Air Fryer Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

This air fryer gluten free chicken parmesan recipe is healthier than its fried counterpart. Yet, it’s crispy golden brown chicken topped with cheesy mozzarella and marinara sauce on the table in under 20 minutes. 

Air fryer chicken parmesan is a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. One thing I personally love about it is that you can serve it over pasta for the kids, and over spaghetti squash: better than pasta, by the way, for the adults looking to watch their weight. It also goes great with pan fried squash and zucchini. sautéed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or even macaroni and cheese! 

In the past I would make chicken Parmesan in a baking dish until. But then, I invested in an air fryer because we typically don’t fry much food in our home. That is because it is not always the healthiest option and the oil can get quite messy, requiring lots of cleanup.  

Now, this recipe is one of my favorite air fryer gluten-free main dishes to make, especially on busy nights. It's quick and easy, it's healthy, and it's absolutely delicious. It's the trifecta! Just like my Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

The best part? Gluten free breadcrumbs taste exactly like regular breadcrumbs, so no one can tell the difference.

Why you will love this recipe

• The Ingredients are Simple: Everything you need to make this recipe is either in your kitchen or at your local grocery store. There are zero specialty ingredients to track down for gluten-free chicken parm!
• The Recipe is Easy: I use jarred sauce to cut down on time drastically. The entire recipe only takes a few simple steps and about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Classic Flavor: This air fryer chicken parmesan is full of the same delicious Italian flavor as traditional chicken parm. You can't tell the difference between gluten free and regular bread crumbs.
• Less Mess: Air frying the chicken uses very little oil and creates zero spatter.
• Customizable: It's easy to change up the ingredients to create your own versions.
• Great for Meal Prep: These are freezer-friendly, so you can make extra to save for future meals.

Ingredients

You can find a complete list of the ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

I always use Springer Mountain Farms chicken for my recipes. They never use added antibiotics or hormones, never add animal by-products to their feed, and they're certified humane. These are simply the best cutlets option. 

Variations

• Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Feel free to use traditional bread crumbs in place of gluten free bread crumbs if you don't have gluten issues. You can also use almond flour for a crispy coating that keeps the recipe gluten free.
• Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice, but you could also use something like provolone or grated parmesan cheese.
• Sauce: Marinara sauce is the traditional choice, but really, your favorite red sauce will work well. Every sauce changes the this gluten-free chicken parmesan just a little.
• Spicy: Add a little cayenne or some red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Chicken and Garlic Pasta: Use the breaded chicken in this recipe as a replacement for the chicken in my pasta with chicken and garlic for a tasty breaded addition.
• Seafood: Use shrimp or prawns for a seafood gluten free parmesan cheese dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Gluten Free Parmesan

Step 1. Set up a dredge station with a bowl of breadcrumbs and seasonings and a bowl of egg. Then dip the chicken into the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs.

Step 2. Transfer the coated breasts to an air fryer basket rubbed with olive oil, and lightly spray the breasts with olive oil to help them crisp.

Step 3. Cook the chicken at 390°F, flipping halfway through, until golden on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5. Then, top with marinara sauce and air fry until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melted.

Step 6. Serve over spaghetti squash, zoodles, or pasta.

Expert Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and accurate cooking times. It only takes about five minutes.
• Flatten your chicken to uniform thickness with the flat side of a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking.
• The best way to flatten your chicken is to place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Then, use the meat tenderizer. This protects the chicken and prevents bacterial spread.
• Always brush real oil onto your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Never use nonstick spray, as it can damage your basket's nonstick coating over time.
• Chicken breast thicknesses and sizes vary. Always check your chicken for an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Air Fryer Gluten Free Parmesan Chicken FAQ

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📖 Recipe

Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

1x2x3x

This air fryer gluten free chicken parmesan is healthier than its fried counterpart. Yet, it’s crispy golden brown chicken topped with cheesy mozzarella and marinara sauce on the table in under 20 minutes.

5 from 31 votes

Nicole Kendrick

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Video

1x2x3x

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Meat Tenderizer
• ▢
  Ultenic Air Fryer
• ▢
  Measuring cups
• ▢
  Measuring spoons
• ▢
  Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 oz Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts or any chicken breast 
• ▢ ¾ cup gluten-free bread crumbs
• ▢ ¼ cup Grated Parmesan
• ▢ ½ teaspoon thyme
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 cup marinara sauce
• ▢ 1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese use dairy free to make this meal DF

Instructions

 

• Flatten chicken with a meat tenderizer.
• In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
• In another bowl, add in the egg and whisk together.
• Rub olive oil on air fryer tray.
• Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess and then into the bread crumb mixture.Place the chicken on air fryer tray.
• Lightly spray with olive oil.
• Cook in the air fryer on 390 ℉ for 7 minutes.
• Carefully flip chicken and cook again for 7 more minutes.
• Cover chicken mozzarella, sauce, and optional fresh parsley.
• Air fry on 400 ℉ for 1 minute.
• Remove and drizzle with more cheese and sauce if you would like.
• Sprinkle with parmesan if you wish. Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 ℉ when finished cooking.

Notes

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you know you'll have leftovers, add the sauce at the end instead of directly to the breasts to avoid a soggy coating. 
• Air fry at 350 degrees for 10 minutes to keep the breading crispy. 

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and accurate cooking times. It only takes about five minutes.
• Flatten your chicken to uniform thickness with the flat side of a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking.
• The best way to flatten your chicken is to place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Then, use the meat tenderizer. This protects the chicken and prevents bacterial spread.
• Always brush real oil onto your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Never use nonstick spray, as it can damage your basket's nonstick coating over time.
• Chicken breast thicknesses and sizes vary. Always check your chicken for an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 40gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 762mgPotassium: 717mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 396IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 1mg

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