Air Fryer Pork Cutlets: Cooking Time Perfection

Pork cutlets are a great option for a quick and easy meal. Thin pork cutlets are perfect for air frying, as they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cutlets, but generally, they take around 9 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. To ensure a crispy crust, it's important to bread the cutlets before cooking and flip them halfway through the cooking process. With minimal ingredients and preparation required, air fryer pork cutlets are a convenient and delicious option for any night of the week.

Cooking Pork Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Breaded pork cutlets in the air fryer

Breaded pork cutlets cooked in an air fryer are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. They are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a crispy coating that is achieved without the need for excess oil. The air fryer's super-heated air cooks the meat evenly, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To make breaded pork cutlets in an air fryer, start by preparing the pork. Pound the pork chops to an even thickness of around 1/4-inch. This step is important to ensure even cooking. You can purchase cutlets from the meat department of most grocery stores, but they tend to come at a premium price.

Next, you will need to create a breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk together some eggs. In a separate shallow bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these dry ingredients to combine. If you prefer, you can use Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned croutons for added flavour.

Now it's time to bread the pork. First, coat the pork cutlets with olive oil or dip them in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the pork into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. This step will help the breading stick to the meat while it cooks.

Once all your cutlets are breaded, you can start cooking them in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the temperature to between 360˚F and 400˚F, depending on your preference. Cook for around 9 to 12 minutes, turning the cutlets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and the size of your air fryer.

To check if your pork cutlets are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145˚F. Once cooked, serve the pork cutlets with your choice of sides. They go well with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile option for any meal. Enjoy!

How to get the crust crispy

To get the crust crispy, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, prepare a breading station with a shallow bowl of flour, a bowl of whisked eggs, and another shallow bowl with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. You can also add seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. For the breadcrumbs, you can use a combination of Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and even cornflake crumbs. Add some parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra kick.

Next, dip the pork cutlets in the flour, ensuring both sides are coated, and then shake off any excess. After this, dip the floured pork into the egg wash, and finally, press the pork into the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly on all sides. The flour and egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the pork, creating a crispy crust when cooked.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F. Place the breaded pork cutlets inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap to allow for airflow. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cutlets in batches. For a crispy crust, it is important to flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking process, which should take around 9-12 minutes in total.

Finally, serve the pork cutlets with your favourite sides and enjoy the crispy, golden crust!

How to prepare the pork cutlets

Preparing pork cutlets for the air fryer is a simple process. First, you'll want to cut the pork tenderloin or pork loin fillets into thin slices, about 1/2 inch thick. If you're making schnitzel, you'll need to pound the slices to about 1/4 inch thick. This can be done with a meat tenderizer tool or a rolling pin. Just place the pork between two layers of plastic wrap and get pounding!

Next comes the dredging process. This involves coating the cutlets in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You'll need three shallow dishes for this. First, dip each cutlet in flour and gently shake off the excess. Then, dip the floured pork into an egg wash. Finally, press the pork into the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly. If you're making schnitzel or Japanese tonkatsu, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. You can also try crushed corn flakes as an alternative to breadcrumbs.

Before placing the breaded pork cutlets in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with oil spray or line it with parchment paper and add a teaspoon or two of olive oil. Make sure the cutlets don't overlap in the basket, and set the temperature to 360–400°F (180–200°C). Depending on the thickness of your pork cutlets and the model of your air fryer, they should be done in about 9–15 minutes. For thinner cutlets, check on them after 4 minutes and flip them halfway through the cooking time. For thicker cutlets, you may need to cook them for up to 20 minutes.

What to serve with pork cutlets

Juicy and tender, air fryer pork cutlets are remarkably easy to prepare, cook quickly, and require minimal ingredients. The thin pork cutlets are breaded and then air-fried until golden brown and crispy. The versatility of this dish extends to the variety of side dishes that can be served with it. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pork cutlets:

Buttered Noodles

For an Eastern European flair, serve the pork cutlets with buttered noodles. This combination is both fast and satisfying, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

Quick Red Cabbage Sauerkraut

Pairing pork cutlets with red cabbage sauerkraut will transport you to Germany. This side dish adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.

French Fries

For a classic diner meal, serve your pork cutlets with a side of French fries. This option is perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying meal.

Rice and Green Beans

Rice is always a good choice of side dish, and when paired with green beans, it becomes a flavorful and satisfying combination. For an extra kick of flavor, add some fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and onions to the rice.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The creaminess of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender pork cutlets, while the rich gravy ties the whole meal together. This combination is a classic for a reason and is sure to impress your guests.

Salads

A light and crisp salad can be the perfect complement to pork cutlets, especially during the summertime. For a winter meal, consider a heartier option like a kale salad or a winter squash salad. To make it even more special, add some feta cheese, tart green apples, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a starchy classic that can add a touch of sweetness to your meal. They are a great option for a holiday dinner or when you want to impress your guests.

How to reheat pork cutlets

Reheating pork cutlets in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they remain juicy and tender. It is a quick and easy method that delivers evenly heated, delicious results.

Firstly, it is important to let the pork come to room temperature. This will ensure the meat is not shocked by a quick transition from cold to hot, which can cause the muscle fibres to contract and become less tender. Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, or if it is frozen, leave it to defrost for a few hours.

Next, you will want to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes suggest a temperature of between 350˚F and 400˚F. A higher temperature will be required if your pork is breaded, to ensure the exterior remains crispy.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spritz or spray your pork with a light coating of cooking oil. This will help to enhance the crispiness of the exterior. You can use any neutral oil, such as olive oil, and a spray will help to evenly coat the meat.

Now, you are ready to place the pork in the air fryer. Ensure the basket is not overcrowded, as this will prevent even cooking. A single layer of pork is best, and you can cook in batches if necessary.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork cutlets. For thinner cuts, 2-4 minutes should be sufficient. Thicker cuts may need an additional 1-2 minutes. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 145˚F.

Finally, let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and juicy.

Your pork cutlets are now ready to serve. You can add extra seasoning before serving, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or paprika.

Frequently asked questions