Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Clara quick dinners

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful take on a beloved Italian-American classic—without the need for heavy oil or deep frying. Juicy chicken cutlets are breaded, air fried to golden perfection, and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella for a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A healthier alternative to traditional Chicken Parmesan
• Crispy texture without the oil
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and great for weeknight dinners
• Can be served with pasta, salad, or low-carb sides

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Large egg
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Bread the Chicken:
   In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Dip each cutlet in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
3. Preheat and Cook:
   Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 23 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 6 minutes.
4. Add Toppings and Finish Cooking:
   Flip the chicken. Spoon marinara sauce on each piece and top with shredded mozzarella. Air fry for another 34 minutes, until cheese is melted and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
   Remove from air fryer and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
• Cheese lovers: Add a layer of provolone or parmesan under the mozzarella.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip breading altogether for a lighter version.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze breaded, cooked chicken (without sauce/cheese) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 35 minutes until warmed through. Add sauce and cheese near the end of reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use raw chicken cutlets to ensure the coating crisps properly and the inside stays juicy.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Yes, any store-bought or homemade marinara works well. Choose one with minimal added sugar for a healthier option.

What air fryer temperature should I use?

360°F (182°C) is ideal for cooking the chicken evenly and crisping the coating without burning.

Can I stack the chicken in the air fryer?

No, avoid stacking—place chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this without breadcrumbs?

Yes, try a crust of crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or skip the crust and simply top the chicken with sauce and cheese.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan adds extra richness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s crispy, cheesy, and not too spicy, making it a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick, crispy, and healthier version of the traditional favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. Serve it with pasta, salad, or your favorite veggie sides for a well-rounded meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy.

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