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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A cross-section view showing the juicy interior of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce.

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Make crispy, flavorful Chicken Parmesan using your air fryer for a quick, lower-oil version of the classic dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Set up a standard breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
  2. Pat the pounded chicken cutlets dry with paper towels.
  3. Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured cutlet completely into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  5. Press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place two breaded cutlets in the basket in a single layer; do not overlap. Spray the tops of the cutlets lightly with cooking spray.
  7. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes.
  8. Flip the cutlets, spray the second side lightly, and air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the cooked chicken from the basket. Repeat with the remaining two cutlets if necessary.
  10. Place the cooked cutlets back into the air fryer basket or a small oven-safe dish. Top each cutlet with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce.
  11. Sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese and 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  12. Return to the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the cutlets cook uniformly in the air fryer.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture possible.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to maintain crispness.

Nutrition