Marianne Martinez
Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, including on their own, in a sandwich or wrap, with a salad, or as chicken parmigiana. They are also a great option for meal prep. Chicken cutlets can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. The air fryer method also produces a crispy, crunchy texture without the need for excess oil, resulting in lower-fat fried chicken. This introduction will provide a guide on how to cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving tips.
How to Cook Cutlets in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper |
| Marinade Time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Breadcrumbs | Plain or pre-seasoned Italian, or panko for a lighter, crunchier texture |
| Other Breading Ingredients | Eggs, flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper |
| Oil | Olive oil or avocado oil |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Timing | 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
| Reheating | Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and heat for 4-7 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days or freeze for up to 1 month to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the chicken
Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before marinating. This will help the marinade to stick to the chicken. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours soak in. However, if you have the time, marinating the chicken overnight will give even better results. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will be.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, you can bread the chicken and cook it in the air fryer.
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Breading the chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken cutlets dry using a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps the egg and breading adhere better to the chicken. You can buy pre-cut chicken cutlets or slice a chicken breast in half to create your own. If you want an even thickness, cover the chicken with plastic and use a meat mallet to pound it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes or containers. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed. In the second dish, whisk some eggs. You can use whole eggs or just egg whites. The third dish will contain your breadcrumb mixture. For this, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings and spices. You can use plain or Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs. If you want a lighter, crunchier texture, go for panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
First, season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper or your choice of Italian seasonings. Then, it's time to coat the chicken. Start by dredging the chicken in the flour, making sure to coat it lightly and evenly. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg, shaking off any excess. Finally, lay the chicken in the breadcrumbs and use your fingers to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken, ensuring it's completely covered.
Step 4: Prepare for Frying
Once your chicken is breaded, it's almost ready for the air fryer. Give the breading an extra boost of flavour and crispness by spraying or brushing the chicken with a little oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. This step will help the outside of the breading get that delicious fried texture.
Now, your chicken cutlets are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked to golden perfection!
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Cooking the cutlets
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some air fryers don't require preheating, but it can help the chicken cook more evenly and give it a nice golden finish.
Next, prepare the chicken cutlets. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to the breading. If you want to make the chicken extra crispy, butterfly or slice the chicken breasts to create thinner cutlets, and then use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
Now, it's time to bread the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls or containers. In the first bowl, whisk some eggs. In the second bowl, add flour and lightly dredge the chicken in it. You can skip this step if you don't want a thick coating. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the chicken into the egg, flipping to cover each side, and shake off any excess egg. Finally, lay the chicken in the third bowl, which contains the breadcrumbs, and use your fingers to completely cover the chicken with the breadcrumbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Once the chicken is breaded, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the cutlets are not overlapping or touching. Spray the tops of the chicken cutlets with olive oil or avocado oil spray to help them crisp up. You can also use cooking spray or brush them with a little oil.
Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the chicken cutlets for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but you want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are cooked safely.
Finally, remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and serve with your choice of sides. Enjoy!
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Storing and reheating the cutlets
Storing your leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge will ensure they stay fresh for up to four days. It is important to let the chicken cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming and making the breading soggy.
If you want to keep your cutlets for longer, you can freeze them. To do this, place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen cutlets to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy your leftover cutlets, the air fryer is a great way to reheat them while maintaining their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to between 325°F and 375°F. Place the cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each cutlet for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for four to eight minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
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Serving suggestions
There are several ways to serve chicken cutlets cooked in an air fryer. You can eat them straight out of the air fryer, or add them to a salad, wrap, or sandwich. You can also use them as a base for chicken parmesan, or chicken milanese.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or pork rinds. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to change up the flavor. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
You can also serve the cutlets with a side of vegetables, such as air fryer garlic bread, air fryer baby potatoes, creamed corn, air fryer acorn squash, air fryer asparagus, or air fryer carrots with a little salad. For a nutritious side, serve with instant pot fettuccini alfredo. You can also make them into crispy chicken burgers or chop them up and serve them over a salad.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook chicken cutlets in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165ºF.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating it with egg. Then, use your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken.
Leftover chicken cutlets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month or 6 months.
