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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Crispy, juicy, and ready in minutes! These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a total game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing lunch. Golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—with way less oil than traditional frying! This tried and tested recipe is healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Dinner, Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 183 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup regular panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup golden breadcrumbs or Italian-style bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • cooking spray, as needed

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier cutlets.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin cutlets. For extra tenderness, you can gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Set Up Your Breading Station

  • In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
  • In a second bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, golden or Italian-style breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Add optional seasonings, if desired.
  • In a third bowl, add the all-purpose flour.

Bread the Chicken Cutlets

  • Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess.
  • Dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
  • Press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

  • Lay the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap; cook in batches if needed for best results.

Spray and Cook

  • Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without excess oil. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 23-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cutlets are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve

  • Let the chicken cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Notes

TIPS & TRICKS
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 18gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 833mgPotassium: 283mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 152IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Keyword how to cook chicken cutlets in the air fryer
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