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

Chicken cutlets are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are simply chicken breasts that have been cut in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces, which are then pounded with a meat tenderizer to make them thinner and ensure they cook evenly. The cutlets are then seasoned and breaded before being placed in the air fryer for around 7-10 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the need for excess oil. Chicken cutlets can be served with a variety of sides, including vegetables, salad, pasta, or potatoes. They can also be frozen for a quick and convenient meal at a later date.

Chicken cutlet preparation

Chicken cutlets are a great, quick meal to make in an air fryer. They are thin slices of chicken breast, which can be bought pre-cut or made at home by slicing a chicken breast in half horizontally and pounding it with a meat tenderizer to make it thinner.

First, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Next, prepare three shallow bowls. In one, whisk an egg; in the second, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper; and in the third, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.

Dip the chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs, using your fingers to completely cover the chicken. Spray both sides of the chicken with oil and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each cutlet so the hot air can circulate.

Cook for around 7-10 minutes at 375-400°F, flipping halfway through, until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken cutlets can be served with a variety of sides, such as salad, vegetables, pasta, or potatoes. They can also be made into a sandwich or served with gravy.

Marinades and seasonings

For seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a delicious, cheesy twist. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chilli powder to mix up the flavour. Don't forget to season the flour with herbs and spices as well. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick.

If you're using a marinade, remember to shake off most of the liquid before starting the dredging step. For the best results, season your chicken cutlets before you start breading and preheating your air fryer. This will give the seasonings time to absorb into the chicken.

Cooking methods and timings

Chicken cutlets are chicken breasts that have been sliced in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces. The chicken is then pounded with a meat tenderizer to make it thinner, so it cooks more quickly and evenly.

To cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer, start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four cutlets. Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound the chicken with a meat mallet to make them each 1/4-inch thick. You can also use a rolling pin, wine bottle, or even the palm of your hand.

In a shallow bowl, season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a marinade of Italian dressing for at least one hour (the longer the better). In another shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. In a third shallow bowl, whisk an egg. In a separate container, combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.

Next, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken on a work surface and spray both sides with oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each cutlet to ensure proper air circulation.

Cook the chicken for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the top is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cutlets and the brand of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Breading and coatings

Next, prepare the breading mixture. A simple option is to use a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. For a lighter, crunchier texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to add extra flavour. For example, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning can be mixed with the breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can add an egg to the breading process. Beat an egg in a bowl and dip the chicken into it before coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. This helps the breading stick to the chicken and ensures a crispy exterior.

If you want to enhance the flavour even further, you can marinate the chicken before breading. A quick marinade can be made with Italian dressing and seasonings, or you can try an overnight buttermilk soak. After marinating, shake off any excess liquid before starting the breading process.

Once the chicken is coated, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray to promote a golden, crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve chicken cutlets cooked in an air fryer. You can serve them with roasted broccoli, over a salad, with a side of orzo and zucchini, or with your favourite grain. Chicken cutlets can also be served with grilled veggies, a serving of pasta, or on top of a Caesar salad or spinach salad.

If you're looking for a sandwich option, you can serve the cutlets in a bun with ketchup or top them with white gravy and serve with mashed potatoes and green beans. For a nutritious side, you can pair the cutlets with air fryer acorn squash, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer carrots with a little salad.

Chicken cutlets can also be frozen and stored in airtight containers or bags for quick meals in the future. To reheat, simply spritz each side of the leftover chicken with cooking spray and place it in a 350° air fryer for around 3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Frequently asked questions