Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: Quick, Crispy, and Ideal for Weeknight Family Dinners
Make crispy, juicy chicken cutlets in an air fryer using this simple recipe. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful version of your favorite breaded chicken with a perfectly golden crust and tender interior. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep!
![Air fryer chicken cutlet on a white plate.](https://lentillovingfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/air-fryer-chicken-cutlet-1.jpg)
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Air fryer chicken cutlets are my go-to way of making the classic favorite. Traditionally, chicken cutlets are pan-fried or deep-fried, but the air fryer makes it so much easier to get that same satisfying crisp without the mess.
The result is always perfectly golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it only takes a fraction of the time. It’s an easy, reliable way to make a delicious meal without the hassle.
These cutlets are incredibly versatile. I love them on their own with some roasted veggies, but they also make amazing sandwiches and salads. And let’s be honest, they’re a real time-saver on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure an evenly cooked and tender texture. Look for breasts that are evenly sized for more consistent cooking.
Breadcrumbs: A blend of golden and panko breadcrumbs gives the cutlets the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Golden breadcrumbs provide a classic breading, while panko adds a light, airy crunch. The combination ensures a crispy coating that holds up well in the air fryer.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in the second shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, golden breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Spray the breaded chicken cutlets lightly with cooking spray.
Step 4: Cook in the air fryer at 380℉ for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray oil on them. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked fully.
Expert Tips
- You can use any breadcrumbs you prefer, such as seasoned breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs.
- If your chicken cutlets are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
- You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
- Cooked chicken cutlets can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and store.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Serve your air fryer chicken cutlets with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a well-rounded, comforting meal.
- Salads: Slice the cutlets and add them to a fresh salad, such as a mixed greens salad or Caesar salad. The crispy chicken adds great texture and protein.
- Sandwich or Wrap: Place a crispy chicken cutlet in a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and condiments like mayonnaise and mustard sauce. This is an easy lunch or dinner idea that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
- Pasta: Top a bowl of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or farfalle, with a crispy chicken cutlet. Pair with marinara or Alfredo sauce for a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner.
- Grain Bowl: Serve the chicken cutlets over grain bowls for a light yet filling meal.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Transform your dinner routine with this air fryer chicken breast recipe! It’s juicy, flavorful, and comes together in a flash. No breading needed—just pure, crispy deliciousness.
- Air fryer corn on the cob has to be one of the simplest (and tastiest) kitchen hacks. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely customizable. In just 15 minutes, you can go from raw corn to a buttery, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost anything.
- Get ready for the ultimate chicken thighs—crispy on the outside, perfectly juicy on the inside, and all made in your air fryer! This quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe will be your go-to for a delicious dinner any night of the week.
- This air fryer frozen meatballs recipe is perfect for busy nights. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy meatballs with zero prep. Serve with pasta, on a sandwich, or as a snack—dinner couldn’t be easier!
- Crispy, flavorful, and ready in no time—this air fryer asparagus recipe is a must-try for any home cook! Perfectly roasted with a tender, buttery interior, this dish is a great way to get your veggies on the table with minimal effort.
Busy week ahead? These air fryer chicken recipes make meal prep and family dinners a breeze. From crispy chicken wings to tender thighs, these quick, easy recipes are full of flavor and perfect for saving time in the kitchen.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup golden breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for about 3-5 minutes.
- Slice each chicken breast in the middle horizontally, creating four thinner pieces in total.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in the second shallow bowl.
- In another shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, golden breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Spray the breaded chicken cutlets lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer at 380℉ for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray oil on them. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked fully.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any breadcrumbs you prefer, such as seasoned breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs.
- If your chicken cutlets are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
- You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.