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

Turkey cutlets are a great option for a quick, tasty, and healthy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in just 6-15 minutes, making them an easy choice for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. Turkey cutlets are thin slices of boneless turkey breast that can be breaded or marinated before cooking, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. With simple preparation and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for a delicious and convenient meal any day of the week.

How to Make Turkey Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Marinade the turkey cutlets

Marinating the turkey cutlets is an important step in ensuring they are juicy and flavourful. Firstly, gather your ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. You will also need a medium-sized mixing bowl, a fork or whisk, a plastic bag or shallow dish, and some paper towels.

In the mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, and honey. Add the garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper, and mix until the honey is fully blended. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.

Next, pat the turkey steaks dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade stick to the meat. Place the steaks in the plastic bag or shallow dish and pour over the marinade, ensuring all the meat is coated. If using a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing. If using a dish, cover with cling film. Gently rub the marinade into the meat.

Place the marinating steaks in the refrigerator. For the best results, leave them overnight, but even a couple of hours will make a difference. The longer they are left, the more flavourful they will be.

Bread the cutlets

To bread the turkey cutlets, you'll need to set up a breading station. Grab two shallow dishes or plates. In one, add beaten eggs. You can use egg whites or egg substitute if you prefer, or even mayo for an egg-free version. In the other dish, mix together your breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. You can use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or plain breadcrumbs with some Italian seasoning mixed in. Gluten-free or low-carb breadcrumbs work too. If you're grating the Parmesan yourself, a chunk of Parmesan will melt and coat better than pre-shredded Parmesan, but the pre-shredded kind will also work.

Before you start breading, pat the turkey cutlets dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture. Then, season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or garlic salt.

Now you're ready to bread the cutlets. First, dip a cutlet into the egg wash, making sure it's coated on both sides. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, again coating both sides. Be sure to press the cutlet into the breadcrumbs to really get it coated. Repeat this process for all of your cutlets. If you like, you can spritz or lightly brush both sides of the breaded cutlets with olive oil to increase browning.

Seasoning

Firstly, it is important to pat the turkey cutlets dry using paper towels. This step helps to remove any extra moisture from the meat, ensuring that the seasoning adheres effectively.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of spices and herbs according to your preference. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice, as suggested by Melanie Cooks. You can also add some heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or cajun spices. Additionally, dried rosemary, as suggested by Tatiana from The Top Meal, can be a great way to add a bold herb flavour to your dish.

If you are looking for an Italian twist, you can use Italian seasoning and garlic powder, as suggested by Mary from "Oh, That's Good!". This combination goes well with pasta and marinara sauce. You can also sprinkle on some parmesan cheese, as suggested by Whole Lotta Yum, to add a crunchy and crispy texture to your cutlets.

Once you have selected your seasonings, it is important to coat both sides of the turkey cutlets evenly. Use your hands to rub the seasonings onto the meat, ensuring that every inch is covered. This step will ensure that your cutlets are packed with flavour.

After seasoning, you can choose to spritz or brush the turkey cutlets with olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance browning and add moisture to the meat.

Finally, place the seasoned turkey cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, and you're ready to go!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for turkey cutlets in an air fryer will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your air fryer, the wattage, and the thickness of your cutlets.

For a 4-quart mini PowerXL model air fryer, it is recommended to cook the cutlets at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, so it is recommended to check the doneness of the cutlets after 10 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

If you are using a pre-sliced cutlet from Trader Joe's, it is recommended to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6-8 minutes without flipping. Thicker or larger cutlets can take up to 11-12 minutes to cook. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

For frozen turkey cutlets, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread some sauce over each frozen cutlet and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping and brushing with more sauce halfway through. Check that the cutlets are golden brown and heated throughout before serving.

If you are cooking turkey steaks, it is recommended to set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the steak has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving suggestions

Turkey cutlets cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salads and Sandwiches: Air fryer turkey cutlets make a great salad topper or sandwich filling. Try a turkey lettuce wrap with cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. For a sandwich, a bagel or a grilled rye bread Reuben with sauerkraut and 1000 island dressing are tasty options.
• Sides: Serve the cutlets with a range of side dishes, such as sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, egg salad, potato salad, side salad, lentils, brown rice, or traditional bread stuffing.
• Holiday Dishes: These cutlets are perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving or holiday gathering. Serve them with cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and traditional bread stuffing for a festive feast.
• Pasta: For an Italian twist, serve the cutlets over pasta with marinara sauce, toasted breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
• Veggies: Air fryer turkey cutlets go well with a variety of roasted or cooked vegetables, including air fryer butternut squash, baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
• Sauces: For an extra flavour boost, top the cutlets with a mushroom sauce, gravy, or your favourite condiment.
• Leftovers: Don't forget about leftovers! Turkey cutlets can be reheated in the air fryer and served over a green salad with ranch dressing or used in a sandwich.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and side dishes to create your own unique serving suggestions!

Frequently asked questions