Ella Walter
Chicken cutlets are a staple in many Italian-American households, but traditionally they are fried in oil until golden brown. However, you can also cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer, which is healthier and creates less mess. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken, but generally, chicken cutlets will take around 8 to 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (205°C) |
| Thickness | 1/4- to 1/6-inch |
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes |
| Overlapping/Crowding | Avoid |
| Oil/Cooking Spray | Lightly spray cutlets |
| Marinade | Italian dressing, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon, garlic, salt, pepper |
| Breading | Breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour |
| Sides | Roasted broccoli, salad, orzo, zucchini, grains, garlicky kale salad, air fryer Brussels sprouts, quinoa |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken cutlet preparation
Chicken cutlets are a staple in many homes, and for good reason—they're easy to make, versatile, and can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal prep and less than 20 minutes of cooking time. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing juicy and tender chicken cutlets with a crispy, golden coating in an air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces. You can use a sharp knife to slice the chicken, and using cold chicken straight from the fridge will make slicing easier. If you want to ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken to a uniform thickness of 1/4 to 1/6 inch using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a wine bottle.
Step 2: Marinade (Optional)
For extra flavour and juicy cutlets, you can marinate the chicken. Combine ingredients like Italian dressing, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavour.
Step 3: Season and Bread the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, like garlic powder and Italian seasoning. In one bowl, whisk some eggs, and in another, combine breadcrumbs with seasonings, Parmesan cheese, or even lemon pepper for extra flavour. Panko breadcrumbs are a great option for a lighter and crunchier texture. Now, dredge the chicken in the egg, shaking off any excess, and then lay it in the breadcrumbs, pressing them into the chicken to ensure a complete coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350-400°F (175-205°C). Preheating helps the chicken cook more evenly and gives it a golden finish.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Cutlets
Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. Lightly spray the cutlets with olive oil or cooking spray to help achieve a crispy, golden coating. Air fry the chicken for about 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cutlets and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Air fryer chicken cutlets are versatile and can be served on their own, in hamburger rolls, with pasta, roasted broccoli, salads, or your favourite grains and sides. Enjoy the juicy, tender chicken with a crunchy coating!
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Air fryer settings
The ideal air fryer settings for cooking chicken cutlets are a combination of temperature and timing. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden finish. However, this step is not mandatory, and you can proceed without preheating if your air fryer doesn't require it.
For breaded chicken cutlets, the cooking temperature typically ranges from 350°F to 400°F. The higher temperature of 400°F is often suggested for a cooking time of around 15 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through. At a slightly lower temperature of 390°F, you can cook the cutlets for 10-12 minutes, again flipping them midway.
If you're cooking frozen breaded cutlets, increase the temperature to 375°F and the timing to 10 minutes, or 8 minutes if they are thinner cutlets. For thicker cutlets, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
For unbreaded chicken cutlets, a temperature setting of 390°F is recommended, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway.
Remember to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maintain optimal airflow. The number of cutlets you can cook simultaneously will depend on the size of your air fryer. It is crucial to ensure that the cutlets are not overlapping and are arranged in a single layer.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for chicken cutlets in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the cutlets, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the cutlets are fresh or frozen.
Chicken cutlets are typically cut to a thickness of 1/4 inch to 1/6 inch. For cutlets of this thickness, cook at 375°F/190°C for about 8 minutes, or 10 minutes if frozen. For thicker cutlets, add 1-2 extra minutes.
If you are cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F, it will take around 15 minutes to cook the chicken cutlets, flipping them at the 7-minute mark. At 390°F, it will take 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you are cooking frozen chicken cutlets, it is recommended to cook them for a slightly longer time of 10-12 minutes at 390°F.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to consult your device's manual and keep an eye on the food while it is cooking.
Additionally, to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior, it is recommended to place the cutlets in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket and to lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray before cooking.
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Chicken cutlet variations
Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, and they are usually fried in oil until golden brown. However, you can easily make them in an air fryer without oil, resulting in a healthier, less-calorific version of this family favourite.
Chicken cutlets are made from thin slices of chicken breast, which are typically cut in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces. The chicken is then pounded with a meat tenderiser to make it even thinner, so it cooks more quickly and evenly. The cutlets are then coated in a breading of seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy.
To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, first pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. Next, dip the chicken into whisked egg, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Place the breaded chicken on wax paper until all pieces are ready to be cooked.
You can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as Panko breadcrumbs, for a lighter, crunchier texture. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist, or experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chilli powder. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or pork rinds.
Once all your chicken pieces are coated, spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and spray the tops with more oil or cooking spray.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, but on average, chicken cutlets will take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, flipping them halfway through. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Chicken cutlets can be served in many ways and are a very versatile dish. They can be served on their own, in hamburger rolls, or over a salad. They can also be chopped up and dipped in ketchup, as a fun, family-friendly meal.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried chicken cutlets:
Salads
Chicken cutlets can be sliced and served on a bed of fresh lettuce and vegetables, such as a Caesar salad or spinach salad. You can also add your favourite dressing, like a homemade Buffalo sauce, or toppings such as cheese or BBQ sauce.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Create a chicken sandwich by placing the cutlet on a soft bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and your choice of condiments. Alternatively, make a wrap by placing the cutlet in a tortilla with sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
Pasta
Chicken cutlets go well with pasta. You can serve them with your favourite type of pasta and vegetables, or try them with homemade spaetzle for a German-inspired meal. For an Italian-American classic, make chicken parmigiana by topping the cutlets with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Sides
Air fryer chicken cutlets can be served with a variety of sides. Try them with roasted broccoli, orzo and zucchini, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, corn, or a simple green salad.
Freezing and Reheating
Chicken cutlets can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer, so consider making a large batch to store for quick meals in the future. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 7 minutes, flipping every few minutes to promote even cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165ºF.
To make chicken cutlets crispy, ensure that the chicken is dry before breading and that the air fryer is preheated. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can hinder proper air circulation. Lightly spray the cutlets with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, start by slicing chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pounding them to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/6 inch. Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and marinade with Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg. Dredge the chicken in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F to 400°F for 8 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
