Name: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; a handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish

There’s something genuinely satisfying about that crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness of classic chicken parmesan—especially when it’s made quick and easy. This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe lets you enjoy all those beloved flavors with a fraction of the fuss, and perfectly crispy chicken every time.

The image shows a close-up of three pieces of breaded chicken topped with a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce and melted white cheese that slightly drips over the edges. Each piece is garnished with a fresh green basil leaf and sprinkled with black pepper. The crispy golden-brown chicken pieces rest on a white marbled background with a few scattered cheese crumbs and basil leaves. A yellow spatula is lifting the closest piece from the surface, adding contrast to the composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for recipes that bring big flavors without hours in the kitchen—and the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe fits the bill beautifully. It’s become my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort.

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer cuts the cooking time way down while still giving you that golden crust.
Less Mess: No heavy frying means less oil splatter and easy cleanup.
Perfect Crunch: Thanks to panko breadcrumbs and parmesan, the chicken gets beautifully crispy without drying out.
Customizable Finish: You top it with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara for flavor that shines.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients come together like an Italian dinner dream team—the chicken is tender, the crust is crunchy, and the cheese adds that wonderful gooey finish. Here’s why each one plays its role perfectly.

Flat lay of a whole boneless skinless chicken breast, a small mound of shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden panko breadcrumbs, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small pile of fresh white mozzarella cheese balls, a few sprigs of vibrant green fresh basil leaves, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and easy breading.
Shredded Parmesan: Adds a nutty, savory kick and helps crisp up the breadcrumb coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These airy crumbs create an unbeatable, extra-crispy texture in the air fryer.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act like a glue to hold your breadcrumb coating tightly to the chicken.
Marinara Sauce: Pick a good-quality jar or homemade sauce—the tangy tomato flavor balances the richness perfectly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh or shredded, this melts into a luscious blanket that’s absolutely irresistible.
Fresh Basil: A handful added at the end brightens the dish with herbaceous freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or how fancy I want to get. Feel free to make it your own—there’s so much room to experiment!

Variation: My favorite twist is adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mix for an extra herbaceous punch.
Dietary Swap: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour if you’re avoiding gluten, and it still crisps up nicely.
Cheese Options: Try provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

On a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface, there is a serving of spaghetti and a piece of baked dish. The spaghetti is covered in red tomato sauce and sprinkled with some grated cheese, the noodles are thick and twisted in loops layered on the left side of the plate. Next to the pasta, on the right, is a slice of a golden brown baked item topped with melted light yellow cheese and red sauce that slightly covers the edges. A woman's hand using a fork is holding a small piece of the baked dish above the plate on the left side. A knife with a brown wooden handle rests on the right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally so you get two thinner pieces from each. I like to pound them gently between plastic wrap using the flat side of a meat mallet or even a rolling pin—that way, they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Whisk your eggs until frothy in one shallow bowl. In another plate, mix your panko breadcrumbs with shredded parmesan. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg, letting the excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Don’t be shy—press the crumbs on to get a good crust.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and line the basket with a piece of aluminum foil to cut down on cleanup (trust me, this makes a difference). Place the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 6 minutes, then flip each piece with tongs and cook for another 6 minutes. The crust should be golden and crunchy by now.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Bring on the flavor: spread a spoonful of marinara on each chicken piece, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the air fryer, I always add a handful of fresh basil over the top to bring a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and melty—you'll see why this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.

Top Tip

After countless tries, I’ve found a few little tricks that make all the difference in achieving that perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan.

Pound Thin, but Not Paper-Thin: Flatten the chicken so it’s even, which helps it cook evenly, but don’t make it too thin or it can dry out quickly.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan in the Coating: It adds so much flavor and crunch that plain breadcrumbs just can’t mimic.
Air Fry in Batches: Crowding the basket can cause soggy spots—give each piece room to crisp up nicely.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken that’s cooked through safely—165°F is your target!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

air fryer chicken parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by fresh basil to finish off this dish—it adds just the right fresh herbal brightness, cutting through the richness. Sometimes, I toss on a few red pepper flakes if I want a little kick, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for good measure.

Side Dishes

On my table, this chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic roasted broccoli. For something heartier, buttered spaghetti or creamy mashed potatoes soak up all that delicious sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve layered slices of chicken parmesan over polenta rounds and drizzled with extra marinara, turning the dish into elegant little bites. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a fun twist on the classic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that letting it cool first, then wrapping it loosely with foil before sealing helps retain moisture and keeps the crust from getting too soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—just let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. It’s perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying on a busy night.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers back into the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that crispiness much better than a microwave, plus warms the cheese to melty perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will work and offer more juiciness, but adjust cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken parmesan on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flip halfway, then broil with sauce and cheese until bubbly. It’s in the recipe details above!

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and remove excess moisture from the chicken before breading. Also, air frying at the right temperature crisps up the coating nicely.

Can I prepare chicken parmesan ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. For fully cooked chicken, it’s best fresh but leftovers can be stored and reheated as noted.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation because it hits that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s like having restaurant-quality chicken parmesan on your table in under 30 minutes. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight or weekend treat, and you’ll see why it’s become such a beloved classic in my kitchen.