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Crispy chicken Parmesan with tomato sauce and cheese

Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crunchy cutlets, molten mozzarella, and bright tomato sauce—without a pot of oil or a soggy underside.

Developed for DishGal · Updated 2026-08-17

Prep15 min
Cook12 min
Total27 min
Cost$3.65

Directions

  1. Set up the breading

    Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt in a third.

  2. Bread

    Pat chicken dry. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture.

  3. 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.

  4. Top

    Spoon marinara over each cutlet and add mozzarella. Air fry 2 to 3 minutes until cheese bubbles and chicken reaches 165°F.

  5. 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.

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.

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.