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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe Easy 30-Minute Homemade Dinner

air fryer chicken Parmesan recipe - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer chicken Parmesan recipe that delivers crispy, juicy chicken with melty cheese and rich marinara sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a healthier, fuss-free Italian classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup (90g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix), optional
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
  6. Air fry for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and spray the other side with olive oil. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
  8. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Remove chicken carefully, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately. Let rest for 1-2 minutes to lock in juices.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking. Preheat air fryer for best crispiness. Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Lightly spray oil to avoid soggy crust. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko. Watch cheese closely when melting to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, quick dinner, Italian chicken recipe, healthy chicken parmesan, air fryer recipes