This air fryer veal parmesan recipe is a budget-friendly dinner that uses tender cuts of veal in a delicious new way.
This dish has the classic flavors of veal parmesan but is made in the air fryer without all that extra oil. This is a healthy veal recipe that will be a hit with your family and friends.
This is an excellent twist on the classic Italian American dish, chicken parm. I grew up eating veal parmesan, which is packed with a surprising amount of flavor. Like chicken parmesan, veal parmesan is one of the most popular recipes in Italian cuisine, so I wanted to make it in the air fryer today!
Without the oil, it’s a tender, juicy, and delicious meal that cooks in minutes. Serve with your favorite pasta; it’s a great and easy meal!
Everyone loves an excellent veal parm, and it’s a great meal that makes for a superb veal parm sub the next day! It’s also a great way to use leftover veal.
If you love a great and Easy Air Fryer Italian Recipe, my favorite recipes are AIR FRYER ITALIAN STUFFED MUSHROOMS, AIR FRYER HOMEMADE ITALIAN AND GARLIC CROUTONS, AIR FRYER ITALIAN DRESSING CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER ITALIAN MEATLOAF.
What Is Veal Parmesan
Veal Parmesan, or Veal Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried veal cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan.
It’s a variation of the traditional Chicken Parmesan, replacing chicken with tender veal for a richer and more indulgent flavor. The dish is often served with pasta or as a sandwich, popular in Italian restaurants and home kitchens.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Veal Parmesan
- Crispy Texture: Air frying veal Parmesan results in a perfectly crispy exterior, reminiscent of the traditional fried version, without excessive oil. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch contrasting beautifully with the tender veal.
- Healthier Option: Enjoy the indulgent flavors of veal Parmesan with significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods. Air frying reduces the calorie and fat content while providing that irresistible crispy coating.
- Quick and Convenient: Air frying veal Parmesan is quicker than traditional methods, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The air fryer preheats rapidly, and the veal cooks perfectly in just a fraction of the time it takes to fry or bake in the oven.
- Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures even cooking throughout the veal cutlets, eliminating the risk of unevenly cooked or burnt spots. Each piece comes out perfectly cooked and uniformly golden brown, guaranteeing a delicious and consistent result every time.
- Customizable Flavors: Experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and seasonings to customize your air fryer veal Parmesan to your taste preferences. The air fryer allows for endless flavor variations, whether you prefer extra gooey cheese or a spicy marinara sauce.
- Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to messy stovetops and greasy frying pans. Air frying veal Parmesan requires minimal cleanup, as there’s no oil splatter or deep-frying mess to contend with. Remove the removable parts of the air fryer and wash them with soap and water, or place them in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Veal Parmesan
Prepare to indulge in a healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite with Air Fryer Veal Parmesan. Thanks to the magic of air frying, this recipe offers all the delicious flavors of traditional veal Parmesan but with less oil and fuss.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Eggs: Prepare a simple egg wash using beaten eggs, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the veal cutlets and creates a golden brown crust when air-fried.
- Panko or Italian Breadcrumbs: Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs to coat the veal cutlets, adding a flavorful crunch to each bite. Alternatively, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier coating.
- Sliced Veal: Select tender veal cutlets pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. Veal offers a delicate flavor and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating and melted cheese.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite marinara sauce to top the veal cutlets, adding rich tomato flavor and moisture. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own from scratch for a personalized touch.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Combine shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to top the veal cutlets before air frying. The melted cheese creates a gooey, indulgent layer that enhances the overall flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Veal Parmesan
To make Air Fryer Veal Parmesan, follow these simple steps:
Preparation:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (176°C) for a few minutes.
- Season veal cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and one with breadcrumbs, seasonings, and oil.
Coating:
- Dip the floured cutlets into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the cutlets evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Use your hands to pat down the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Frying:
- Place the breaded veal cutlets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spray the tops of the cutlets lightly with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the veal is golden brown and cooked through.
Note: the actual time it will take your veal to cook will depend on how thick your veal is. For best results, use a meat thermometer, and insert it into the thickness part of the veal. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees F.
Topping:
- Remove the cooked veal cutlets from the air fryer and top each with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Finishing:
- Return the topped veal cutlets to the air fryer basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the veal Parmesan from the air fryer.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil, and serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as pasta or a crisp salad.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of traditional breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Variation: Add a kick of heat by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top before air frying.
- Caprese Style: For a fresh and vibrant twist, skip the marinara sauce and cheese, and instead top the air-fried veal cutlets with slices of fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before a final round of air frying.
- Mushroom and Spinach Topping: Sauté sliced mushrooms and spinach in olive oil until softened, then spoon the mixture over the air-fried veal cutlets before topping with marinara sauce and cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Parmesan Crusted Variation: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of cheesy goodness and flavor. This adds a rich and savory element to the dish.
Feel free to get creative and customize these variations to suit your taste preferences. With Air Fryer Veal Parmesan, the possibilities are endless!
Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Veal Parmesan turns out perfectly:
- Pound the Veal Thinly: For tender veal cutlets, pound them to an even thickness before breading. This ensures that they cook evenly and prevents any parts from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer ensures that the veal starts cooking immediately when you place it inside, resulting in a crispy exterior. It also helps to reduce overall cooking time.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly coat the breaded veal cutlets with cooking spray before air frying. This helps promote even browning and crisping, resulting in a crunchy texture reminiscent of traditional frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the breaded veal cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding can hinder air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
- Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even browning on both sides, flip the veal cutlets halfway through the cooking time. This helps achieve a golden brown crust on both sides of the cutlets.
- Add Cheese Towards the End: Wait until the last few minutes of cooking to add the marinara sauce and cheese on top of the veal cutlets. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and burning before the veal is fully cooked.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Air Fryer Veal Parmesan immediately after cooking. This ensures that the veal cutlets remain crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside.
With these pro tips, you’ll be able to master Air Fryer Veal Parmesan and enjoy a delicious and healthier version of this classic Italian dish right in your own kitchen!
Storing
- To Store in The Refrigerator: Let the veal parmesan cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will be kept in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Add it to the microwave or the air fryer, and heat until warm.
- To Freeze: Nothing is better than making a double batch and freezing it for the next day. Note: When you freeze, do not add the marinara or sauce. Freeze the veal cutlets only. Place the cooked veal cutlets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the baking sheet into the freezer, and freeze until the cutlets are frozen solid. Then remove them and put the veal into a freezer bag or container. They will last for about 2 to 3 months.
- To Use From Frozen: For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add your sauce and cheese, and microwave or air fry. Heat until warmed through.
How To Cook Frozen Veal Patties In Air Fryer
Place the frozen veal cutlets into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F air fryer setting, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove when the veal is fully cooked.
Faq’s
Yes, you can use veal chops for Air Fryer Veal Parmesan, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly. Veal chops are thicker than cutlets, so they may require a longer cooking time in the air fryer.
While it’s best to enjoy veal Parmesan fresh, you can prepare the breaded veal cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the marinara sauce and cheese just before air frying and serving.
A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese works best for topping veal Parmesan. The mozzarella cheese melts into a gooey layer, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory flavor.
The veal cutlets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. To ensure they’re done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for veal.
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. However, homemade marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce can also be used for a personalized touch.
Air Fryer Veal Parmesan pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and a side salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious served on a crusty roll as a sandwich.
While the air fryer is great for cooking the veal Parmesan, it’s not suitable for cooking pasta. Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions on the stovetop while the veal is air frying.
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Don’t Forget to Pin!
Air Fryer Veal Parmesan
Description
Ingredients
- 4 slices veal cutlets
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs , or Panko
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
- Then in a small bowl, add your eggs and beat until frothy with a fork. In another bowl, add your bread crumbs, Italian seasonings, and oil.
- Breadcrumb or panko mixture. Use your hands to pat down the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray your basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner, and set the breaded veal on top. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. Flipping hallway.
- Add your cooked veal to a small pan, and pour the marina sauce over the veal and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Air fry for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Notes
Nutrition
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