Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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5 from 28 votes
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This air fryer chicken parmesan recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy breaded chicken with a tomato and mozzarella cheese topping. None of the deep frying is needed. 

air fryer chicken parm in the air fryer basket with flaky salt and herbs on top.
Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients needed
  2. How to make air fryer chicken parmesan
  3. Arman’s recipe tips
  4. Storage instructions
  5. Frequently asked questions
  6. More air fryer recipes
  7. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (Recipe Card)

Classic chicken parm is one of my all-time favorite dishes, so I’ve always been skeptical whether or not air frying it will live up to its potential. I mean, its signature feature is perfectly crispy and crunchy chicken. I was cautiously optimistic since I’ve air-fried other crispy chicken recipes, like air fryer fried chicken and air fryer chicken nuggets. Let’s just say I have a new favorite way to cook my favorite chicken dish. 

This is essentially a healthier version of my chicken parmigiana, but in a fraction of the calories and fat. This comes together in less than 15 minutes, including prep time. Like air fryer chicken cutlets, the chicken here is crispy and crunchy on the outside. It’s moist and juicy in the middle, and topped with rich marinara sauce and melty cheese…what can go wrong?

If you love cooking chicken in the air fryer, try my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer whole chicken, and air fryer chicken bites next.

★★★★★ REVIEW

“This is my family’s favorite dinner I’ve made so far. I did the air fryer and baked version, and it came out delicious. I’m always looking for healthy non-bland recipes, and this one beyond succeeded.” – Kayla

Ingredients needed

  • Chicken breast fillets. I like to use two large chicken breasts and slice halve them, but you can use four small ones if you prefer.
  • Panko breadcrumbs. For that golden and crunchy exterior. If you are following a gluten-free diet, gluten-free panko will also work. 
  • Egg. A room temperature egg will help the breading mixture stick to the chicken. 
  • Seasonings. I kept things simple with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (a spice mix featuring basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano). 
  • Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. The key to the perfectly golden and melted cheese topping is a combination of two cheeses. The parmesan gives it some sharp flavor with the mozzarella gives it some gooey, stretchy perfection. 
  • Marinara sauce. I used a store-bought sauce because it’s quick and convenient, but you can use a homemade sauce. Other Italian tomato sauces work well, too, like sugo or pomodoro sauce
  • Cooking spray. To grease the air fryer basket and prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also brush some butter or olive oil on the base instead. 

How to make air fryer chicken parmesan

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

pounding chicken breast fillets on a baking sheet.

Step 1- Prep the chicken. Pound the chicken until they are around 1/2 an inch thick.

breaded chicken breast fillets on a plate.

Step 2- Coat the chicken. Moving quickly, dip the chicken breasts in the egg, then the panko mixture. Discard any excess breading. 

raw breaded chicken breast fillets in the air fryer.

Step 3- Air fry. Put a single layer of your crumbed chicken breasts in the greased air fryer basket and let them air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

cooked chicken with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4- Add toppings. Pull out the basket, top the chicken with marinara, parmesan, and mozzarella, then air fry for 2 more minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • If you want less mess, line the base of the air fryer with parchment paper or air fryer liners. The chicken won’t be as crispy, but it will make clean-up a breeze. 
  • Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using an instant-read meat thermometer; once it reaches 165F, it is ready to enjoy.
  • Avoid over-crowding the air fryer basket to cook the chicken breasts evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
  • Use other cheeses for the topping, including pepper Jack cheese or boccoccini.

Storage instructions

To store. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To freeze. Wrap it in foil or use an air-tight container and store the chicken parm in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is sizzling.

air fryer chicken parm in the air fryer basket with flaky salt and herbs on top.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep breading from falling off the chicken in the air fryer?

To avoid this, pat the chicken breasts and let them sit for a minute or two after coating. 

What to serve with this dish?

The best side dishes to pair with this chicken are salads, vegetables, pasta, or something fun, like potatoes. Because my air fryer has two baskets (I have a Ninja Dual XL), I like to whip up some air fryer French fries or air fryer brussels sprouts simultaneously.

More air fryer recipes

If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe. 

air fryer chicken parmesan recipe.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

5 from 28 votes
This air fryer chicken parmesan is just as crispy, juicy, and cheesy as you'd expect, but made in no time! Ready in minutes, it's convenient and healthy. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 4 small chicken breasts or 2 large ones, halved
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F. Grease the air fryer basket.
  • Pound the chicken breasts until they are around half an inch thick.
  • In one bowl add the egg and whisk it well. In the second bowl, add the panko, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Dip the chicken in the egg then dip it in the dry mix until fully coated. Repeat the process until all four chicken breasts are breaded.
  • Add the chicken into the greased air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Remove the air fryer basket and add 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Place the air fryer basket back in the air fryer and air fry for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Notes

Oven method: While this is an air fryer recipe, you can use a convection oven. Prep the chicken as instructed and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 180C/350F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Now, add the toppings and turn the broil setting on. Broil for 2-3 minutes. 
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko and gluten-free bread crumbs. 
TO STORE: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. 
TO FREEZE: Wrap it in foil or use an air-tight container and store the chicken parm in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
TO REHEAT: Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is sizzling. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken parmesanCalories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 37gFat: 8gSodium: 1436mgPotassium: 692mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 555IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 354mgIron: 3mgNET CARBS: 14g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published December 2022, updated and republished April 2025

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 28 votes (22 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. This looks delish! If you are low carb or keto, you can crush up some pork rings (I use a mallet with the skins in a freezer bag to replace all or part of the panko. I usually mix powdered parmesan cheese or a bit of almondflower with the rinds. They make a great breading.

  2. 5 stars
    This is my families favorite dinner I’ve made so far. I did the baked version of it and it came out absolutely delicious. Im always looking for healthy non bland recipes and this one beyond succeeded.

  3. 5 stars
    Super easy recipe and tasty recipe. The chicken comes out crispy, but juicy on the inside. Love my air fryer. Thank you for all the recipes on your site!

  4. Looks delicious and is one of my favorite dishes. But I’m allergic to eggs and don’t have an air fryer. Do you have any suggestions for egg substitute? Can this be made in a conventional oven?

    1. Our daughter is allergic to eggs. I use a slurry of corn starch and very little water. It requires a specific consistency that isn’t too watery. Try a 1:1 ratio. Once you figure out the right consistency it works great. With the price of eggs I still use this even if my daughter isn’t home.