Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, usually fried in oil until golden brown. But if you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can definitely try frying chicken cutlets in an air fryer!

Air-fried chicken cutlets are a great way to get that crispy, golden-brown exterior without the excess oil. The air fryer does a perfect job of crisping up the seasoned breadcrumbs, resulting in a delicious golden crust. And since these thin chicken breasts cook quickly, they stay super juicy on the inside.

To make air-fried chicken cutlets, start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, dip the chicken in a flour mixture, beaten eggs, and finally press them into a shallow dish filled with breadcrumbs. You can also add some spices and Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F and cook the chicken cutlets for about 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown and cooked through.

So, if you're looking for a healthier, less messy, and just as delicious way to enjoy chicken cutlets, give the air fryer a try!

How to prepare chicken cutlets for the air fryer

Ingredients

To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, you will need the following:

• Chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, whole wheat, gluten-free, or panko are all options)
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, Italian seasoning)

Preparing the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. You can also buy chicken cutlets pre-sliced. If your cutlets are on the thicker side, you can place them between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Breading the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk some eggs. In the second bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and any desired seasonings. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavor. The third bowl should contain flour, which is optional but will help the breading stick to the chicken.

Now, you're ready to start breading! First, dip each cutlet in the egg, shaking off any excess. Next, lay the cutlet in the breadcrumbs and use your fingers to ensure it's completely covered. Shake off any excess breading and place the breaded cutlet on a plate or wax paper. Repeat this process until all your chicken is breaded.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the chicken cutlets inside in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with more olive oil or cooking spray.

Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping the cutlets halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken cutlets are versatile and can be served in many ways. Try them on their own with a squeeze of lemon, as a sandwich, or as a base for Chicken Parmesan. They also go well with various sides, including salads, pasta, roasted broccoli, or zucchini.

The best breading for chicken cutlets

Chicken cutlets are a staple in an Italian-American household. They are typically made with thin slices of chicken breast, breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried in oil until golden brown. However, you can now easily recreate this recipe using an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

The Breading Station

The first step to achieving the perfect breading for chicken cutlets is to set up a breading station. You will need two shallow bowls. In one bowl, pour your liquid egg whites (or whisked eggs), and in the other bowl, add your breadcrumbs. You can use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or make your own by combining breadcrumbs with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Dipping the Chicken

Next, take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg whites, followed by the breadcrumbs. Ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated before setting it aside on a piece of wax paper or a plate.

Cooking the Chicken Cutlets

Once all your chicken pieces are breaded, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken cutlets in the basket, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Spray the tops of the chicken with more olive oil spray for maximum crispness.

Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cutlets

• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning and breading to help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken and ensure it is cooked perfectly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or pork rinds for breading.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to add extra flavour to your chicken cutlets.

How to cook chicken cutlets in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken cutlets
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, whole wheat, gluten-free, or panko)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Cayenne
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Lemon wedges

Method

• Prepare a breading station by whisking eggs in one bowl and adding breadcrumbs to another. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip the chicken in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumbs.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Repeat with any remaining chicken.

Tips

• Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken for a super crispy coating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
• You can use chicken breasts and slice them in half to create cutlets.
• Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing beforehand will make it more moist and flavorful.

How to store and reheat chicken cutlets

Storing and reheating chicken cutlets is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide to help you do it right:

Storing Chicken Cutlets:

• Let the chicken cutlets cool completely before storing them.
• Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or bag.
• Label the container with the date and expiration, typically 3-4 days for fresh chicken.

Reheating Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C).
• Lightly brush or spray the cutlets with oil to help them crisp up.
• Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap for even cooking.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken before reheating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, and leave space around each cutlet.
• Flip the cutlets halfway through the reheating process for even cooking.

Storing and Reheating Other Ways:

You can also reheat chicken cutlets in the oven or microwave:

Oven Reheating:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175-180°C).
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Microwave Reheating:

• Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through (the chicken won't be as crispy).

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74-75°C) before consuming. Enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken cutlets!

What to serve with chicken cutlets

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Chicken cutlets can be served with a variety of salads, such as a simple green salad or something more substantial like a chicken Caesar salad. You could also try a spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, a kale Caesar salad, or an arugula salad with a red wine vinaigrette.

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables are always a great option. Try asparagus, broccoli, carrots, green beans, or brussels sprouts. You could also serve them with sauteed spinach, zucchini, or squash.

Starchy Sides

For a heartier meal, serve your chicken cutlets with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or fried potato wedges. Rice is also a great option, especially yellow rice or Israeli couscous with tomatoes. If you're feeling fancy, try making some duchess potatoes or easy smashed potatoes with mojo sauce.

Breads

Garlic bread or bruschetta are classic options, but you could also serve your chicken cutlets with a side of pasta. Try spaghetti aglio e olio (garlic and oil pasta) or pasta with a tomato sauce.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken cutlets are great with a variety of dips and sauces. Try BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo, or ketchup. If you're making chicken parm, don't forget the tomato sauce!

Frequently asked questions