Chicken parmesan was one of the first “fancy” meals I ever made at home… but back then, it left my kitchen covered in oil splatters and a stack of dishes I didn’t want to face. Once I discovered how easy it is to make in the air fryer? Total game-changer.

This air fryer chicken parm has everything you want — golden crispy breading, tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara — but with less mess and way less oil. It comes out perfectly crisp every time, and my kids literally cheer when they see it on the meal plan.

If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, easy, and a little bit impressive, this one’s for you. Serve it over pasta, tuck it into a sandwich, or just plate it with a salad and dinner’s done.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Parm Recipe

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (to make 4 cutlets)

• ½ cup flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¾ cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parm Recipe

1. Prep your breading stations. Place flour in one bowl, eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.

2. Bread the chicken. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

3. Air fry. Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking spray. Cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

4. Add sauce and cheese. Spoon marinara over each piece and top with mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy over pasta, zoodles, or as a sandwich.

Sarah’s Simple Tips

• Slice the chicken evenly. Even thickness means even cooking (and no dry spots).

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches so everything gets crisp.

• Use panko for an extra crunch if you want restaurant-style texture.

Flavorful Conclusion

Air fryer chicken parm brings all the cheesy, crispy goodness of the classic dish — without the fuss of frying. It’s fast, flavorful, and a total weeknight winner. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this recipe hits the sweet spot between comfort and convenience.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 460
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 42g
Sodium: 740mg