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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is everything you love about classic chicken parm—crispy cutlets, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese—made lighter, quicker, and with way less mess. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy Parmesan panko crust, air fried until golden, then finished with marinara and mozzarella for a comforting main dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for busy weeknights. Save it with your easy dinner and dinner ideas favorites—this is a keeper when you need an easy recipe that’s family-friendly, full of flavor, and perfect for those nights when you just want reliable food ideas without spending hours in the kitchen.


Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons water

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup Italian-style dried breadcrumbs

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

Olive oil spray

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets and gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness if needed. Pat dry.

2. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth.

4. In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

5. Dip each seasoned chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.

6. Press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides and pressing so the crumbs adhere well. Repeat with remaining cutlets.

7. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.

8. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece, and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.

9. Air fry for 6–7 minutes, then flip the cutlets, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. Spoon about 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

11. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

12. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve hot over pasta, vegetables, or in a sandwich roll.

Notes

For the crispiest coating, don’t crowd the air fryer basket—cook the chicken in batches if needed so hot air can circulate around each cutlet.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 1000
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 21
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 52
  • Cholesterol: 150