Chicken parmesan — crispy breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melting mozzarella — is a crowd-pleaser, and the air fryer keeps the coating crisp under the cheese. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make chicken parmesan in an air fryer?
A: Breadcrumb the chicken and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–14 minutes, then top with sauce and mozzarella and melt for 3–4 minutes.
Q: How do you keep it crispy?
A: Crisp the chicken first, then add the topping near the end so the coating doesn't go soggy.
Times & temperatures
| Stage | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp the chicken | 200°C / 400°F | 12–14 min |
| Melt the topping | 200°C / 400°F | 3–4 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, flattened
- 50g flour, 1 egg, 80g breadcrumbs
- 150g passata or tomato sauce
- 80g mozzarella, parmesan
Method
- Coat the chicken in flour, egg and breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 200°C for 12–14 minutes.
- Top with sauce and cheese.
- Melt for 3–4 minutes; serve.
Tips
- Flatten the chicken for even cooking.
- Top near the end so the coating stays crisp.
- Serve with mac and cheese or a salad.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make chicken parmesan in an air fryer?
Breadcrumb the chicken and air fry at 200°C for 12–14 minutes, then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella and melt for a further 3–4 minutes.
How do you stop chicken parmesan going soggy?
Crisp the breaded chicken fully first, then add the sauce and cheese only near the end so the coating stays crisp.
Can you use chicken from frozen?
It's best to breadcrumb fresh chicken. If using frozen breaded fillets, cook them through first, then add the topping.