Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Turkey cutlets are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient way to get that crispy texture and juicy taste. The cooking time for air fryer turkey cutlets varies depending on the recipe and the thickness of the cutlets, but on average, it takes around 6 to 15 minutes to cook them thoroughly. In this article, we will explore different methods for air-frying turkey cutlets, including breaded and unbreaded options, and provide tips for a delicious and healthy meal.

How to bread turkey cutlets

Breaded turkey cutlets are a great, budget-friendly alternative to roasting a whole turkey, and they can be cooked in under 30 minutes.

To make breaded turkey cutlets, you will need:

• Turkey cutlets
• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Poultry seasoning
• Egg
• Milk
• Bread crumbs
• Oil for frying

First, prepare your dredging station. In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. In a second bowl, beat an egg and add milk. In a third bowl, add the bread crumbs.

Next, take each turkey cutlet and dredge it in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumbs. Make sure each cutlet is well coated.

Add oil to a skillet, enough to coat the bottom of the pan by about 1/4". Heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the breaded cutlets to the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each cutlet for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the outer coating is golden brown.

Remove the cooked cutlets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Your breaded turkey cutlets are now ready to serve! Consider pairing them with a vegetable side, such as green beans or roasted cauliflower, or serving them over pasta or zucchini noodles with marinara sauce.

How to cook frozen turkey cutlets

Turkey cutlets are a great, easy meal to make in your air fryer. They're low in fat and calories, and can be adapted with your favourite spices and served with any side dish.

If you're using frozen turkey cutlets, you'll need to cook them for longer than if they were fresh. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step One:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 380°F. If your model doesn't preheat, run it empty for about 3 minutes at the set temperature.

Step Two:

While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your frozen turkey cutlets. You can brush or spray them with olive oil, or a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This will help to keep the meat moist and add flavour.

Step Three:

Place the cutlets inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is not big enough.

Step Four:

Cook the turkey cutlets for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you are using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step Five:

Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, making the meat even more delicious and juicy.

And that's it! You can serve your turkey cutlets with any side dish of your choice. Enjoy!

How to reheat turkey cutlets

Turkey cutlets are a great, quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. But what's the best way to reheat any leftovers?

The best method for reheating turkey cutlets is in an oven. Preheat your oven to between 300°F and 350°F. Place your cutlets in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of stock and/or butter. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven for about 30 minutes.

If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave. Cut the cutlets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Drizzle with stock or broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Remember, when reheating turkey, it's important to add moisture to prevent the meat from drying out. You can use gravy, chicken stock, or butter to keep things juicy. Also, make sure to cover the dish when reheating to prevent steam from escaping.

And there you have it! A simple and effective way to reheat your delicious turkey cutlets and enjoy that crispy, tender texture all over again.

How to serve turkey cutlets

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

As a Main Course

The cutlets can be served as the star of the plate, accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Some classic side options include roasted string beans, roasted cauliflower, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a green salad. For a heartier meal, serve the cutlets with mashed potatoes and gravy, or alongside some stuffing and cranberry sauce for a mini Thanksgiving dinner.

As Part of a Larger Dish

Turkey cutlets are also fantastic when sliced and served over pasta with marinara sauce, or on a bed of salad greens. For a more substantial salad, try serving them over a green salad with ranch dressing, or with a simple vinaigrette. You could also try serving the sliced cutlets with some zucchini noodles and marinara sauce for a healthier option.

With a Sauce

For a more complex dish, try serving the cutlets with a white wine sauce, or a lemon wine sauce. These sauces add a touch of elegance to the dish and can also be drizzled over a side of brown rice or spaghetti squash. Another option is to serve the cutlets with a Marsala sauce, which is a slightly sweet wine sauce that pairs beautifully with the turkey.

As a Sandwich

For a more casual option, the cutlets can be served as a sandwich filling. Try a classic turkey club, or get creative with your choice of bread and toppings.

With a Side of Vegetables

As mentioned, roasted string beans and roasted cauliflower are great options, but you could also try serving the cutlets with some spicy roasted cauliflower, apple and Brussels sprouts slaw, or boiled potatoes with olive oil and fresh herbs.

As Part of a Larger Meal

If you're serving the cutlets as part of a larger meal, they can be a great appetizer or main course. For an appetizer, try serving smaller portions of the cutlets with a dipping sauce, such as a honey mustard sauce. For a main course, serve the cutlets with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables and potatoes.

How to season turkey cutlets

There are many ways to season turkey cutlets, depending on your personal preference and the type of cuisine you are aiming for. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Basic Seasoning

For a simple and versatile option, stick to the basics: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add paprika for a subtle smoky flavour. Sprinkle or rub both sides of the cutlets with these seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

Italian Seasoning

If you're in the mood for something more Mediterranean, try using Italian-seasoned dried breadcrumbs. You can make your own by adding Italian seasoning to plain or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For an extra crunch, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. Dip the cutlets in beaten egg, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture before air frying.

Spicy Kick

Add some spice to your turkey cutlets with cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. This is a great way to give your dish a bit of a kick. You can either mix these spices into your breadcrumb coating or sprinkle them directly onto the cutlets before cooking.

Herb Blend

For a more subtle and earthy flavour, try using an herby seasoning blend. You can experiment with different combinations of dried or fresh herbs, such as basil, sage, parsley, or thyme. Again, you can either mix these herbs into your breadcrumb coating or sprinkle them directly on the cutlets.

Creative Coatings

Think outside the box and use crushed crackers or cornflake crumbs as a coating for your turkey cutlets. You can also try grinding up Ritz crackers, Town House crackers, Wheat Thins, or bagel chips to create a unique and crunchy texture. Don't forget to season the cutlets with salt and pepper before coating them.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your instincts and taste as you go. You can always add more seasoning, but it's harder to fix a dish that's been overseasoned. So, start with a small amount, taste, and adjust as needed. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions