37 min
Crispy Sheet-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Juicy chicken, crackly Parmesan edges, and roasted broccoli on one pan—with a lemony pan sauce hiding underneath.
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Crunchy cutlets, molten mozzarella, and bright tomato sauce—without a pot of oil or a soggy underside.
Directions
Set up the breading
Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt in a third.
Bread
Pat chicken dry. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture.
Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Spray both sides of chicken with oil. Cook in a single layer for 5 minutes, flip, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
Top
Spoon marinara over each cutlet and add mozzarella. Air fry 2 to 3 minutes until cheese bubbles and chicken reaches 165°F.
Rest
Rest 3 minutes, then finish with basil. Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Why this works
Why it worksOil spray on the crumbs—not the basket—promotes even browning.
Why it worksLow-moisture mozzarella melts without flooding the crust.
Why it worksSauce is added only after the crust is crisp.
Useful kitchen gear
Tools that make this easier.
Compare the function and specifications first; skip anything your kitchen already handles well.
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Swaps & notes
Easy swaps
- Use gluten-free flour and panko.
- Provolone can replace mozzarella.
- For smaller air fryers, cook in batches and keep finished cutlets warm in a 200°F oven.
Cook notes
- Thin, evenly pounded cutlets are essential for even cooking.
- Do not overlap the chicken; airflow is the entire point.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat at 370°F for 4 to 6 minutes.
Questions
Why is the breading pale?
It needs a light, even oil coating. Dry crumbs brown slowly in an air fryer.
Can I use jarred sauce?
Absolutely. Choose a thicker marinara so it stays on the cutlet.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze breaded, uncooked cutlets between parchment. Air fry from frozen at 370°F until cooked, then top and melt cheese.
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
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1. Set up the breadingPlace flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt in a third.
2. BreadPat chicken dry. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture.
3. Air fryPreheat air fryer to 390°F. Spray both sides of chicken with oil. Cook in a single layer for 5 minutes, flip, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
4. TopSpoon marinara over each cutlet and add mozzarella. Air fry 2 to 3 minutes until cheese bubbles and chicken reaches 165°F.
5. RestRest 3 minutes, then finish with basil. Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.