Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

There’s something downright comforting about a plate of Chicken Parmesan. Golden, crispy chicken topped with marinara and melted mozzarella—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. But traditionally, it’s also one of those dishes that comes with a side of guilt thanks to all the deep frying. That’s exactly why I started making this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, and let me tell you—it’s a total game changer.

This recipe gives you all the classic flavor and crunch you love, but without all that oil. Using the air fryer means you still get that irresistible crispiness, while keeping things a little lighter and healthier. And the best part? It comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend an hour over the stove.

I still remember the first time I tested this one. I was craving Chicken Parm but trying to avoid a heavy meal. I figured I’d try tossing the breaded chicken into the air fryer, half expecting it to be “just okay.” But one bite in and I was hooked—the chicken was juicy, the coating perfectly golden, and the cheese… oh, the cheese. Melted and bubbling in all the right ways. This one quickly earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation!

Let’s dive into the first steps of making this crispy, cheesy, better-for-you Chicken Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup marinara sauce

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

• Olive oil spray

STEP 1: PREP YOUR CHICKEN

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps everything cook evenly in the air fryer (no dry edges or undercooked centers). I usually place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and give it a few good taps with a rolling pin. If the chicken breasts are large, you can slice them in half to make four smaller portions—it makes serving easier, and the pieces cook a bit faster, too.

Once your chicken is prepped, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This little layer of seasoning adds so much flavor before we even get to the breading.

STEP 2: SET UP YOUR DREDGING STATION

This step is all about building that crispy, golden crust. You’ll want three shallow bowls or plates:

1. One with the flour.

2. One with the beaten egg.

3. One with the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture.

Take each piece of seasoned chicken and coat it in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Really press it down a bit to help those crumbs stick—they’re the key to that crispy bite.

STEP 3: GET THE AIR FRYER READY

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (that’s about 190°C). If your air fryer has a preheat setting, go ahead and use it—it usually takes around 3 minutes. While that’s happening, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Once preheated, place your breaded chicken in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd it—if you’re making all four pieces, you might need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Give the tops of the chicken a quick spray of olive oil too. This helps the coating crisp up beautifully while it cooks.

STEP 4: AIR FRY UNTIL GOLDEN AND CRISPY

Now for the magic. Air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I usually check the thickest part of the chicken with a quick-read thermometer just to be sure it’s cooked through.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Melty Cheese and Marinara Goodness

Welcome back to Part 2 of our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe! By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing—those golden, seasoned chicken cutlets crisping up in the air fryer are a total game-changer. And the best part? We’re about to take things to the next level with marinara, melty mozzarella, and a few personal tips that make this dish really shine.

There’s just something so satisfying about the contrast in this meal—the crunch of the breadcrumb coating, the richness of the tomato sauce, and that gooey cheese pull when you take your first bite. It’s classic comfort food, made simpler (and lighter) thanks to the air fryer. Let’s finish this off right.

STEP 5: ADD THE SAUCE AND CHEESE

Once your chicken is beautifully crispy and cooked through, it’s time for the best part—topping it with marinara and mozzarella.

Pull the basket out and carefully spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. You don’t want to drown it—just enough to cover the top. Too much sauce can make the coating soggy, and we definitely want to keep that crunch.

Next, sprinkle on a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece. You can use fresh mozzarella slices if you prefer, but shredded works great and melts quickly in the air fryer.

Slide the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling. It doesn’t take long, so keep an eye on it. Once that cheese starts to melt into the sauce and turn golden in spots, you’re good to go.

STEP 6: GARNISH AND REST

Before you dive in, let the chicken rest for a minute or two. This helps keep the juices locked in and gives the cheese a moment to set up.

Then, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top. It adds a fresh pop of color and a little herby brightness that balances out the rich flavors.

At this point, you’ve officially made Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan—and honestly, once you’ve tasted it, you may never go back to pan-frying again.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are so many delicious ways to serve this dish! Here are a few of my go-to pairings:

• Classic spaghetti: You really can’t go wrong with pasta tossed in a little extra marinara.

• Zucchini noodles: If you’re keeping things low-carb, zoodles are a great choice.

• Garlic bread and a salad: For a quick weeknight dinner, pair your Chicken Parm with store-bought garlic bread and a simple green salad.

• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli or green beans adds a healthy, colorful balance to the plate.

And if you’re cooking for kids? Trust me—this dish is always a hit. My little ones love it with plain pasta and a side of steamed veggies. It’s picky-eater approved!

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Let’s talk about a few simple ways to customize this recipe to make it your own:

• Swap the breadcrumbs: Want even more crunch? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian-style breadcrumbs. You’ll get a crispier, airier texture.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the marinara sauce for a little kick.

• Use fresh Parmesan: If you have time, grate your Parmesan from a block. The flavor difference is noticeable and worth the extra minute.

• Try different cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a sprinkle of shredded Italian blend cheese can be delicious alternatives.

• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

LEFTOVERS & REHEATING

One of the best parts about this dish? It reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop the chicken back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-6 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy, unlike the microwave which tends to soften everything. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven or regular oven if you don’t have access to your air fryer.

And yes—leftover Chicken Parmesan makes an amazing sandwich. Just tuck a piece between a toasted bun with a little extra marinara and cheese, and you’ve got lunch sorted.