Crispy chicken parmesan is among those common meals that everyone enjoys. It is the tastiest meal whether it’s a family dinner or a quick lunch. As a health-conscious person, I enjoy creating this recipe with a healthy twist. Air fryer chicken parmesan is not only a healthy version but also a mess-free and speedy way to prepare the recipe. I always prefer recipes that are tasty, healthy, and simple to make, and this air fryer chicken parmesan is one of those recipes Instead of classic chicken parmesan, this air fryer chicken parmesan is a more crispy and healthy alternative and well you don’t have to face the guilt of deep frying.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

In Italian Chicken Parmesan is also known as Chicken Parmigiana. It is a breaded chicken that is topped with tomato sauce and lots of yummy cheese. In the United States, this is a commonly served meal in restaurants and is known as chicken Parm. The classic chicken Parmesan is fried in oil but with the ease of an Air fryer, you can easily make it without messing with oil. The ingredient list for the recipe is also really simple which you can easily get in your pantry.

What You Will Need

Air fryer chicken parmesan ingredients image

Chicken Breast: Since the breast is the juicy section of the chicken meat it gives the perfect texture for the chicken parmesan. You have to slice the chicken breast into two halves. Chicken with bone will not work for chicken parmesan.

Bread Crumbs: Any brand of bread crumbs will be good as long as it gives a perfect amount of crunch that gives a perfect crunch to the recipe. I prefer Panko more as it gives a much lighter feel and crunchier texture to the chicken. However, you can also try homemade breadcrumbs for the chicken parmesan

Parmesan Cheese: The essential element in the chicken parmesan that adds flavor is parmesan cheese.

Spices: for the chicken parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder will spice up the traditional taste and aroma of Italian flavors.

All-purpose flour: Breading is a crucial step for a crispy Chicken Parmesan, use a high-quality all-purpose flour for breading the chicken.

Eggs: Eggs are use to coat chicken cutlets.

Marinara sauce: Typically, tomato sauce is used for the topping of Chicken Parmesan however, marinara sauce is widely used in the preparation. You can also use store-bought pizza sauce or it will taste better if you make homemade marinara sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is very simple to use or you can take a block of cheese and shred it on your own. You can also use slices of mozzarella Cheese for mess-free cooking.

Fresh basil leaves: Italian cuisine and you miss basil. How is it possible? Fresh basil will enhance the aroma.

Step By Step Directions

Step1- Preparing Chicken

Take boneless chicken breasts and cut them in two halves to get 4 equal pieces. Then flat the upper thicker part of the breasts using a hammer. If you don’t have a hammer, it can be flattened with the help of a rolling pin.
Then sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the four pieces of chicken breasts.
If you want a bit of spicy touch then you can also sprinkle red chilli flakes over chicken breast and set them aside.

Step2- Pre-heat

Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 200°C

Step3- Prepare Breading

Then get a bowl and ready the dry mixture for coating the chicken. Using a spatula, mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and paprika powder in the bowl.

In a separate bowl, add all-purpose flour. Then in another bowl take eggs and beat them well.

Step4- Bread the Chicken Breast

Take seasoned chicken breasts then coat them with flour. Shake it to take off the excess coating. Make sure the chicken breast is dry so it will prevent excessive coating.
Once coated with flour, dip them in egg mixture, and allow them to drip excess mixture.
Finally, coat them with a dry bread crumbs mixture and shake to take off the excess.

Step5- Air Frying

Place butter paper in an air fryer basket and then put chicken breast into the basket. Make sure they will not touch each other and there will be excessive space in the basket.
Then fry for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the side and fry the other sides for another 5 minutes or until the chicken turns golden in color.

Step6- Topping

When the chicken is done, top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Replace them in an air fryer and cook for 2- 3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Garnish it with basil and parmesan cheese and enjoy healthy, crispy air fried chicken parmesan with pasta, rice, or as it is.

Tips That Will Help

Make sure to fry the chicken in batches if the size of your air fryer is inadequate. If the air fryer basket is stuffed, it will not cook the chicken properly and evenly.
While coating the chicken with eggs make sure that every inch of the chicken will dip in the egg mixture. Otherwise, the bread crumbs won’t adhere to the chicken.
If you are working in batches, then keep the cooked chicken parmesan in a preheated oven so they will remain warm until serving them.

FAQ’s

Does the air fryer need to be heated up beforehand?

When it comes to pre-heating the air fryer, friendly saying it is not necessary. But preheating the air fryer will help as your chicken parmesan will cook evenly. I suggest you preheat the air fryer with its basket inside to ensure even cooking.

Is it ok to air fryer raw chicken?

It is ok and safe to air fry the raw chicken. You can air fry raw chicken even without seasoning and breading it. Remember to clean the chicken before air frying. Rinse with fresh water and then pat dry the chicken with a kitchen towel before air frying.

How long to cook chicken parmesan in an air fryer?

The duration of time required to fry chicken parmesan in an air fryer differs based on the type. Fortunately cooking chicken parmesan in an air fryer requires about 15 minutes on average. Check the user manual of your air fryer before adjusting the cooking time.

Why is my chicken tough in an air fryer?

Firstly, overcooking is the main culprit of tough chicken in air fryers due to overcooking. Secondly, cooking the chicken at high temperatures in air fryers. Make sure to cook at the right temperature and also set the timing according to the recipe. Flipping in halfway will also help to avoid tough chicken.

How to reheat the leftover chicken parmesan?

You can easily reheat the chicken parmesan leftover both in the air fryer or in the microwave. However, microwaves will change the crispy texture of chicken. Reheat the chicken parmesan for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer.

How to store leftover chicken parmesan?

Before storing any leftover chicken parmesan make sure it is completely cool down. Then put it in a zip-lock bag or you can use an airtight container. In this way, it will last for two days in the refrigerator and in the freezer you can store it for a month. I will not suggest storing it for a longer period as it may not taste the same as of fresh one.

How can I make chicken cutlets?

If you are not able to find chicken cutlets in local stores, you can easily make them in your kitchen. Just grab a chicken breast and then cut them equally into two halves using a sharp knife. You can use a hammer to pound the thicker part of the chicken.