Hey foodies! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy. Enter Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: crispy, cheesy, and ready in a flash. This modern twist on a classic Italian favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Air Frying is one of our favorite things to do here and this dish has shot straight to the top of the weekly menu!
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have panko crumbs?
A: Regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko gives that extra crunch we all love.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free panko crumbs.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A: Preheating helps achieve a crispier finish, so it’s highly recommended.
Q: How long does it take to cook in the air fryer?
A: About 12-15 minutes, but check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper
- Flour
- Eggs
- Panko crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese shreds
- Parsley
Why Each Ingredient is Needed
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and juicy.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance flavor.
Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the panko crumbs.
Panko crumbs: Provides a crispy, crunchy coating.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami kick to the breading.
Oregano: Gives that classic Italian flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste.
Marinara sauce: The essential tomato base for any Chicken Parm.
Mozzarella cheese shreds: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.
Parsley: Fresh garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
How This Compares to the Traditional Recipe
Traditional Chicken Parmesan involves frying the breaded chicken breasts in a lot of oil before baking them with sauce and cheese. Our air fryer version cuts down on the oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing that crispy texture. Plus, it speeds up the cooking time significantly, getting dinner on the table faster.
How to Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any cooled Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispiness, or use the microwave if you’re in a rush (though it might not be as crispy).
Why This Recipe Works
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is a game-changer because it marries convenience with flavor. The air fryer achieves a perfect crisp without the mess and extra calories from frying. The combination of panko crumbs and parmesan creates a savory, crunchy coating, while the marinara and mozzarella bring that gooey, comforting finish. It’s quick, easy, and downright delicious—a surefire winner winner chicken dinner!
Here are some more amazing air fryer recipes to try:
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a modern twist on a classic, offering crispy, cheesy perfection in a fraction of the time. Perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shreds
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thin breasts then season with salt & pepper to taste
- Place the flour in one shallow dish
- Whisk the eggs and place in a separate shallow dish
- In a third shallow dish whisk the panko, parmesan, oregano, pepper flakes, and garlic powder
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 and spray the basket with nonstick spray
- Coat the chicken breasts in flour, then egg, then in the panko mixture
- Place in the air fryer basket
- Cook for 10 minutes
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella then cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the cheese is melted
- Garnish with parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 426Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 173mgSodium 929mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 36g
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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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