Air Fryer Cutlets: Deep Frying Without The Oil?

Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to deliver the same delicious results as deep frying with less oil and mess. While air fryers cannot truly replace deep frying for all tasks, they can be used to deep fry cutlets. To achieve the perfect crunch, it is important to select the right ingredients, prepare the food properly, preheat the air fryer, and follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures.

Chicken cutlet ingredients and prep

Chicken cutlets are easy to make and require ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here is a list of ingredients and preparation steps to make chicken cutlets in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Egg whites
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil spray

Optional Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• Cumin
• Paprika or cayenne pepper
• White pepper
• Onion powder

Prep:

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and place them on a piece of plastic wrap.
• Use a rolling pin or a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts until they are thin and uniform in size.
• Cut the chicken into cutlet-sized pieces.
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Set up a breading station by combining the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in one container, whisking together eggs in another, and mixing flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a third.
• Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet.
• Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with cooking spray.
• Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure there is enough room for the air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
• Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil spray.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

When deep frying in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook at a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of food. However, for chicken cutlets, a higher temperature is recommended to achieve a crispy golden crust. One recipe suggests cooking at 400°F for about 8 minutes, while another recommends 390º F for 10 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a recipe specifically designed for your air fryer. Additionally, when cooking chicken, it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid undercooking, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.

To achieve the best results when deep frying in an air fryer, it is essential to properly prepare your food. This includes patting the food dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, seasoning with your desired spices and coatings, and lightly coating the food with a thin layer of oil to enhance crispness. Preheating the air fryer to the recommended temperature is also crucial for even cooking.

Air fryer alternatives to deep frying

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, offering a healthier and more convenient option for cooking your favourite fried foods. While you may not achieve the exact same results as deep frying, air fryers can still deliver delicious, crispy creations with a fraction of the oil. Here are some tips and tricks for using your air fryer as an alternative to deep frying:

Choose the Right Ingredients

Select foods that are typically deep-fried, such as chicken wings, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or even vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower.

Prepare Your Ingredients

Before cooking, pat your food dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, season your food with your desired spices and coatings. Finally, lightly coat the food with a thin layer of oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving the perfect result. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature for the food you are cooking, as this will kick-start the cooking process and ensure even cooking throughout.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for each type of food. Here are some general guidelines:

• Chicken wings: Cook at 360°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• French fries: Cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Onion rings: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Mozzarella sticks: Cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Flip Your Food

It's important to flip your food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a crispy, golden exterior.

Use Batter or Breading

You can use batter or breading for deep frying in an air fryer. Just make sure to coat your food evenly and lightly before placing it in the air fryer basket.

Clean Your Air Fryer

After deep frying in an air fryer, allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning. You can remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water, or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Regular cleaning will help maintain the performance and longevity of your air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Recipe

If you're looking for a specific recipe to try in your air fryer, here's a delicious option for chicken cutlets:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
• Flour
• Eggs

Instructions:

• Cut the chicken in half, width-wise. Cover the chicken with plastic, and use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
• Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken in flour, coating it lightly. Then, dip the chicken into the egg, coating it well. Finally, press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, covering it thoroughly.
• Spritz both sides of the chicken with cooking spray.
• Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is crisp.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon, or use as a base for Chicken Parmesan or a sandwich.

Air fryer cleaning and maintenance

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, but proper cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep them in good working order and to avoid a buildup of grease and grime. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug and Let Cool

Before you begin cleaning, always make sure your air fryer is unplugged and turned off. Allow it to cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid damaging the appliance.

Step 2: Clean Removable Parts

Remove all the parts that can be taken out, such as the basket, tray, and pan. These can usually be washed by hand with warm soapy water or placed in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Check your air fryer's instruction manual to be sure.

If there is baked-on grease or charred food on these parts, you can soak them in hot, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes to loosen the grime before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of the air fryer should not be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces, including the control panel. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as you could scratch the interior cooking surface.

Step 4: Check and Clean the Heating Element

After each use, check the heating coil or element for any oil or residue. Once the machine is unplugged and cooled, wipe the heating element with a damp cloth or soft brush, similar to how you would clean the heating element on an electric stove.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. You can towel-dry or air-dry the components.

Frequency of Cleaning

It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use or, at most, every few uses. This will prevent a buildup of grease and food particles, which can affect the performance of your air fryer and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Tips for Easier Cleaning

• Spray the bottom insert with cooking spray before each use.
• Use air fryer liners or filters to prevent food from sticking directly to the insert. These can be disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners.
• Always wipe down the basket after each use, especially if you see bits of food.
• For tough, baked-on grease, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and scrubbed with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Never use metal utensils or abrasive materials to scrape off stuck-on food, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

By following these steps and tips, you can keep your air fryer clean and well-maintained, ensuring it remains a healthy and convenient option for frying your favorite foods.

Air fryer recipes and serving suggestions

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, allowing you to achieve a crispy, golden texture with less oil and mess. While they may not be able to replace a deep fryer for all tasks, they are perfect for creating delicious, crispy cutlets.

Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlets are a popular choice for air fryer recipes. The indirect heat of the air fryer keeps the meat juicy, while the hot air circulation creates a crispy, golden crust.

Ingredients

• Chicken cutlets (you can buy these ready-made or make your own by butterflying and pounding boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (regular, Italian-seasoned, or panko)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

Instructions

• Prepare your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Dust the chicken with flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
• Spray or brush the chicken with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Cook at 400°F for about 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is crisp.
• Serve with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce.

Other Air Fryer Recipes

In addition to chicken cutlets, there are numerous other foods that can be deep-fried in an air fryer:

• Chicken wings
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower

You can also get creative and use your air fryer to make dishes like chicken parmesan, chicken tacos, or chicken casseroles.

Tips for Deep Frying in an Air Fryer

• Choose the right ingredients: opt for foods that are typically deep-fried.
• Prepare your food properly: pat it dry, season or bread it, and lightly coat it with oil or cooking spray.
• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for your food.
• Follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for each type of food.
• Flip your food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Clean your air fryer after use: allow it to cool, then wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water, or put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.

Frequently asked questions