Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you enjoy the taste of Chicken Parmesan, but dread making it because it simply takes too long, you are going to love this Air Fryer recipe. All the flavors of this classic Italian meal made in a fraction of the time that it takes to cook in the oven!

While the chicken cooks, make some pasta to enjoy it in as a traditional dish. Or you could place the chicken inside a hoagie roll and make yourself a sub.

Although I also like to make it as a stand alone chicken dish and serve it with roasted vegetables for a lower-carb meal. However, regardless of how you choose to serve it, the best part of all is that you will be enjoying a delicious meal that is ready in under 30 minutes!

What Size Chicken Breast Will You Need

The first step to making this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is to purchase boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You will want the chicken breasts to be thin so that it cooks quickly in the air fryer.

If you cook large, thick pieces of meat, the breading will become too brown before the chicken has time to cook all the way through. Therefore, either purchase two thin breasts or cut one large breast into two thin pieces.

Because I typically purchase a family size pack of chicken breasts (because they are much cheaper per pound), I most often have large pieces of meat in my refrigerator and freezer. However, one chicken breast is more than enough to feed the two of us.

To cut the chicken to make two thinner breasts start by placing the chicken on a cutting board. Then use the palm of your non-dominant hand and press firmly.

Use the other hand to cut through the chicken, parallel to the cutting board. Once you have cut through to the other side you will end up with two thin breasts.

However if there is one side that is thicker than the other be sure to pound it out. You will want to make sure that each breast is equal in thickness from top to bottom.

How To Bread The Chicken

Although you could cook plain chicken breasts in the air fryer, the traditional way to make Chicken Parmesan is to bread the chicken first. You can do this by dipping each piece of meat into a whisked egg and then coat it in the breading.

However, I find that there is more flavor when I use Dijon mustard as the binder instead of the egg. All you have to do is slather the mustard all over the chicken and then coat each piece in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

The simple combination of the breading will give you an exterior coating that is not only crispy, but full of flavor as well. Especially if you use Italian breadcrumbs.

If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, no worries. Make your own by adding 1/2 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning to either plain breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs.

It really adds a nice touch of Italian flavor to your meal. And with very little effort!

Gluten Free Option

If you are looking for a Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan Recipe that you can make in the air fryer, it is easy to do with just a couple of modifications.

Simply start with Gluten-Free breadcrumbs. Then be sure that the marinara sauce is gluten free. Most brands of marinara sauce are naturally gluten free, however some contain wheat as an additive during processing.

Then when it is time to serve, place the chicken over gluten-free pasta and dinner is ready!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

1. Over Pasta – The traditional method of serving this dish is over a bed of pasta. Most often, spaghetti noodles are used as the holding bed. However any pasta will work.
2. As A Sub – If you go to any casual or fast-food type of Italian restaurant, you will be sure to find a Chicken Parm. sub on the menu. You can’t go wrong with enjoying the classic flavors in a hand held form.
3. With Salad & Breadsticks – If you are looking for a complete meal, add a small garden side salad and breadsticks or garlic knots to your plate. The salad will lighten the meal up and the bread will come in hand to soak up any sauce or cheese that might have fallen on the plate.
4. Roasted Vegetables – If you are looking for a healthier alternative you can’t go wrong with adding a side of roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and even roasted squash are all great options.
5. Baked or Mashed Potatoes – Potatoes pair perfectly with both chicken, marinara sauce and cheese. You can even use your air fryer to make Baked Potatoes!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. chicken breast, cut into two thinner chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat Air Fryer to 360°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, let the air fryer run for 4 minutes at 360°F.

Cut the chicken breast in half, making two thinner chicken breasts. Pound out any thicker areas to make the chicken the same thickness. Set aside.

Mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Slather each chicken breast with Dijon mustard, coating both sides.

Then place the coated chicken breasts in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Coat one side, then flip and coat the other side. Lightly pat the crumbs onto the surface of the chicken so that it sticks.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with oil. Then place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer inside of the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray the top of each chicken breast with oil and air fryer for 6 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Then top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

*The actual cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the brand and size of your air fryer. Begin checking for doneness after 10 minutes of total cook time.

Air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with an instant read digital thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Oven Instructions

Place the breaded chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Put the dish in a preheated oven set at 425°F and bake for 15 minutes.

Flip the chicken over and top with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake for another 6-8 minutes. Then place under the broiler for 2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.

Enjoy! Mary

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