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

Chicken cutlets are thin pieces of chicken breast, usually sliced from a larger breast. They can be bought pre-sliced or made at home by slicing and pounding a chicken breast. They are versatile, juicy, and perfect for breading and frying.

Chicken cutlets can be cooked in an air fryer in about 8-12 minutes at 400°F, depending on the thickness of the cutlets and the air fryer model. The air fryer is a great tool for cooking raw chicken and getting a crispy, golden, and juicy result without the mess or added calories of deep-frying.

To make air fryer chicken cutlets, start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, you can dredge the chicken in a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese can be added to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Finally, spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with oil, and cook in the air fryer for about 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is crispy.

Chicken cutlets vs chicken breasts

Chicken cutlets are thin slices of chicken breasts. They are usually made by cutting a chicken breast in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces. They are then often pounded out to an even thickness to cook more quickly and evenly.

Chicken cutlets are perfect for searing, breading, and frying. They are also great for breading and air frying. They are a good option for a quick weeknight meal.

Chicken cutlets are thin, boneless, and skinless. They are usually pounded before cooking to make them even thinner. This makes them cook faster and more evenly.

Chicken breasts, on the other hand, are thicker and can take longer to cook. They also have a thicker end and a thinner end, which can make it difficult to cook them evenly.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast cutlets
• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Dredge the chicken cutlets in flour, then dip them in the beaten egg, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Transfer the chicken cutlets to the air fryer basket in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then turn, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The total cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken cutlets.
• Flip the cutlets halfway through to ensure they are crispy on both sides.
• Generously spray the chicken cutlets with cooking spray when you first place them in the air fryer and again when you turn them halfway through.
• Don't overcook the chicken cutlets, as they cook quickly and can become dry. It is recommended to check on them around 7 minutes.

How to cut chicken breasts into cutlets

To cut chicken breasts into cutlets, you'll need a boneless, skinless chicken breast and a sharp knife. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Place the Chicken Breast on a Cutting Board

Hold the chicken breast flat with the palm of your non-knife hand. Position the chicken close to the edge of the cutting board to prevent your knuckles from bumping against it. Ensure your supporting hand's fingers are raised and away from the knife's path.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken Breast Horizontally

Using a sharp chef's, boning, or fillet knife, slice the chicken breast horizontally into two even pieces. Try to do this in as few strokes as possible to ensure a smooth cut. If you are having trouble getting an even cut, you can try freezing the chicken for 20-30 minutes before cutting.

Step 3: Prepare for Pounding

You'll want to pound the cutlets to an even thickness, usually about 1/4 inch thick. To do this, sandwich the cutlets between sheets of plastic or paper. Parchment paper works well, but wax paper is better as the chicken sticks to it less. If using plastic, a heavy-duty gallon zipper-lock bag is best as it's less prone to tearing.

Step 4: Pound the Chicken

Use a meat pounder or the bottom of a sturdy skillet to gently pound the chicken. Go slow and steady to avoid making holes and use slight lateral motions to coax the chicken into the desired shape.

And that's it! You now have chicken cutlets that are ready to be cooked or used in your favourite recipes.

How to store and reheat chicken cutlets

How to Store Chicken Cutlets

Let the chicken cutlets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge. Typically, a chicken cutlet will last in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How to Reheat Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken cutlets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

How to Reheat Chicken Cutlets in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet, ensuring none of them overlap. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and crispy.

How to Reheat Chicken Cutlets in the Microwave

Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they don't overlap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

How to get breading to stick to chicken cutlets

To get the breading to stick to chicken cutlets, you can follow these steps:

Set up a dredging station:

Have two shallow bowls ready—in one, beat an egg and water together; in the other, combine breadcrumbs with spices and herbs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs, panko, or a combination of both. For extra flavour, add spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chilli powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Prepare the chicken:

Pat the chicken cutlets dry on both sides using paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. You can use chicken cutlets or slice chicken breasts in half.

Dredge the chicken:

Dip the chicken first into the egg wash, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Use your fingers to press down on the crumbs to ensure they stick to the chicken. Shake off any excess breading.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Cook the chicken:

Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray for a crispy, golden finish. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with cooking spray again halfway through the cooking time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• To get the breading to stick even better, use your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken.
• Let the chicken cutlets rest after dredging and before cooking to allow the egg to absorb the dry ingredients, resulting in a moist and flavourful coating.
• For thin and even chicken cutlets, freeze the chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and perfectly breaded air fryer chicken cutlets!

How to prevent chicken from becoming rubbery in an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to produce crispy, golden, and delicious food with minimal oil. However, one common issue that people may encounter when cooking chicken in an air fryer is that it can sometimes turn out rubbery. Here are some tips and tricks to help you avoid rubbery chicken and achieve juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked chicken cutlets.

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Not all chicken cuts are created equal when it comes to air frying. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, tend to stay juicier and more forgiving during the cooking process than chicken breasts. If you prefer chicken breasts, opt for ones that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken can be a game-changer for both flavor and moisture. A well-crafted marinade introduces moisture and beneficial enzymes or acids, which work together to soften the meat's proteins and enhance tenderness. Aim for a mix of acidity (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil, and herbs/spices. However, be cautious not to leave the chicken in the marinade for too long, as this can have the opposite effect and toughen the meat. The sweet spot is usually a few hours to overnight.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired crispy texture. Most air fryers take about 3-5 minutes to preheat, and this small step can help avoid rubbery textures by cooking the chicken more uniformly.

Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

It is essential to avoid the temptation to jam a bunch of chicken pieces into the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and prevent the hot air from circulating properly. Leave enough space between each chicken piece to ensure optimal air circulation and even cooking.

Find the Right Temperature and Timing

Air fryers cook quickly, but that doesn't mean you should blast your chicken at the highest temperature. Most chicken recipes fare best at a moderate temperature, around 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly inside and out, locking in juices without overcooking the exterior.

Timing is also crucial to avoiding rubbery chicken. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cook time, especially if you're working with thinner cuts. An instant-read thermometer is a handy tool to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.

Allow the Chicken to Rest After Cooking

Once your chicken is cooked, give it a brief resting period before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. A few minutes on a warm plate or cutting board can make a significant difference in texture and taste.

Additional Tips

• Use a light oil spray, even on marinated chicken, to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
• Experiment with cooking times and temperatures based on your specific air fryer model.
• Don't stack chicken pieces in the air fryer, as this will prevent proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating them with egg to help the breading stick better.
• If you're making pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently asked questions