Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

When I first bought my Air Fryer, I never even considered making Chicken Parmesan inside of it. In fact, the only reason that I purchased one was to cook traditionally deep fried foods in an effort to eat a little healthier.

However, ever since that time, I have found so many other recipes that I can make in this popular countertop appliance. And Chicken Parmesan is definitely one of them!

Lightly breaded chicken breasts that are cooked in half of the time that it takes in the oven. Then the tops are drizzled with marinara sauce and sprinkled with Mozzarella cheese and cooked until the sauce is warm and the cheese is melted.

In under 30 minutes, the chicken is ready to be served! If you want to make it a traditional Italian meal, while the chicken is cooking, boil some pasta.

Then by the time that the pasta is cooked and drained, the entire meal will be ready! Add a tossed salad and your entire family will think you have been in the kitchen for hours!

However, in order for this recipe to come out perfect, there are a few key tips and tricks to follow. Below the recipe I have included some helpful tips and the answers to some frequently asked questions.

So be sure to check out both the recipe and tips on how to make this easy meal, which I am sure will become one of your favorites.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Chicken Breasts, boneless, medium thickness
• 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp Seasoned Breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the Air Fryer to 360F°(182°C) for 3 minutes. Even if your brand of air fryer doesn’t require preheating, it is required for this Chicken Parmesan recipe.

While the air fryer heats up, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a low rimmed baking dish. Set the dish aside while you prepare the chicken breasts.

Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Then using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin chicken cutlets.

Brush the oil onto both sides of the chicken and then dip them, one at a time, into the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket/grate with avocado oil or preferred non-stick cooking spray.

Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, in a single layer, being sure that the chicken does not touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to work in batches.

Cook Time

Spray the top of the chicken lightly with oil. Set the cook time for 7 minutes.

Once the cook time is up, carefully use a spatula to flip each chicken breast. Then top each with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Continue to cook for 3 more minutes or until the cheese is melted. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer basket.

*Because all air fryers cook at different rates, be sure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with an Instant Read Digital Thermometer.

If you are working in batches, keep the cooked Chicken Parmesan warm in a preheated oven while you cook the remaining cutlets.

Serve warm as the main dish or over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles.

Helpful Tips and Tricks To Making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat The Air Fryer

Many brands of air fryers don’t require the cooking vessel to be preheated before adding food. However, in order for the breading to stick to the chicken, and not the surface of the basket, preheating is required.

My NuWave Air Fryer has an automatic preheat setting. However if your brand of air fryer goes directly into a cooking mode when the cook time is set, simply let it run for at least 3 minutes.

Then reset your cook time to the full amount once you add the chicken to the air fryer basket.

2. Use Only Thin Chicken Breasts

In order for the Chicken Parmesan to cook in the Air Fryer quickly, be sure to use thin chicken breasts. If you are like me and purchase fresh chicken from the butcher or the prepackaged chicken in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, the chicken is most often on the thicker side.

Therefore, before starting this recipe, be sure to slice your chicken in two, thinner sections. Start by placing a chicken breast on a cutting board. Then use your non-dominant hand and press down on the top surface of the chicken.

Using a sharp knife, slice through the edge of the chicken until you get two thinner chicken breasts. Then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

3. Thin Layer of Breading

Chicken Parmesan should be coated in a thin layer of breading. This will help the chicken cook faster, but more importantly, the coating will not overpower the delicate flavor of this dish.

Therefore, skip the traditional method of breading by dipping the chicken in a whisked egg and water mixture. Instead, simply apply a thin layer of oil to the outer surface of the chicken breast and coat each side in the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture.

Then lightly pat the surface so that the breading adheres to the surface.

4. Spray the Air Fryer Basket With Oil

As another layer of precaution, be sure to spray the air fryer basket with oil to help prevent the chicken breasts from sticking to the surface during the cooking process.

Although, there is another option as well. You could also line the basket with Air Fryer Parchment Paper or an Air Fryer Silicone Mat instead of using oil.

I prefer to use the silicone mat whenever possible to not only decrease the amount oil used, but also for easy clean up and less waste.

After the Chicken Parmesan comes out of the air fryer, you simply wash the silicone mat and you can reuse it over and over again.

5. Spray The Top Of The Chicken With Oil

In order to get the breading to crisp up and lightly brown, a little oil is needed on the surface of the chicken. Use a mister to spray the top of the chicken with oil after it has been placed in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stack the chicken on top of each other in the air fryer?

Unfortunately, you must cook the chicken in a single layer. Therefore, you may need to work in batches if you have smaller air fryer basket.

Keep the first batch warm in an oven preheated to 200°F while the other Chicken Parmesan filets cook in the Air Fryer.

2. How do I store and reheat the leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is best to reheat the chicken parmesan in the air fryer set at 360°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

3. Can I make this recipe Gluten-Free?

In order to make this recipe gluten-free simply use Gluten-Free breadcrumbs in place of standard breadcrumbs. Although most marinara sauces are naturally gluten-free, be sure to check the label to be sure.

4. Can I make this in the oven?

If you prefer to use an oven instead of an air fryer, check out this Oven Chicken Parmesan Recipe. You can even make it in a pressure cooker with this Skinny Chicken Parmesan Recipe that doesn’t include breading.

Enjoy! Mary

To receive our 3 Recipe Articles in your inbox each week, sign up for our free email list located in the middle of each recipe or email me at contact@makeyourmeals.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. This article may contain affiliate links where a small commission is paid if you purchase a product at no additional cost to you.