Air Fryer Chicken Parm Sandwich

Crispy, cheesy, saucy—this Air Fryer Chicken Parm Sandwich is everything you love about classic chicken parmesan, served up sandwich-style and made easier (and lighter) with the help of the air fryer.

Using juicy chicken thighs coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, air-fried until golden, and topped with melty mozzarella and zesty marinara, this is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Stack it high on a toasted bun with extra sauce and basil, and you’ve got a handheld Italian-American classic that hits every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm Sandwich

• Crispy without deep frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch with way less oil.
• Quick and easy: Done in under 20 minutes, this is a weeknight winner.
• Full of flavor: Italian-seasoned panko, rich marinara, gooey cheese—it’s comfort food at its finest.
• Customizable: Add extra toppings, spice it up, or use your favorite bun.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Chicken parmesan is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. But sometimes, you don’t want to go through the whole frying process—or you’re just craving a sandwich. This air fryer version gives you all the texture and flavor you love, without the hassle or heaviness of traditional frying.

The air fryer chicken is juicy inside and super crispy outside, and once it’s topped with marinara and cheese and tucked into a soft toasted bun, it’s truly something special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and satisfying sandwich:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Cooking oil spray
• ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 sandwich buns, toasted
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Breading

In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

In a separate bowl, beat one egg for your egg wash.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken thigh into the egg wash, then press into the seasoned panko mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Press the breadcrumbs in so they stick well.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Spray both sides of the chicken with cooking oil spray and place in your air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Top each piece of chicken with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Toast your sandwich buns, then stack the chicken parm on the bottom half of each bun. Add more marinara sauce if you like, a fresh basil leaf, and finish with the top bun.

Serve hot and enjoy every bite.

Tips & Tricks

• Use thighs for extra juiciness: Thighs stay moist and tender, even in the air fryer.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumb mix.
• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
• Double the batch: These sandwiches reheat well in the air fryer—great for meal prep!

A Sandwich Worth Craving

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwich delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic dish—with a crispy golden crust, melty cheese, and rich marinara—but with way less mess. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to serve on a special occasion.

Whether you're craving Italian flavors or just need a killer sandwich to get you through the day, this one is a must-try.