Description
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a quick, healthier comfort food option. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in the air fryer, they deliver an unbeatable crunch without deep-frying, making them a fast and family-friendly meal full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 thinly sliced chicken cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Asiago/Pecorino for variation)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start with thin, even chicken cutlets for quick and uniform cooking. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces or gently pound them to an even thickness.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken Cutlets: Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated on all sides for a crisp finish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare Cutlets: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Spray both sides of the breaded cutlets lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to help activate that golden crust.
- Air Fry the Cutlets: Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece for proper air circulation. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken to uniform thickness to ensure all cutlets cook evenly without drying out.
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating the air fryer guarantees a crispy outer layer right from the start.
- Light Oil Spray: Just a light mist of oil on both sides of the cutlets helps develop a golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give cutlets space in the basket; overcrowding causes sogginess instead of crispiness.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a better crunch than traditional breadcrumbs thanks to their airy texture.
- Variations: Add herbs like oregano or thyme, spice it up with cayenne, or make it gluten-free by using suitable flour and breadcrumbs alternatives.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg