Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken Cutlets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken cutlets are a staple in many households, and for good reason: they're easy to cook and incredibly versatile. Traditionally, they're fried in oil until golden brown, but what if there was a way to enjoy this dish without the mess and grease? Enter the air fryer—a kitchen appliance that has gained popularity for its ability to cook crispy, golden, and delicious food with minimal oil. So, can you cook breaded chicken cutlets in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, and here's everything you need to know to get them just right.

Cooking Breaded Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Marinade the chicken cutlets in Italian dressing for flavour and moisture

Breaded chicken cutlets are a staple in many Italian-American homes. They are usually fried in oil until golden brown, but you can easily recreate this recipe using an air fryer with less oil and fewer calories.

To make delicious breaded chicken cutlets in an air fryer, you can first marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for flavour and moisture. This is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients and can be done in two ways. The first method involves marinating the chicken in Italian dressing and garlic for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be. The second method involves brushing the marinade on the chicken just before cooking and then again halfway through the cooking time.

To prepare the marinade, place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl or plastic bag. Add Italian dressing and garlic, and stir or mix until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and then refrigerate.

After marinating, you can proceed with the breading and air-frying process. The Italian dressing will add flavour and moisture to your chicken cutlets, making them a tasty treat for the whole family.

Bread the chicken with a combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning

Breaded chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, and they can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to frying in oil. To make the breading, you will need breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. You can also add other seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, or chili powder.

First, prepare three large shallow bowls in an assembly line. Put flour in the first bowl, beat eggs in the second bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in the third bowl. You can also add other dried herbs and seasonings to this mixture.

Next, season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess until just a light coating remains. Then, dip the chicken in the egg mixture, turning to coat evenly, and letting any excess egg drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, turning a few times to ensure an even and well-coated crust.

Set the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces. You can also spray or brush both sides of the chicken with oil to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it is heating up, dredge the chicken cutlets in egg, shaking off any excess, and then lay them in the breadcrumbs, pressing the coating into the chicken with your fingers. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken cutlets inside in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and spray with olive oil or cooking spray.

Now, you can cook the chicken cutlets for 8-12 minutes. Flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

Cooking breaded chicken cutlets in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without using much oil. It is also a quick and easy method, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Flip the chicken cutlets halfway through to ensure even cooking

When cooking breaded chicken cutlets in an air fryer, it is important to flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking on all sides of the cutlet, preventing undercooked or unevenly cooked chicken. By flipping the cutlets, you allow the air fryer's hot air to circulate around the chicken more effectively, promoting even cooking.

To flip the chicken cutlets, use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over in the air fryer basket. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid breaking the crispy breading on the surface of the chicken. Ensure that the cutlets are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can make flipping them more difficult and hinder even cooking.

When flipping your chicken cutlets, it is also a good opportunity to spray the other side with oil. This will help achieve a crispy, golden exterior similar to traditional deep-fried chicken. The oil can help the breading crisp up and turn a delicious golden brown.

Additionally, flipping the chicken cutlets halfway through allows you to check the internal temperature of the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature indicates that the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.

By following this step of flipping the chicken cutlets halfway through the cooking process, you can ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispy texture and golden color on both sides of the breaded chicken cutlets.

Serve with sides like garlic bread, baby potatoes, creamed corn, or a salad

You can serve breaded chicken cutlets cooked in an air fryer with sides like garlic bread, baby potatoes, creamed corn, or a salad. Here are some tips on preparing these sides in an air fryer:

Garlic Bread

Air fryer garlic bread is a simple and quick recipe that can be prepared within minutes. Start by slicing the bread in half or into pieces that fit easily into the air fryer. Then, mix softened butter, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic in a bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the bread slices. Place the bread in the air fryer basket and cook for about 6-7 minutes. If you want to add cheese, do so in the last 1-2 minutes. For crispier bread, preheat the air fryer before placing the bread inside.

Baby Potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are versatile and can be paired with various dishes. To prepare them, halve the potatoes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle oil, and add seasonings like minced fresh rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Air fry at 400°F for 18-22 minutes until fork-tender and golden brown.

Creamed Corn

Air fryer creamed corn is a delicious side dish or snack. You can use fresh or frozen corn for this recipe. If using frozen corn, soak it in hot water for a few minutes to thaw. Mix the corn with spices, salt, cornstarch, lemon juice, and oil. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for 5 minutes. Spread the marinated corn in a single layer and air fry for 10-14 minutes until crunchy.

Salad

You can easily make a salad in an air fryer. Choose your favorite ingredients, add vegetables, and create a healthy meal. You can air fry romaine lettuce, kale, or other salad greens. For a potato salad, air fry baby potatoes, chill them, chop them into pieces, and add them to your salad. You can also air fry proteins like chicken for a more substantial salad.

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