This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is crispy, juicy, and delicious! Make this healthy version of a classic Italian dish in your air fryer in 15 minutes!
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Why This Recipe Works
If you are like me and do not enjoy frying breaded chicken in a pan full of oil, you will love this Chicken Parmesan made in the air fryer. A healthier version of the classic that tastes like the real deal! I skipped store-bought marinara and used crushed tomatoes with seasoning. It's a much healthier and more flavorful option, all done in 15 minutes!
Serve it with pasta and Caesar Salad for a restaurant-style dinner at home! For a low-carb version go for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Ingredients:
- chicken breasts: boneless skinless, best if they are the same size for even cooking
- bread crumbs: I used plain because I like to season them myself; if you don't have any on hand, try my homemade bread crumbs recipe!
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, not from the green bottle
- butter: I used unsalted
- all-purpose flour: necessary for the breading
- crushed tomatoes: my preference versus a pasta sauce
- seasoning: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder
- mozzarella cheese: freshly grated for best results
How to make Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer?
- Start by slicing the chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thin chicken cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare the breading station.
- Dip each chicken piece in flour, then butter, then breadcrumbs.
- Place on air fryer rack or basket. Top with extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Mix crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Cook chicken in the air fryer for 7 minutes. Flip each piece, top with crushed tomatoes and mozzarella, and cook until the chicken's internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
- Serve.
Expert tips:
- I recommend using melted butter instead of egg for better browning and crispiness of the chicken. It also helps to keep it moist.
- I use crushed tomatoes with seasoning instead of store-bought marinara sauce because they are loaded with sugar. Homemade sauce is great here too!
- If possible, buy Parmesan cheese in blocks (or wedges) and shred it at home. It's the best! Pre-shredded cheese is always coated with starch to prevent clumping. I do not recommend the grated Parmesan in a green bottle.
What to serve with this dish?
You can serve chicken Parmesan with pasta and a salad for a classic Italian meal. We enjoy it with mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli or Caesar salad.
Recipe FAQs:
If you are planning ahead and need to make chicken Parmesan ahead of time, skip the sauce and mozzarella. Air fry the chicken until done, cool completely and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before reheating (which you can do right in the air fryer as many have the "reheat" setting), top it with crushed tomatoes and mozzarella.
Any leftovers should be stored in a container, in a fridge, for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer.
This version is not fried in oil, which makes it healthier. There is still breading and cheese so it's not a lean meal.
More air fryer recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil or Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thin chicken cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare the breading station: flour in one shallow dish, melt butter in a bowl and breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in another dish.
- Dip each chicken piece in flour, then butter, then breadcrumbs.
- Place on air fryer rack or basket. Top with extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Mix crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F for 4 minutes.
- Cook chicken in air fryer for 7 minutes. Flip each piece, top with crushed tomatoes and mozzarella and cook for 4 minutes more OR until the chicken’s internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
- Serve.
Notes
- If possible, buy Parmesan cheese in blocks (or triangles) and shred at home. It’s the best! Pre-shredded cheese is always coated with starch to prevent clumping. I do not recommend the grated Parmesan in a green bottle.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Natasha says
This was so good, my husband and kids loved it! I can finally always make it at home using my new air fryer. Thank you!
Anna says
That's fantastic! Thank you, Natasha!
Erin says
We make this recipe and put it over pasta and zoodles! So tasty!
Anna says
Sounds perfect! Thanks, Erin!
crystal says
Finally a chicken recipe the whole family can agree on, thank you!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Crystal!
Jen says
I love that we can enjoy this family favorite without having to heat up the whole kitchen! So quick and easy.
Anna says
Exactly! Thanks, Jen!