30-Minute Air Fryer Veal Parmesan
Tender veal cutlets coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This lighter version of the Italian-American classic delivers the same satisfying flavors and textures with less oil. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes. The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the veal juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 4 slices veal cutletschicken breast1:1gluten-free
pound thin for even cooking
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs ( or Panko)panko breadcrumbs + Italian seasoning1:1mentioned in recipeadds gluten
mix 1 cup panko with extra 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F
- 2
Beat eggs until frothy in a small bowl
- 3
Combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and oil in another bowl, pat down with hands
- 4
Dip veal cutlets in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture
- 5
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper
- 6
Place breaded veal in basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through
- 7
Transfer cooked veal to small pan, pour marinara sauce over top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese
- 8
Air fry for another 2 to 4 minutes until cheese melts
- 9
Plate and serve
Tips
Pat the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the veal for better adhesion and even coating
Use a meat thermometer to ensure veal reaches 160°F internal temperature for food safety
Let the veal rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices before serving
Good to Know
refrigerate cooked veal parmesan for up to 3 days in airtight container
bread the veal cutlets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook
serve immediately while cheese is still melted and coating is crispy
Common Mistakes
avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness
don't skip preheating the air fryer to achieve proper browning
use cooking spray or parchment to prevent sticking to the basket
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
mix 1 cup panko with extra 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
FAQ
Can I use frozen veal cutlets for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw completely first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before breading for best results.
What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder, or use just dried basil for a simpler flavor.
How long will leftover veal parmesan keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.