Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Italian Breaded Pork Cutlets
Introduction
Few things beat the universal appeal of Italian breaded pork cutlets—especially when they’re transformed into a crispy, golden delight without a drop of deep-frying oil. This Air Fryer Italian Breaded Pork Cutlets recipe simplifies the classic and brings unmatched crunch and flavor to your table in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish wows with its juicy meat, fragrant herbs, and irresistibly crisp crust.
What Makes Air Fryer Pork Cutlets So Good?
The secret is in the ultra-crispy breading, perfectly achieved with an air fryer. The result: juicy, tender pork encased in a crackling shell of golden breadcrumbs enhanced with Italian herbs and Parmesan. Forget the mess or lingering oil smells—this streamlined method yields restaurant-worthy results with minimal fuss. The cutlets cook up evenly and quickly, making them ideal for a family-friendly meal or an elevated sandwich.
How to Prepare Pork Cutlets for Extra Crunch
For maximum crispness, start by pounding your pork cutlets to ensure even thickness—about 1/2 inch is ideal for quick, even cooking. Use a sturdy plastic wrap or zip-top bag to contain splatters. A sharp chef’s knife and steady hand are enough, but for those who want efficiency and uniformity with minimal effort, a quality cutting board such as Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 helps streamline prep and keep your counters safe.
Dredging the cutlets in flour, dipping them in egg, and pressing them into seasoned breadcrumbs should be done with care for optimal coating. Consider organizing your dredging station with handy containers from the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for a tidy, spill-resistant process.
Simple Steps for Perfectly Breaded Cutlets in an Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer ensures an even, crispy finish. Lay the breaded cutlets in a single layer without overlapping, and use Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square to make cleanup effortless and prevent sticking. A light spritz of oil, using a quality sprayer like the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black, helps the coating crisp up without adding excess fat.
Flip halfway through for even browning and use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (safe internal temp for pork is 145°F).
Serving Suggestions & How to Keep Cutlets Ultra Crispy
For a classic meal, pair your hot cutlets with a crisp green salad using the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for swift salad prep or delightful meal-prep lunches. Leftovers can also be sliced and added to sandwiches, tossed in wraps, or served over pasta. To maintain crispiness, serve immediately and avoid stacking the cutlets.
If prepping ahead, a quick reheat in the air fryer refreshes their crunch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 large cutlets, each packed with protein and delivering satisfying flavor without excessive oil. Generally, each serving contains about 300–350 calories and is lower in fat than traditional fried versions, making it a balanced weeknight favorite.
Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Italian Breaded Pork Cutlets (Recap)
These air fryer Italian breaded pork cutlets ensure you don’t sacrifice flavor or texture for convenience. Juicy, savory, and gloriously crispy, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both busy families and spontaneous dinner parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the pork cutlets to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, placing them on a Bamboo Cutting Board and covering with plastic wrap to avoid mess.
- Prepare your dredging station: add flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a third. Use Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep ingredients organized and minimize cleanup.
- Coat each cutlet in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3 minutes. Line the basket with a sheet of Air Fryer Paper Liner for easy release and cleanup.
- Spray both sides of the breaded cutlets lightly with olive oil using the YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer. Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). For precise results, check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Enjoy a meal that’s big on Italian flavor, unbelievably crispy, and ready in less than half an hour—all with less mess and easy cleanup!
