Whether you’re a pro with an air fryer or a newbie thinking of getting one, this recipe is perfect for anyone who craves a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this chicken cutlets air fryer recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here are all you need to make crispy air fried chicken cutlets.
- Chicken breast
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Eggs
- Avocado oil spray
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Or, rather than panko breadcrumbs, you can also opt for regular breadcrumbs.
You can also try using boneless pork chops instead of chicken breast for a tasty twist.
For an extra spicy chicken cutlet, double or triple the amount of cayenne pepper.
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Chicken Cutlets in Air Fryer?
This recipe is foolproof and ideal for amateur home cooks and seasoned pros. With simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have crispy and golden chicken cutlets in no time.
Plus, the air fryer saves you from dealing with hot oil and messy clean-ups. It’s a win-win!
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
Let’s start by prepping the chicken breast. Place the chicken breast on a chopping board. Cover with plastic wrap. Then, using a meat mallet (or a rolling pin), gently pound the chicken to a thickness of ½ to ¼ inch.
When pounding the chicken, begin at the center and work outward for even thickness.
Then, prepare the breading station.
✦ Be sure to wash your hands in between handling chicken.
You’ll need three separate containers, ideally shallow but wide, to carry out the breading process seamlessly.
In the first container, add the all-purpose flour. The flour acts as the initial coating for the chicken, allowing the eggs to adhere properly in the next step.
Crack and beat the eggs in the second container.
Finally, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in the last container.
This flavorful mixture will provide the perfect crunchy coating, resulting in irresistible crispy air fryer chicken cutlets.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 3: Season and bread the chicken.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Gently rub the chicken to ensure the seasoning is spread evenly.
Dip each chicken breast into all-purpose flour, shaking off excess. This creates a dry surface for the next step.
Next, dip the dredged chicken into beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated. The eggs act as an adhesive to help breadcrumbs stick.
Finally, coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices for a delicious crunch. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to secure the coating.
Step 4: Air fry the chicken cutlets at 400ºF (204ºC) for 10 – 12 minutes.
Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. For larger batches, consider air frying in multiple rounds.
Before cooking, give the chicken cutlets a quick and light spray with avocado oil. This step ensures a crispy and golden brown result that will have your taste buds singing with delight!
Air fry the chicken cutlets at 400ºF (204ºC) for 10 – 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Spray the cutlets with more avocado oil before continuing to air fry.
💡 Pro Tip: Extend the cooking time for 2 – 3 minutes for an extra crispy texture.Â
Step 5: Make a sauce
While the chicken cutlets cook, you can whip up a tasty sauce to go with them. Mix your favorite dipping sauce or try a honey mustard dressing for a delightful combo. I also recommend mayo ketchup, it’s easy, but it tastes really good.
Step 6: Serve & enjoy!
Once they’re done, take the air fried chicken cutlets out and let them rest for 2 – 3 minutes. This helps retain their juiciness. Serve with your choice of sides, like mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies. Remember the sauce for dipping!
So there you have it, an easy and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is a winner for all air fryer enthusiasts and aspiring cooks alike.
Fry it to believe it, and enjoy a fantastic meal with minimal effort!
By the way, we also have another chicken cutlet recipe, also known as Air Fryer Chicken Parm. You should check that out because it turned out really good. You don’t want to miss that.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets?
- Mashed Potatoes: A perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess to complement the savory chicken cutlets.
- Air Fryer Green Beans: A side dish bursting with flavor and nutrients. Simply season the green beans with crushed garlic, salt, and pepper before air frying.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa: Light and refreshing, quinoa adds a healthy touch to your meal, pairing well with the flavorful cutlets.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: You can freeze cooked breaded chicken cutlets for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) and cook them for 12 – 15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the air fried chicken cutlet in the air fryer at 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes to regain that crispy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air frying chicken cutlets take 10 – 12 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
Yes, you can air fry chicken cutlets. They turn out crispy and delicious without the need for excess oil.
Reheat chicken cutlets in the air fryer at 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes until heated through and crispy. The air fryer must be preheated, by the way.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Set up the breading station. Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl (out of three). Put the beaten eggs in the second one. In the third container, combine breadcrumbs with cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Gently pound it to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Bread the chicken cutlets. Dredge the chicken breast with the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated. Finally, press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated on all sides.
- Transfer the chicken cutlets to the air fryer in a single layer. Refrain from overcrowding them. Then, spray with avocado oil.
- Air fry the chicken cutlets for 10 – 12 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Flip halfway and spray with more avocado oil. You can add 2 – 3 more minutes for extra crispness.
- Serve and enjoy. Once done, let the chicken rest at room temperature for a minute or two. Serve your air fried chicken cutlets with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Remember that cooking durations may differ depending on the chicken’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Before serving, ensure it has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.Â
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the chicken cutlets.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the chicken cutlets. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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