Air-Frying Chicken Cutlets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken cutlets are a staple in many Italian-American homes, and they are usually fried in oil. However, you can also cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative as it requires little to no oil. The air fryer can give you the same crunchy texture with less prep time, less cooking time, and less oil. You can marinate the chicken cutlets beforehand for added flavor and to keep them juicy, and bread them for a crispy texture. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of chicken cutlets you are cooking, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes for your chicken cutlets to be ready.

Chicken cutlet preparation

Chicken cutlets are a great, quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a staple in many Italian-American homes and can be served in a variety of ways, including in a sandwich, with pasta, or on a salad.

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to slice your chicken breasts into thin, equally sized pieces. You can buy cutlets pre-sliced, or you can slice a chicken breast in half to create two cutlets. If your cutlets are slightly uneven in thickness, you can place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Next, you will need to prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add flour and season with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk some eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can add garlic, salt, and pepper, or try Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or onion powder.

Now, you will need to dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, press them into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well coated. You can also add the egg and breadcrumbs to wax paper to minimize mess and the risk of cross-contamination.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer if recommended by the manufacturer. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Place the chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to cook one or two cutlets at a time.

Cook the chicken at 400°F for about 8 minutes, or until cooked through. At the halfway point, flip the cutlets and spray the other side with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the process for any remaining cutlets.

Serving

Chicken cutlets can be served in a variety of ways. Try them in a sandwich, on a bed of pasta, or sliced on top of a fresh salad. They can also be served with a squeeze of lemon or with your favorite sides.

Storage

Leftover chicken cutlets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4- 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cutlets in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until fully heated.

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer temperature for cooking chicken cutlets is between 375°F and 400°F. At this temperature, you should cook the chicken for around 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking at a slightly lower temperature of 390°F for 10 to 12 minutes, while others recommend cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping, spraying with oil, and then cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so it is always a good idea to consult your device's manual and keep a close eye on the food, especially when trying a new recipe. Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help the chicken cook more evenly and achieve a golden finish. If your air fryer recommends preheating, it is best to do so.

To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken cutlets are of similar size and not overlapping in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the cutlets in batches to maintain optimal airflow.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken cutlets in an air fryer depends on the temperature and whether the chicken is breaded or not. For breaded chicken cutlets, the temperature should be set between 390°F and 400°F and cooked for 10 to 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, the chicken should be flipped and sprayed with oil or cooking spray. For non-breaded chicken cutlets, the temperature should be set to 375°F and cooked for 10 to 15 minutes. Again, halfway through the cooking time, the chicken should be flipped.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To achieve a crispy texture, it is recommended to cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows for optimal airflow and even cooking.

Additionally, preheating the air fryer and marinating the chicken beforehand can enhance the cooking process and the overall taste of the dish.

Chicken cutlet serving suggestions

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

Chicken cutlets can be served as a main course with a variety of sides. Some side dish ideas include:

• Salads, such as a spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, a cherry tomato salad with roasted lemons, or a shaved fennel salad with a light lemon vinaigrette.
• Vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or zucchini and squash.
• Appetizers, such as garlic bread or bruschetta.
• Potatoes, such as mashed potatoes, easy smashed potatoes with mojo sauce, or French fries.
• Rice, such as microwaveable long-grain white rice or brown rice.

As a Sandwich Filling

Chicken cutlets can be used as a sandwich filling, either on their own with a squeeze of lemon or as a base for a chicken Parmesan sandwich with marinara sauce.

As Part of a Larger Dish

Chicken cutlets can be used as a base for larger dishes, such as:

• Chicken Parmesan, with or without a creamy lemony sauce.
• Chicken paprikash, served with mushrooms and creamy sauce over egg noodles with a green salad on the side.
• Chicken Marsala, with Fontina and Parmesan cheese.
• Chicken Milanese.
• Chicken with a creamy mustard sauce, garnished with fresh chopped sage.
• Chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, served over pasta or brown rice.
• Chicken with a sun-dried tomato sauce, served over rice with a vegetable side.
• Chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, served over rice or pasta.
• Chicken with a tangy lemon, caper, and butter sauce.
• Chicken with a zesty salsa.
• Chicken wrapped in prosciutto or bacon.
• Chicken with a panko crust and a fresh tomato and basil topping, served with mashed potatoes.
• Chicken in a cream sauce with lemony pasta.

In a Salad

Chicken cutlets can be chopped up and added to a salad, such as a garlicky kale salad for a protein boost.

With Other Proteins

Chicken cutlets can be served with other proteins, such as prosciutto, bacon, or slabs of fresh mozzarella.

With Different Types of Pasta

Chicken cutlets can be served with different types of pasta, such as zucchini noodles, whole-wheat pasta, or egg noodles.

Storing and reheating chicken cutlets

Storing chicken cutlets

Before storing chicken cutlets, it is important to let them cool completely. Then, wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or bag. Label the container with the date and expiration, which is typically within 3-5 days. If you want to freeze the chicken, use raw chicken and a freezer-safe container; it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating chicken cutlets in the air fryer

Reheating chicken cutlets in an air fryer is a great way to maintain the moisture of the chicken while keeping the outside crispy.

Reheating chicken cutlets in the oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the chicken cutlets in a single layer and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the edges are crispy.

Reheating chicken cutlets in the toaster oven

Preheat the toaster oven and line the tray with foil and cooking spray. Reheat until warmed through and the edges are crisp.

Reheating chicken cutlets in the microwave

Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are not overlapping. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through. The chicken will not be as crispy when using the microwave.

Frequently asked questions