Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Healthy, Easy, Quick)

Craving chicken parmesan but looking for a healthier option? This air fryer chicken parmesan recipe is easy and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy all the flavor without the guilt.

Regular chicken parmesan isn’t necessarily unhealthy, but it can quickly add up in fat and calories. So how you make it and the ingredients you use make a big difference.

What Is An Air Fryer? 

An air fryer is a small-ish, countertop kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air very quickly around the food. This leaves your food with a crispier finished texture that is classic of deep-fried foods, just without all the deep-fried fat.

Is Air Fryer Food Healthier? 

While I suppose it could depend on how you define “healthier, ” by most people’s standards, yes, it would be considered healthier. This is thanks to the air fryer cooking food with little to no fat, which also helps keep caloric content within reason.

Serving Suggestions 

1. The classic way to serve chicken parmesan is over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine noodles topped with some extra marinara and fresh basil leaves. Typical sides would be garlic bread and a salad.
2. A wonderful way to serve this is as a sandwich. Add some fresh mozzarella slices, fresh basil leaves, and some extra marinara to build your sandwich. Serve this with some potato wedges.
3. If you are trying to keep the carbs a little lower, serve this over zucchini noodles with a bit of extra marinara and grated parmesan.
4. Make a salad out of this! Just slice up a breast of chicken parm and mix it into some greens with halved cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped red onions, chopped cucumbers, and even some olives. Use a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing.
5. Make pizza! Chicken parmesan pizza is delicious. Spread marinara over your pizza crust, add the cut-up chicken parmesan, and then sprinkle some grated mozzarella over the top.
6. Make a wrap. Cut the chicken parmesan into smaller pieces and use them to stuff a wrap along with some lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella, and a spoonful of marinara for moisture.
7. Make chicken parmesan nuggets! Simply cut the chicken breasts into bite-size chunks and continue with the recipe. Serve these with some marinara for dipping and a green salad.

FAQs

Can I Put Raw Chicken In An Air Fryer?

Yep! That’s the whole point! That’s how it gets cooked!

What Is The Difference Between Chicken Parmigiana And Chicken Parmesan?

The only difference is the spelling! Parmigiana is simply the Italian spelling for Parmesan. That is the only difference. And while this dish definitely has Italian flavors, this dish is actually quite American!

What Is The Best Temperature To Cook Chicken In An Air Fryer?

This can vary slightly by appliance and by recipe. But generally speaking, the range where air frying chicken works best is between 375F and 390F.

Can I Put Flour On My Chicken Before I Put It In The Air Fryer?

Yes, as long as the flour coating is thin. Remember that the air fryer works by circulating air. So if you have a lot of loose flour on your chicken, all you are going to do is have the air fryer blow it off the chicken again. Always use an egg wash to help things stick to your chicken, especially flour.

About The Ingredients For Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan 

Boneless, skinless chicken breast – You want large, thick cuts. You will be cutting these into 4 pieces.

Salt

Ground black pepper

Chickpea flour

Eggs

Whole wheat panko bread crumbs  – I find mine at Whole Foods. Not all stores carry it, but many do. You can also get these online.

Grated parmesan cheese – Don’t use the finely grated stuff. Larger shreds are better here. If you purchase a block of fresh parmesan and grate it yourself, it’ll be perfect.

Ground paprika

Onion powder – Or onion granules.

Garlic powder – Or garlic granules.

Italian seasoning 

Crushed red pepper flakes – This is optional. There isn’t enough here to really add much spice/heat, but you don’t have to add it if you don’t want any at all.

Marinara sauce – No sugar added.

Shredded mozzarella – It’s best if you get fresh mozzarella and grate it yourself. You’ll get a much better melt than if you buy pre-shredded cheese.

Optional Topping

Chopped parsley – Chop it fine.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Collect and measure all your ingredients. Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half to make 4 thinner breasts. 

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400℉.

Create your dredging station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl,  add the flour. In the second add the eggs, in the third bowl add the breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix to combine.

Working with one chicken breast at a time, fully cover in flour, dip into the eggs (allow excess to drip off) then place in the breadcrumb mixture. Firmly pat the breadcrumbs onto the breast to fully coat it. The more breading the crispier it will be.

Add the chicken into the air fryer and cook for a total of 11 minutes, turning halfway. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Chicken must be placed in a single layer when cooking.)

After the chicken is cooked, top it with marinara and cheese (mozzarella and remaining parmesan) and cook for an additional 2 minutes. 

Garnish with parsley and enjoy.

Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers but know that you won’t get the breading as crisp when you reheat it. If you are okay with that, then freezing will work for up to four months.

Reheat Chicken Parmesan Leftovers

These can be reheated in the air fryer at 375F for 1 or 2 minutes. Don’t let the breading burn.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
• Tuscan Chicken Thighs
• Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

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