Description
Crispy, juicy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate quick dinner idea. This easy recipe turns a classic Italian favorite into a healthier weeknight meal—thanks to the air fryer, there’s no need for heavy frying. With golden breaded chicken, zesty marinara, and melty mozzarella, it’s perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food without the mess. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, healthy snack options, or family-friendly food ideas, this is a must-try!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in the third.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press crumbs to adhere well.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Spray basket lightly with oil.
5. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray tops lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce to each piece and top with mozzarella. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
7. Remove and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For best crispiness, avoid stacking the chicken in the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.
Thicker marinara sauce works better to prevent sogginess.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded blends.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy comfort food, crispy chicken