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

Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes. They are thin-sliced chicken breasts that are breaded in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried in oil. Chicken cutlets are usually served with mashed potatoes and corn, and are also used as a base for dishes like chicken parmigiana. They can also be used in salads or sandwiches.

To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, you will need thin-sliced chicken breasts, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, and olive oil spray. First, create a breading station with two shallow bowls – one with egg whites and the other with breadcrumbs. Next, dip each piece of chicken in the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs, and set aside on a plate. Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil spray and place the cutlets inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the cutlets with olive oil spray and air fry at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with olive oil again.

Chicken cutlet ingredients and preparation

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients. Here's a detailed guide on the ingredients and preparation steps for delicious air-fried chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, preferably thin-sliced or pounded to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can buy chicken cutlets or slice and pound the chicken breasts yourself.
• Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs with added Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder are ideal. Panko breadcrumbs, also known as Japanese breadcrumbs, can also be used for an extra crispy coating.
• Egg: This acts as a binder and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. You can use egg whites or whole eggs.
• Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning are commonly used to enhance the flavor of the breadcrumbs and chicken. Feel free to add other spices and herbs to suit your taste.
• Cooking Spray: Olive oil or avocado oil spray is used to coat the air fryer basket and the chicken cutlets, ensuring a golden and crispy finish.

Preparation:

• Set up your breading station: Grab two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the egg whites or beaten eggs. In the other bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any additional seasonings. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Prepare the chicken: If you're starting with whole chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Use your fingers to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick well.
• Rest the chicken: Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a plate or wax paper while you prepare the air fryer. This step allows the egg to absorb the dry ingredients, resulting in a moist and flavorful coating.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket: Generously coat the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Cook the chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for about 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as-is or use them as a base for Chicken Parmesan, sandwiches, or salads.

With these ingredients and preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious air-fried chicken cutlets that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!

Air fryer setup and cooking

To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, you'll first want to prepare a breading station. Grab two shallow bowls and a plate or sheet of wax paper. In one bowl, pour your egg whites or beaten eggs, and in the other, add your breadcrumbs. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now, take your thin-sliced chicken breasts and dip each piece first into the egg, and then into the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Place the breaded chicken onto the plate or wax paper and spray both sides with oil.

Next, place the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken with oil and set the air fryer to 400°F.

Cook the chicken for around 8-15 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and that the breading is golden brown and crispy.

If you're cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at 250°F while you cook the rest.

And that's it! Your juicy, crispy chicken cutlets are ready to be devoured. Enjoy!

Chicken cutlet serving suggestions

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

##section##Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken cutlets can be used as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. You can add your favouritesectioncondiments, such as BBQ sauce or ketchup, and some lettuce and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal.

##section##Salads

Cutlets are a great addition to salads. Try asectionspinach salad with poppy seed dressing, or a Caesar or spinach salad. You could also make a chicken cobb salad with avocado, or a Greek salad with feta cheese and olives.

##section##Pasta Dishes

Chicken cutlets go well with pasta. Try them withsectiongarlic and oil pasta, orsectioncreamy pesto sauce. You could also make a chicken parmigiana, or a chicken paprikash with mushrooms and onions.

##section##Vegetable Sides

Cutlets can be served with a variety of vegetable sides. Try them withsectionroasted cabbage steaks, grilled bell peppers, orsectionBrussels sprouts. You could also serve them withsectionasparagus, green beans, or a mix of grilled veggies.

##section##Rice Dishes

Chicken cutlets can be served with rice. Try them withsectionspinach rice orsectionzucchini noodles. You could also make a chicken and mushroom marsala, or a creamy mustard chicken dish.

##section##Other Sides

Cutlets can be served with a variety of other sides, such assectiongarlic bread, bruschetta, orsectionmashed potatoes. You could also try them withsectionglazed carrots or a chickpea salad.

Chicken cutlet marinade ideas

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served with salads, pasta, or grilled vegetables. Here are some marinade ideas to elevate your chicken cutlets:

Italian Dressing Marinade

This marinade idea is perfect if you're looking for a quick and easy option. Simply combine Italian dressing with some seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Marinate the chicken cutlets in this mixture for at least an hour, or longer if you have the time. This will result in juicy and flavorful chicken cutlets.

Balsamic Vinegar Marinade

For a tangy and flavorful marinade, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This marinade is excellent for grilled chicken cutlets and will leave them incredibly moist and delicious.

Lemon-Garlic Marinade

If you're looking for a fresh and zesty marinade, try a combination of garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This marinade is perfect for a quick dinner as you can coat the chicken and throw it on the grill right away. The lemon juice and olive oil will not only add flavor but also help to evenly distribute the garlic and herb flavors throughout the chicken.

Buttermilk Marinade

For a unique twist, try a buttermilk marinade. Combine buttermilk with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. This marinade will give your chicken cutlets a tangy and rich flavor. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it in the seasoned flour to ensure the breading sticks properly.

Honey-Soy Marinade

This marinade is a great balance of sweet and savory. It includes honey, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. It's perfect for any cut of chicken and can be used for a quick 30-minute marinade or left overnight for more intense flavor. This marinade is especially good for chicken breast, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

Chicken cutlet alternatives

Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, but if you're looking for an alternative, here are some options:

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Instead of using thin-sliced chicken breasts, you could opt for regular chicken breasts. You can find the recipe for air fryer chicken breasts on the same website as the original chicken cutlet recipe.

Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

If you're craving something spicy, you could try air fryer buffalo wings. This alternative will give you that crispy texture you're looking for, with a kick of heat.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are another option if you're looking for a chicken dish. They're similar to chicken cutlets but may have a different shape and size.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs offer a different flavour profile than chicken breasts. They have a higher fat content, which can make them juicier and more flavourful.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

For a fancier option, you could try making chicken cordon bleu in your air fryer. This dish typically involves stuffing chicken with ham and cheese, breading it, and then frying it.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is another delicious alternative. It's made by breading and frying chicken cutlets, then topping them with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Baked or Pan-Fried Chicken Cutlets

If you don't have an air fryer, you can always bake or pan-fry your chicken cutlets. Baking is a healthier option, while pan-frying will give you a crispier texture similar to deep frying.

Frequently asked questions