Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
This crispy, golden chicken cutlet recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a deliciously crispy, healthier take on a classic dish.
With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can have a perfectly breaded chicken dinner in just 18 minutes—no deep frying required.
Whether you’re short on time or looking for a lighter version of a beloved comfort food, these air fryer chicken cutlets will hit the spot!
For Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Cutlets – I use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thinly butterflied chicken breasts. Both work great, depending on your preference for white or dark meat.
- Eggs – To create the base for the breading.
- Water – Helps thin out the egg wash for even coating.
- Italian Bread Crumbs – Adds flavor and texture to the coating.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – For extra crunch and crispiness.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a mild garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder – Gives a subtle savory flavor to the breading.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning to taste.
- Cooking Spray – Helps the chicken crisp up in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (Crispy & Breaded)
Craving crispy, golden chicken cutlets without all the mess of deep frying? With this easy air fryer recipe, you can enjoy a perfectly crunchy, tender chicken dinner in just 18 minutes—no oil splatter, no fuss
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Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 chicken cutlets (or 2 large breasts, butterflied)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken cutlets dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside on a clean plate while you prepare the dredging station. - Set Up Dredging Station:
You’ll need two shallow bowls and a clean plate.- In the first bowl, beat together the eggs and water until fully combined.
- In the second bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, panko, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.
The clean plate will be used to rest the breaded cutlets after coating.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Transfer the cutlet to the breadcrumb mixture and coat it thoroughly, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick.
- Place the breaded cutlet on the clean plate. Repeat for all cutlets, mixing the breadcrumb mixture between each one to redistribute the seasonings.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This allows the coating to set properly. - Cook the Chicken:
- Once preheated, place 2 cutlets in the basket without overlapping. Generously spray the tops with cooking spray to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then check halfway through. If you notice any dry spots, spray the cutlets with more cooking spray.
- After 4 minutes, flip the cutlets and spray the tops again with cooking spray. Cook for another 4 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Repeat:
Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining cutlets.
Nutrition
Calories: 338 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5g | Protein: 47.1g | Fat: 9.5g | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.3g |
- How can I make the breading stick better to the chicken?
To get that crispy, golden crust, make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading. This removes excess moisture and helps the breadcrumbs stick. Also, try using one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breadcrumbs—this keeps things neat and ensures even coating. - How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs as they give that extra crunch! And don’t forget to spray the chicken with oil before air frying—it helps create that golden, crisp crust without the mess of deep frying. - Can I make this with frozen chicken cutlets?
Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Air fry the frozen chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - What can I do if my air fryer basket is too small?
If your air fryer basket is too small, cook the chicken in batches. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket so each piece gets a nice, even cook. - How do I store leftovers, and can I reheat them?
Store your leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-5 minutes until they’re crispy and hot.
