Introduction
If you’ve been craving comfort food but don’t want the guilt of deep-frying, Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is your answer. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy inside, topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. The best part? Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crunch with far less oil.
This dish is a winner because it combines everything we love – crunchy chicken cutlets, Italian flavors, and a melty cheese topping – in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even date nights.
Ingredients (Shopping List)
Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) – Get Fresh Chicken on Amazon
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs – Italian Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Kraft Grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt – Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black Pepper Grinder
- 2 large eggs – Organic Brown Eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – King Arthur Flour
- 1 cup marinara sauce – Rao’s Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Shredded Mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray – Olive Oil Spray
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Fresh Basil
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Make sure you’ve got these on hand before starting:
- Air Fryer – Ninja DualZone Air Fryer
- Cutting board – Bamboo Cutting Board
- Sharp chef’s knife – Victorinox Chef Knife
- Mixing bowls – Glass Mixing Bowl Set
- Meat mallet (to flatten chicken) – OXO Meat Tenderizer
- Whisk – Stainless Steel Whisk
- Tongs – OXO Kitchen Tongs
Preparation Steps (Step-by-Step)
Let’s keep it simple:
- Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pound lightly with a meat mallet until even thickness.
- Season: Pat dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set up dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + onion powder + Italian seasoning
- Coat chicken: Dip each cutlet in flour → egg → breadcrumb mixture. Press crumbs firmly for a crunchy coating.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil spray.
Cooking Instructions (Air Fryer)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–6 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons marinara sauce on each cutlet, then top with mozzarella.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, mix a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs with Italian breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic touch.
- Pair with a side salad and garlic bread.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for restaurant-style vibes.
Additional Tips
- Gluten-free option: Use almond flour + gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Low-carb option: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
- Spicy kick: Add red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Extra cheesy: Mix some shredded Parmesan into the mozzarella topping.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – 1 cutlet with sauce & cheese)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and store in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F for best results.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely – just adjust cook time by 2–3 minutes since thighs are thicker.
Q4: How can I make it healthier?
Use part-skim mozzarella and a no-sugar-added marinara sauce.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it – a crispy, cheesy, and healthier version of a classic Italian favorite! Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gives you that perfect comfort food vibe without all the excess oil.
Fun fact: Did you know Chicken Parmesan is actually an American-Italian creation? In Italy, you’ll find Eggplant Parmesan more commonly – but once Italian immigrants came to the U.S., chicken became the star protein.
So grab your air fryer, whip up this dish, and get ready for compliments at the dinner table.
