Air Fryer Pork Cutlets Recipe

Introduction

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, Air Fryer Pork Cutlets deliver the perfect balance between a satisfying crunch and tender meat—without the mess or excess oil of pan-frying. This approachable recipe combines simple ingredients with the convenience of modern cooking, ensuring dinner is both quick and delicious.

Loved for their versatility, pork cutlets are a crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The air fryer transforms a humble pork chop into a golden, mouth-watering delight.

What Makes Air Fryer Pork Cutlets Irresistible

The magic of this recipe is all about the contrast: a shatteringly crisp coating envelopes juicy, seasoned pork, giving you the best of both worlds. By using an air fryer, you get healthier results without sacrificing crunch. Plus, cleanup is a breeze compared to traditional methods.

Thanks to quick cook times, even beginner home cooks can achieve consistent, golden brown results. Serve with a quick salad or your favorite sides, and you’ll have a memorable meal in under 30 minutes.

Prepping and Breading the Pork Cutlets

Start by selecting boneless pork loin or cutlets—each about ½-inch thick. If needed, use a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to safely prep your meat. For even thickness (which ensures even cooking), gently pound the pork between two pieces of plastic wrap.

The breading is a classic three-step process: dip the pork in flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices), then into beaten eggs, and finally into panko or regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch. For a neater setup, consider using the Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer, Expandable, Large, Black to organize your dredging stations.

Cooking Pork Cutlets in the Air Fryer

Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. To minimize sticking and maximize crisping, line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or consider Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square. Lightly mist the breaded pork on both sides with oil from an olive oil sprayer, which helps achieve that signature golden crust.

Arrange the pork cutlets in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap (work in batches if necessary). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Serving Suggestions for Your Pork Cutlets

Slice your pork cutlets and arrange them atop a fresh salad, or serve with steamed vegetables and a lemon wedge for brightness. For meal prep, store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy lunches.

A creamy dip or tangy slaw complements the savory crunch—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four generous portions. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, depending on breading thickness and oil used. It’s a well-balanced meal with moderate protein and less fat than traditional fried pork cutlets, making it a smarter weeknight choice.

Why Air Fryer Pork Cutlets Should Be Your Next Go-To Dinner (Recap)

This Air Fryer Pork Cutlets recipe delivers big flavor with less mess and less oil than traditional frying. The unbeatable combination of simplicity, crispiness, and juicy meat is sure to win over your dinner crowd—making it an instant favorite for any night of the week.

Instructions

1. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. For easy cleanup, line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or an Air Fryer Paper Liner.
2. On a Bamboo Cutting Board, gently pound each cutlet to even thickness if needed. Pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently for even coating.
4. Arrange the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Mist both sides lightly with olive oil spray for maximum crispiness.
5. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until cutlets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (check with a meat thermometer if desired).
6. Transfer to a plate and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately or store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for later.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy the unbeatable crunch and flavor of air-fried pork cutlets—weeknight dinner just got way better!