Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: The Perfect Timing Guide

Chicken cutlets are a staple in many Italian-American homes, usually fried in oil until golden brown. But what if you could get that same crispy texture with less prep time, less cooking time, and way less oil? Well, you can! With an air fryer, you can make juicy, tender, and golden-brown chicken cutlets in under 15 minutes.

How to make chicken cutlets in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, gluten-free, whole wheat, or regular)
• Egg whites or whole eggs
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Prepare your breading station by pouring your egg whites/eggs into one shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs into another.
• If needed, slice your chicken breasts into cutlets or pound them to an even thickness of around 1/4-inch.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, and then into the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
• Spray the basket of your air fryer with oil. Place the chicken cutlets inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the cutlets with more oil.
• Air fry at around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
• Set the cooked chicken aside and repeat the process for any remaining cutlets.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook the cutlets in batches if necessary.
• Blot the chicken dry with a paper towel before breading to help the coating stick.
• Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to ensure it stays juicy.
• You can also bake the chicken cutlets in the oven if you don't have an air fryer.

How to make chicken cutlets in an oven

Chicken cutlets are thin, breaded slices of chicken breast that are usually fried in oil. However, you can also bake them in an oven to achieve a similar result without the mess and added calories of deep-frying. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious chicken cutlets in your oven:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken breasts by cutting them in half width-wise or vertically to create thinner slices. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Fill the first bowl with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with your desired seasonings.
• Dip each chicken cutlet first into the flour, coating it lightly. Then, dip it into the egg, making sure it's well-coated. Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's completely covered.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray or oil.
• Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray or brush them with oil.
• Bake the chicken cutlets for 15-20 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken cutlets from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips:

• To ensure even cooking, make sure all the chicken cutlets are of similar size and thickness.
• Blot the chicken dry with a paper towel before breading to remove excess moisture and help the breadcrumbs stick better.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Cook the cutlets in batches if needed to maintain optimal airflow and crispness.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the chicken cutlets rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to retain their juices and ensure a juicy, tender texture.

How to make chicken cutlets without breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

• 2 8-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 3/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade or store-bought
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg, beaten

Method:

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets. Pound to make 1/4 inch thick.
• In a shallow bowl, season with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and marinade with Italian dressing for at least 1 hour (the longer the better).
• Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Place the egg in another shallow bowl.
• Dip the chicken into the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a work surface and spray both sides with oil.
• In a single layer, transfer the cutlets to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400F for 4 minutes until the top is golden, then flip and spray the other side with oil. Air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Tips:

• To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, you can marinate it in Italian dressing or a simple mixture of apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
• To prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery, avoid overcooking and ensure even air circulation by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• To achieve a crispy exterior, lightly spray the chicken with oil before air frying, and ensure the chicken is dry before breading.

How to make chicken cutlets without egg

Chicken cutlets are a staple in many households, but what if you don't have eggs? Well, you're in luck! There are several ways to make delicious chicken cutlets without using eggs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, gluten-free, or regular)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare your chicken breasts by trimming away any excess fat and connective tissue. Place a piece of cling film on a cutting board and lay the chicken breast on top. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken until it's about 1/4 inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and a tender cutlet.
• In a shallow bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or a combination of your choice.
• Create a breading station by pouring your chosen oil or oil spray into another shallow bowl. You can also use melted butter, heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise as an alternative to oil.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the oil or alternative, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly so they stick well.
• Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help reduce mess and make cleanup easier.
• If you're using an air fryer, spray the basket with olive oil or avocado oil. If you're frying in a pan, heat a good amount of olive oil or sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding. For an air fryer, place 2-3 cutlets at a time, depending on its size. For pan-frying, add the cutlets in a single layer without overlapping.
• Fry or air fry the chicken cutlets for about 7-8 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. The exact timing will depend on your cooking method and the thickness of your cutlets.
• Remove the cooked chicken cutlets and set them aside on a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve your chicken cutlets hot with your favourite sides. They go well with salads, pasta, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.

Tips:

• You can prepare the chicken cutlets in advance and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
• If you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the air fryer or oven.
• To reheat, let the chicken come to room temperature, then heat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 4-6 minutes or until fully heated.
• You can also freeze the cooked chicken cutlets and reheat them from frozen in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

How to reheat chicken cutlets in an air fryer

To reheat chicken cutlets in an air fryer, first let the chicken come to room temperature for about half an hour. Then, heat the cutlets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes or until fully heated.

• Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Heat the chicken for 4-6 minutes, or until it is fully heated through.
• Serve and enjoy!

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken cutlets and the model of your air fryer. Always ensure that your chicken is fully heated before serving.

Frequently asked questions