Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Crispy, golden, and perfectly tender—this Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe is a game changer! Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or prepping a crowd-pleasing meal, these chicken cutlets cook up in no time with minimal mess. Get ready for a healthier, mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite!

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, tender chicken without all the excess oil. Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, these cutlets cook to golden perfection in the air fryer, delivering the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with a fraction of the fat.

Whether served with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or as a sandwich, this recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic dish. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes or less.
• Crispy and Tender: Perfectly crunchy outside, juicy inside.
• Flavor Packed: Full of savory, seasoned goodness in every bite.
• Kid-Friendly: A family favorite that’s always a hit.
• Versatile: Pairs well with any side dish or salad.
• Minimal Cleanup: Air fryer means less mess in the kitchen.

If you love dinner recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili, Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich, or Air Fryer Patty Melt.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein for juicy, flavorful cutlets.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Light, crispy coating for a crunchy texture.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing chicken flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and flavor depth.
• Eggs: Helps bind the coating for crispy results.
• All-purpose flour: Light dusting for holding breadcrumbs on chicken.
• Golden breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch and golden color.
• Cooking spray: Helps achieve a crisp, golden finish without excess oil.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into 2 thinner pieces, creating 4 total cutlets.

Step Two: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Place the flour in a third shallow bowl. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and then coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step Three: Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray. Air fry the chicken at 380 degrees F (190°C) set cook time for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Recipe Tips

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading. This will help the cutlets cook more uniformly in the air fryer.
• Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spraying the breaded cutlets with cooking spray before air frying will help them get that golden, crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the chicken cutlets are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
• Adjust Time Based on Thickness: If your chicken cutlets are particularly thick, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the panko breadcrumbs. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme to customize the flavor to your taste.
• Serve Immediately: For the best crispy texture, serve your chicken cutlets right away after air frying. Letting them sit for too long may cause the coating to soften.

Storing

• Storing: Allow the chicken cutlets to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked chicken cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container once frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken cutlets back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven for similar results.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets pair perfectly with a variety of sides that complement their crispy texture and savory flavor. Serve them with a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast, or pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For a twist, add a side of pasta with marinara sauce or sautéed greens like spinach or kale to round out the meal. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch, to add an extra burst of flavor.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

How do I get the chicken cutlets crispy? For crispy chicken cutlets, make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, then spray the cutlets lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

Can I make the breading ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can also bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook.

What should I do if the chicken cutlets are too thick? If the chicken breasts are too thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, which will cook more evenly and faster in the air fryer.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs? Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs work well in this recipe. Simply substitute them for the regular breadcrumbs and proceed with the recipe as directed.

How can I ensure the chicken is cooked through? Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a milk-based or dairy-free option (like unsweetened almond milk) for dipping the chicken before coating it in breadcrumbs.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
• AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
• HOW TO MAKE FROZEN HAMBURGERS IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT PANERA PEPPERONI FLATBREAD
• AIR FRYER BAKED FONTINA CHEESE DIP

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