Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Introduction
Craving that irresistibly crispy chicken cutlet without the mess and calories of deep frying? These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets deliver all the crunch and succulence you love, thanks to clever breading and the magic of air circulation. Quick to prepare and delightfully lighter, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying lunches, or impressing guests with ease.
Why These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Stand Out
The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy exterior without excessive oil, letting the natural juiciness of the chicken shine through. Using fresh breadcrumbs and aromatic seasonings, each bite packs flavor and crunch. The ease and speed of the air fryer mean you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup to boot.
Preparing and Breading the Chicken
For best results, start with evenly sliced chicken breasts. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to a uniform thickness—this ensures even cooking. Set up a classic breading station: dip each piece in flour, then beaten egg, and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs for that signature crunch.
Level up the prep by resting your breaded cutlets on a lined tray. Using Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll keeps each piece from sticking and makes transferring to the air fryer pan a breeze.
How to Achieve Peak Crispiness in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer for optimal crunch. For a foolproof result, line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature, which helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up even simpler. Spray both sides of the cutlets with a light mist of oil using the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking. Cook in a single layer—working in batches if necessary—until golden brown and perfectly cooked through.
Check doneness instantly and ensure juicy results with a Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital, Instant Read, taking the internal temperature to 165°F without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Serve these cutlets hot from the fryer with a squeeze of lemon, nestle into fluffy rolls for a quick sandwich, or slice them over a vibrant salad. Use the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for an on-the-go meal with greens and your favorite dressing. Pair with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a homestyle dinner—all with a crispy twist.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 hearty cutlets. Each serving contains around 270–330 calories (depending on breading and oil use), making it a leaner alternative to traditional fried chicken. Thanks to air-frying, you can enjoy all the crunch without the oily aftermath.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (Recap)
These cutlets are a win for flavor, crispiness, and convenience. The air fryer delivers perfect results every time—juicy inside, golden outside—making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again for quick, crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pound to ½-inch thickness using a mallet.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: Place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Let the breaded cutlets rest on a tray lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt at 400°F for 2–3 minutes. Line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature for easy clean-up.
- Arrange cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides lightly with oil using the YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer for Cooking.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flip, spray again, and continue to cook for another 5–6 minutes or until crisp and the internal temperature reads 165°F on an Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital, Instant Read.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
