Air Fryer Crumbed Cutlets: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Chicken cutlets are a staple in many households, but the traditional frying method can be messy and use a lot of oil. Air fryers provide a healthier alternative to frying chicken cutlets, using indirect heat to seal in the juices and requiring little to no oil. The small size of air fryers means that they are very efficient, and can cook chicken cutlets in as little as 8 to 12 minutes.

Cooking spray and olive oil

Crumbed cutlets, also known as breaded chicken cutlets, are a staple in Italian-American homes. They are usually fried in oil until golden brown, but you can easily recreate this recipe using an air fryer with cooking spray or olive oil.

To make crumbed cutlets in an air fryer, start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. The thinner the cutlets, the faster they will cook, and the crispier they will be without drying out the inside. You can use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.

Next, set up a dredging station. In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg. In a separate shallow bowl, add flour. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian breadcrumbs, or season regular breadcrumbs with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a delicious, cheesy twist.

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken. First, dip the cutlet in the flour, then in the egg, and finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's thoroughly coated. You can also skip the flour and egg and simply spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil before dredging in the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Once your chicken is coated, spritz or spray both sides with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help the outside of the breading get that delicious fried flavor and texture, and will also help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each cutlet to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 375°F and 400°F, and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy.

Your crumbed chicken cutlets are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as-is with a squeeze of lemon, or use them as a base for dishes like Chicken Parmesan, or turn them into a sandwich with your choice of toppings.

Breadcrumbs and seasonings

Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in cooking crumbed cutlets in an air fryer. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and harder than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier texture. For a gluten-free option, gluten-free breadcrumbs or pork rinds can be used.

Before coating the chicken with breadcrumbs, it is recommended to dip the cutlets in flour and egg first. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better to the chicken. You can also add seasonings to the flour or egg mixture for extra flavour.

When preparing the breadcrumbs, combine them with your choice of seasonings and spices. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy flavour. Additionally, spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder can be used to enhance the flavour.

After coating the chicken with the seasoned breadcrumbs, it is essential to spritz or spray both sides of the cutlets with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and gives the dish a fried flavour and texture.

The breadcrumbs and seasonings play a crucial role in achieving the desired taste and texture for crumbed cutlets cooked in an air fryer. By following these steps and choosing your preferred seasonings, you can create delicious and crispy crumbed cutlets.

Chicken preparation

Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, traditionally fried in oil until golden brown. However, you can recreate this recipe using an air fryer with minimal oil or even no oil at all.

• Slicing the Chicken: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into thin, even pieces. The thinner the cutlets, the quicker and more evenly they will cook.
• Drizzling with Oil (Optional): Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. Use your hands to ensure that the chicken is well-coated. The oil helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and gives it a crispy texture.
• Breading the Chicken: Prepare a shallow dish with breadcrumbs and your desired seasonings. You can use regular, fine, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference for texture. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with spices such as oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour. Dip each chicken piece into the egg white, ensuring it is fully coated, and then dredge it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can skip the egg and use mustard or dressing as an adhesive for the breadcrumbs.
• Placing on Wax Paper: Lay out a piece of wax paper or a plate to place your breaded chicken pieces on while you prepare the rest of the batch. This helps minimize mess and prevents cross-contamination from raw chicken.

Once you have prepared all the chicken cutlets, you can proceed to cook them in your air fryer.

Air fryer settings

When cooking crumbed cutlets in an air fryer, there are several settings to consider. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. The temperature is crucial as it ensures the cutlets cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Secondly, decide on the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cutlets and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, chicken cutlets typically require around 8 to 12 minutes in the air fryer, while lamb cutlets may take less time, around 6 minutes in total. It is important to flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Thirdly, consider the size of your air fryer basket and the number of cutlets you can cook at once. To achieve the best crispness, it is recommended to cook the cutlets in batches, allowing enough space between them. For a 5-quart air fryer, cooking two cutlets at a time is usually sufficient, while a 7-quart air fryer can accommodate up to three cutlets without overlapping.

Finally, you can experiment with different settings by using various types of breadcrumbs, seasonings, and oils. For a lighter and crunchier texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs. If you want to add a cheesy twist, mix Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also enhance the flavour by adding spices such as smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or dried parsley. Additionally, spraying the cutlets with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer can help achieve that crispy, golden-brown texture.

Cooking time

The cooking time for crumbed cutlets in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the cutlet and the temperature at which the air fryer is set. For a cutlet that is about 1/4-inch thick, the cooking time is around 8 minutes at 400°F. If the cutlet is thicker, the cooking time will be longer, around 10-12 minutes at the same temperature. It is important to flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

When using an air fryer, it is recommended to cook at a temperature that is 25° to 50° lower than what you would use in a standard oven. Air fryers cook with indirect heat, which helps the meat stay juicier and prevents it from drying out. This also contributes to a shorter cooking time.

For a golden crust, some recipes suggest spritzing the cutlets with cooking spray or brushing them with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to achieve the desired fried flavor and texture.

The size of the air fryer basket also determines how many cutlets can be cooked at once. A smaller air fryer may only be able to cook one or two cutlets at a time, while a larger one may accommodate three or more. It is important to leave room between each cutlet to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Overall, the cooking time for crumbed cutlets in an air fryer can range from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cutlet and the specific air fryer being used. Flipping the cutlets halfway through and ensuring proper air circulation are key steps for achieving the best results.

Frequently asked questions