps the egg adhere better, but you can skip it if needed—just note the coating may be slightly thinner.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko-style breadcrumbs
- Oil as recommended by your air fryer brand
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix eggs, garlic, and parsley. Marinate chicken for 15 minutes.
- Stir 2 tsp Italian seasoning into flour; place Panko in another bowl.
- Dredge chicken in flour, egg, and then Panko.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F and oil the basket.
- Air fry chicken for 5 minutes.
- Flip, top with sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining seasoning.
- Cook for 2–4 more minutes or until golden and fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve.
This Airfryer Chicken Parmesan is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. With its crispy coating, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Best of all, it’s faster and healthier thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Try it once, and it’ll be your go-to Chicken Parm method!
