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

Chicken cutlets are a staple in Italian-American homes, usually fried in oil until golden brown. However, you can recreate this recipe using an air fryer to make it healthier. To make chicken cutlets in an air fryer, you will need thin-sliced chicken breasts, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, and cooking spray. First, create a breading station with two shallow bowls – one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs. Next, dip each piece of chicken into the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or wax paper. Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray and place the cutlets inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again with cooking spray. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to decide if you are using pre-made chicken cutlets or if you will be making them yourself. If you are making them, you will need to slice a boneless, skinless chicken breast in half lengthwise and then pound it with a meat mallet until it is 1/4-inch thick. This process will ensure your chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

Next, you will need to set up a breading station. This will involve using two shallow bowls and a plate. In the first bowl, you will need to beat an egg (or egg whites) with a little water. In the second bowl, combine breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, whole wheat, or panko) with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning to this mixture for extra flavour.

Now you are ready to dredge the chicken. Using one hand for the wet bowl and one for the dry bowl, dip each cutlet first into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully covered, and then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly. Use your fingers to press down and ensure the crumbs stick well. Transfer the breaded cutlet to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.

At this stage, you can let the chicken rest while you preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This step will allow the egg to absorb some of the dry ingredients, resulting in a moist and flavourful coating.

Making the marinade

The marinade is key to ensuring your chicken cutlets are juicy and full of flavour. There are a few different ways to make a marinade, but the general steps are as follows:

• Combine your chosen wet ingredients in a bowl. This could include Italian dressing, lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, or buttermilk.
• Add your chosen herbs and spices to the wet mixture. This could include garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or a blend of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
• Place your chicken cutlets in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavour, leave the chicken to marinate for longer—even overnight if possible.
• Italian Herb: Combine dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Spicy Asian: Mix soy sauce, honey, a touch of sriracha or chilli paste, and minced ginger.
• Smoky BBQ: Use barbecue sauce, a little apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
• Mexican: Add a few teaspoons of taco seasoning.
• Lemon-Garlic: Combine lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.

Breading the chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Get two shallow bowls and a plate. In the first bowl, whisk together the egg and water (or just use egg whites). In the second bowl, combine your choice of bread crumbs (Italian, panko, or a mix of both) with any desired spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese. The plate will be used to hold the breaded chicken cutlets as you work.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken cutlet and dip it first into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Then, transfer the cutlet to the bowl with the bread crumb mixture and coat it thoroughly. Use your fingers to press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.

Step 3: Let the Chicken Rest

Once all the cutlets are breaded, let them rest on the plate while you preheat your air fryer. This step is important because it allows the egg to absorb some of the dry ingredients, resulting in a moist and flavourful coating after cooking.

Step 4: Spray with Cooking Spray

Generously spray the tops of the breaded chicken cutlets with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture. Make sure to spray again if you notice any dry spots during cooking.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook at 400°F for about 8-15 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through and spraying more cooking spray as needed. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking the chicken

Now that your breading station is set up, it's time to start cooking the chicken cutlets.

Firstly, pat the chicken cutlets dry on both sides using paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper to taste, then set them aside on a clean plate.

Next, dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. Transfer the breaded cutlets to the clean plate.

While your air fryer preheats, let the chicken cutlets rest. This step allows the egg to absorb some of the dry ingredients, resulting in a moist and flavourful coating after cooking.

Place the cutlets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Generously spray the tops with cooking spray for a crispy and golden finish.

Cook the chicken cutlets, flipping them halfway through and applying more cooking spray as needed. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.

If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in an oven preheated to 250°F.

Serving suggestions

Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads

Chicken cutlets can be a great addition to salads, providing a protein boost. Try them in a spinach salad, a Caesar salad, or a blueberry corn chicken salad. You can also chop them up and add them to a chicken fajita bowl or a chicken protein bowl.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken cutlets are perfect for sandwiches and wraps. You can add your choice of toppings and sauces to customize your sandwich. They can also be used as a base for Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmigiana sandwiches.

Sides

Chicken cutlets go well with a variety of side dishes. Some options include grilled vegetables, a baked sweet potato, quinoa, or air fryer brussels sprouts. They can also be served with pasta, roasted broccoli, or orzo and zucchini.

Tacos

Get creative and use chicken cutlets as the filling for tacos. You can also make chicken tacos using this recipe with some Mexican-inspired spices or taco seasoning.

Main Courses

Chicken cutlets can be a great base for main course dishes. Try using them for chicken parmesan, chicken milanese, or even a healthy KFC bowl.

Frequently asked questions