Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
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Make this quick and easy crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Perfectly panko-crusted chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella make it a family favourite.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
If you’re a fan of classic Chicken Parmesan, you’ll adore this air fryer version. It’s quick, crispy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a huge hit with my husband—it’s one of his all-time favourite dishes!
Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also creates perfectly crispy chicken without the need for deep frying. This recipe serves 4, but it’s super easy to halve if you’re cooking for two.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, and the air fryer makes it even better. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer creates a golden, crispy crust without excess oil.
Pair this dish with your favorite sides, like spaghetti, garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad. It’s versatile and works for casual family dinners or special occasions alike.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Air fryer or oven – Both work, but the air fryer cooks faster and uses less energy. I used a Tower 11L Air Fryer, it’s my favourite Air Fryer.
- Mixing bowls – For the breading station and marinara sauce.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – To tenderize and flatten the chicken.
- Tongs – For dipping the chicken and transferring it to the air fryer.
Why Flatten the Chicken?
Flattening the chicken breast ensures even cooking, so the meat stays juicy and tender. Thick chicken breasts often cook unevenly, leading to dry edges and undercooked centers.
By using a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken to a uniform thickness, you’ll achieve perfect results every time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
For the Chicken:
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 60 g plain flour (½ cup all-purpose flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 80 g Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup Panko breadcrumbs)
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated Parmesan cheese)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 100 g pizza sauce (⅓ cup pizza sauce)
- 1 tbsp tomato purée (1 tbsp tomato paste)
- 1 tsp oregano (1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 tsp garlic granules (1 tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp onion salt (½ tsp onion salt)
For the Topping:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or grated, as desired)
- Sprinkle of oregano (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare your dipping stations
In a medium bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper.
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well with a fork.
Pour the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese into a third bowl and mix them together.
Tip: Make sure these bowls are big enough so your chicken can lay flat, as this makes it easier to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the flour mix, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the beaten egg before pressing it firmly into the panko parmesan mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15–17 minutes.
If using a conventional oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F) and bake on a lined tray for 18-20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, combine all the marinara sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce onto each piece and top with fresh mozzarella.
Return the chicken to the air fryer (or oven is using) and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle dried oregano and chopped parsley over the top if you wish for a pop of color, and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan immediately.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken Parmesan?
Air fryers are perfect for this dish because they create crispy breading without the need for deep frying. This means less oil, fewer calories, and less mess.
Additionally, air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens and are more energy-efficient, saving you both time and money.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Flattening: Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure crispiness, or feel free to half the recipe to serve 2.
Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over spaghetti with a side of garlic bread for a classic meal, or try pairing it with crispy fries or roasted vegetables for something different.
For a lighter option, enjoy it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is quick, easy, and packed with flavour. The air fryer ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can adjust the portion size or toppings to suit your taste.
Can’t get enough of Air Fryer Chicken Recipes?
I love air fryer chicken recipes, so why not try my super popular Hot Honey Chicken Tenders or my delicious copycat Nando’s Fakeaway Sweet Chilli Chicken and Halloumi Burger.
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
For a complete guide to making this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, check out my video tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle for more delicious recipes!
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 60 g plain flour ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 80 g Panko breadcrumbs 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 100 g pizza sauce ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic granules 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion salt ½ tsp onion salt
For the Topping:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or grated, as desired
- Sprinkle of oregano optional, for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your dipping stations
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well with a fork.
- Pour the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese into a third bowl and mix them together.
- Tip: Make sure these bowls are big enough so your chicken can lay flat, as this makes it easier to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Next, flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mix, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the beaten egg before pressing it firmly into the panko parmesan mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15–17 minutes.
- If using a conventional oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F) and bake on a lined tray for 18-20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, combine all the marinara sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
- Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce onto each piece and top with fresh mozzarella.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer (or oven is using) and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Sprinkle dried oregano and chopped parsley over the top if you wish for a pop of color, and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan immediately.
