Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways, including in salads, on sandwiches, or as a main course with sides. They are a staple in Italian-American homes and are typically fried in oil until golden brown. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy, golden, and juicy results without the mess of traditional frying. The cooking time for chicken cutlets in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, with some recipes suggesting 8 to 12 minutes or even 7 minutes per side.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlet preparation

Chicken cutlets are a thin slice of chicken breast that cooks quickly and are great for breading. Here is a detailed recipe for preparing chicken cutlets in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Pepper
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cooking spray or light oil

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces, which are your cutlets. Place each cutlet on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

In a shallow bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. You can also add some flavour by marinating the cutlets in Italian dressing or a mixture of apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk an egg. In the second bowl, combine breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour. In the third bowl, add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper if you want a thicker coating.

First, dredge the chicken cutlet in the egg, making sure to cover each side, and then shake off any excess. Next, lay the cutlet in the breadcrumbs and use your fingers to completely cover the chicken with the breading.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the cutlets with cooking spray or light oil to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Air fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Chicken cutlets are versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with sides like grilled vegetables, pasta, salads, or even sandwiches.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Always pat the chicken dry before breading to help the egg and breading stick better.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer chicken cutlets!

Air fryer settings

The first step to cooking chicken cutlets in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance to 400°F. If you are cooking frozen chicken cutlets, there is no need to preheat the air fryer.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken cutlets inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can place 2–4 cutlets inside, ensuring they are in a single layer without overlapping. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and lead to uneven cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, it is recommended to cook in batches to maintain optimal airflow.

Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F and cook the chicken cutlets for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cutlets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

Alternatively, you can cook the chicken cutlets at 350°F for 3 minutes if you are reheating leftovers.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken cutlets in an air fryer depends on whether or not the cutlets are breaded. Breaded chicken cutlets should be cooked in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. The cutlets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Unbreaded chicken cutlets require a shorter cooking time of 10 to 12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It is important to note that the cutlets should be flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken cutlets. It is recommended to use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/6 inch before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooked or rubbery chicken.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the cutlets in a single layer allows for optimal airflow and even cooking on all sides. If needed, cook the cutlets in batches to maintain proper airflow.

For reheating leftover breaded chicken cutlets, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and spritz each side of the cutlet with cooking spray. Place the cutlets in the air fryer and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping them every three minutes.

Chicken cutlet serving suggestions

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish with various serving suggestions. They are a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner and can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas for serving chicken cutlets:

Salads

Chicken cutlets can be a delicious addition to salads. They can be served over a Caesar salad, spinach salad, or a basic buttered spaghetti salad. For a refreshing summer meal, serve them on a bed of zucchini noodles or pasta salad with a zesty salsa.

Sandwiches

For a fun twist, turn chicken cutlets into sandwiches. You can make a chicken Parmesan sandwich by topping it with marinara and mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt in the air fryer, then slide it onto a bun. You can also add some crunch to your sandwich by using panko-crusted chicken cutlets.

Side Dishes

Chicken cutlets pair well with many side dishes. Some options include grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, corn, or a serving of pasta. For a nutritious option, serve them with air fryer asparagus, air fryer carrots, or a salad.

Sauces and Toppings

Chicken cutlets can be served with various sauces and toppings to enhance their flavor. Try a creamy mustard sauce, a lemon cream sauce, or a tangy purple cabbage coleslaw. For a classic, serve them with a side of gravy or dip them in BBQ sauce. You can also top them with cheese or wrap them in prosciutto or bacon for added flavor and fat.

Experiment with Spices and Breadcrumbs

You can experiment with different spices and breadcrumbs to create unique flavors. Try using smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder in the breading. For a lighter, crunchier texture, use Panko breadcrumbs, or add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. These suggestions provide a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences, allowing you to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storing and reheating chicken cutlets

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways, including in sandwiches, salads, or with sides like pasta or grilled veggies. They are a quick and easy meal to make and are perfect for lunch or dinner.

Storing Chicken Cutlets

Let the chicken cutlets cool completely before storing them. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge. Label the container with the date and when they expire. Typically, a chicken cutlet will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheating Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Reheating chicken cutlets in an air fryer is an excellent way to keep them moist and delicious while maintaining a crispy exterior. Spritz each side of the leftover chicken with cooking spray. Place the chicken in a 350° air fryer and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping every three minutes to promote even cooking.

Reheating Chicken Cutlets in an Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with your favorite cooking spray. Place the leftover cold chicken cutlets in a single layer on the sheet and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the edges are crispy.

Reheating Chicken Cutlets in a Microwave

Using the microwave to reheat chicken cutlets is a quick and easy option, but the chicken will not be as crispy as the other methods. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they do not overlap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Frequently asked questions