Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

Check out this easy, crispy, and delicious Chicken Parmigiana made with NO OIL!

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana (AKA Chicken Parmesan) gives you the deep-fried satisfaction of the classic with none of the grease and half the effort.

Your chicken cutlets will be crispy, saucy, cheesy, and packed with mouth-watering flavor.

Ingredients 

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Marjoram, Basil, and Thyme)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt

Breading

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 large eggs
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning 
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Toppings

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
• Parsley
• Fresh basil 

Ingredients

Chicken

This recipe uses about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or cut thinly, to get the most crunch in the fastest time, just like the classic dish.

If you decide not to butterfly or slice your chicken breasts in half, make sure you adjust the cooking times. 

Breading

Mixing panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese is the secret to this ultra crispy and flavorful breading.

Panko breadcrumbs are different from regular breadcrumbs because they’re made without crusts, which offers a lighter and cruncher texture, while the parmesan cheese adds saltiness and creaminess.

This recipe is also dredged in flour before dipping it into the eggs, adding another layer of crunchiness! 

Seasonings

The main seasonings you need for this dish are Italian seasoning (Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Marjoram, Basil, and Thyme), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

These flavors complement each other and make the dish stand out from others. Season both the chicken and the breading for ultimate layers of flavor. 

Toppings

Just like the classic, this Chicken Parmigiana is topped with a luscious layer of marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese.

Use as much as you’d like, and don’t forget to garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley and basil! 

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing the breast in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through.

Season your chicken directly to pack in the flavor and let it sit while you prep your breading.

Step 2: Prep the Breading Station

Create an assembly line breading station to make the process quick and easy. First, pour about a ½ cup of flour onto a flat plate.

Next, whisk eggs and Italian seasoning into a wide bowl or a deep dish. Finally, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and seasonings onto another flat plate.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Start by coating each chicken breast in a light dusting of flour. Next, dip each floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, cover each chicken breast in the panko/parmesan mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cook your chicken breasts in a single layer on your Air Fryer’s rack in the basket for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Then flip chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, depending on thickness.

Finally, top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and cheese.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until melted and delicious.

Modifications and Substitutes 

Egg Substitute

Eggs add moisture to the chicken and help your breading stick evenly. Luckily, eggs can be replaced.

Whether you’re allergic, trying to cut cholesterol, or simply out of eggs, here are some simple substitutes!

1.Mayonnaise

Mayo is a great alternative “sticky” substitute for eggs (as long as you’re not allergic). It still adds the necessary moisture and gives you that great crunch you’re looking for.

Simply brush the flour-coated chicken with a thin layer of mayo and then dip in breadcrumbs. The mayo adds a very slightly tangy flavor to the dish and contributes only 94 calories per tablespoon. 

2.Heavy Cream

Heavy cream, milk, soy milk, and rice milk are all great alternatives that help the breading stick evenly and mimic the dipping process of the egg.

Cream doesn’t change the flavor of chicken, but since it’s not as sticky as eggs, be sure to really press your breading into the chicken to get an even, crunchy coating. 

3.Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a thick and creamy substitute that keeps the chicken moist and adds an extra layer of tomato flavor. Coat your chicken in flour and then brush with an even layer of tomato paste for an extra punch! 

Breading Substitute

These are some alternatives to panko breadcrumbs to fit your specific diet that still offer a great crunch and fabulous flavor. No matter which breading you use, remember to add some extra seasoning! 

1.Italian-style Breadcrumbs

Flavorful and delicious, Italian-style breadcrumbs are a great substitute that offers built-in Italiano flavor and a smoother crunch. Unlike the panko, these breadcrumbs come in a finer texture and make a more uniform crust that doesn’t peel off as easily.

2.Parmesan Only

Skip the breadcrumbs altogether for this healthier, gluten-free option! Simply grate fresh parmesan and mix with seasoning, then coat as directed for a flavorful crust with fewer carbs and calories.

Parmesan doesn’t get as crunchy as the breadcrumbs, so you may want to do a second dip in the eggs and parmesan again to get an added layer of “breading.”

3.Pork Rinds

This one may sound odd, but ground up pork rinds make a crispy, Keto-friendly breading that sticks well and adds a whole new layer of flavor. The pork rinds get super crunchy and brown up beautifully in the Air Fryer. 

4.Nuts

Another healthy option! Use ground up walnuts or almonds as another healthy option that adds great crunch and nutty flavor. Blast the nuts in a food processor/blender until fine and follow the recipe as directed.

The nut crust may brown faster than regular breadcrumbs, so lower your temperature by 20% and keep an eye on it! 

Keto-Friendly

Skip the flour and choose option 2, 3, or 4 from the Breading Substitutes to make this recipe Keto friendly!

Your chicken will still be crunchy and delicious, without the added carbs. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella too, because many pre-shredded cheeses are covered in starch to prevent sticking. 

Cheese Option 

While this recipe uses shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese on top, you can easily replace it with provolone cheese for a sharper taste with similar melty creaminess.

Fresh provolone is always recommended, and feel free to try out a smoked provolone to add an even richer flavor. 

The Sauce 

Marinara is the classic, so feel free to use your favorite jarred sauce or make your own! You can also substitute spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce, which both offer similar tomato flavor.

Pizza sauce is the most concentrated of the three options, so you might want to use slightly less than usual.

Cooking Times By Air Fryer Model 

Short On Time? 

Prepare this recipe ahead of time by breading all your chicken and storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours and then cook as directed.

Freeze For Later

This dish may also be frozen and cooked later. You can do this with either cooked or uncooked chicken. 

Cooked: Cook the chicken as directed, but don’t add the sauce and cheese. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely and place in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm and store in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. 

When you’re ready, cook frozen chicken in your Air Fryer for about 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until crispy. Add sauce and cheese and finish off for another 2-3 minutes. 

Uncooked: Season and bread each chicken breast as directed. Place each piece in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until completely frozen. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 

When you’re ready, cook frozen chicken in your Air Fryer for about 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until crispy. Add sauce and cheese and finish off for another 2-3 minutes. 

Tips and Tricks 

• Prep all your ingredients ahead of time to save you time and energy. 
• Always use fresh cheeses for the best flavor!
• Buy thin cut chicken breasts to save time on butterflying/slicing.
• Add extra seasoning to your breadcrumbs for the most well-rounded bite.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This quick and easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana recipe is ready in just 30 minutes with classic ingredients found around the house. Skip standing over a hot skillet filled with grease and make this golden, crispy, cheesy, delicious Chicken Parmigiana in half the time without breaking a sweat! 

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Marjoram, Basil, and Thyme)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 large eggs
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning 
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
• Parsley
• Fresh basil 

Instructions

1. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing each breast in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through. 
2. Season your chicken and set aside.
3. Pour ½ cup of flour onto a flat plate. 
4. Whisk eggs and Italian seasoning into a wide bowl or a deep dish. 
5. Mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and seasonings onto another flat plate.
6. Coat each chicken breast in a light dusting of flour. 
7. Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg mixture.
8. Cover each chicken breast in the panko/parmesan mixture on both sides.
9. Cook your chicken breasts in a single layer on your Air Fryer’s rack in the basket for 5-6 minutes. 
10. Flip chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. 
11. Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and cheese and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until melted. 
12. Remove from the Air Fryer, garnish, and serve with your favorite side!

Notes

• Butterflying the chicken gives you a crispier bite and shortens your wait time. If you skip this step, cook for an extra 4-5 minutes on each side.  
• Use fresh parmesan cheese for this recipe. The fresh cheese adds creaminess and saltiness that you just can’t get from the pre-grated stuff.
• Add seasonings to taste, but I recommend a little extra in the breading so that you get a good amount attached to your chicken. 
• Keep a close eye on your melting cheese — it burns quickly! 
• Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even with extra sauce on a bun! 
• Store leftovers in an airtight container after cooling completely for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 6
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1268Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 491mgSodium: 4415mgCarbohydrates: 78gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 121g

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