Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Whip up these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
In less than 30 minutes, we take a simple piece of chicken breast, coat it in an egg and Panko breading, and create a chicken dish that’s juice on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet Recipe Highlights
- QUICK AND EASY – This recipe involves simple steps for a hassle-free cooking experience and is ready in under 30 minutes.
- HEALTHIER OPTION – This recipe uses minimal oil and air frying, which is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
- VERSATILE SERVING – Enjoy the juicy chicken cutlets on their own or pair them with your favorite side dishes
- JUICY AND TENDER – Allowing the cooked chicken to rest ensures juicy and tender results, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN – Skinless chicken breasts are a lean and versatile protein source in this recipe. Their mild flavor makes them able to absorb the seasonings and coatings. Chicken thighs can be a substitute if you prefer dark meat, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
For this recipe, I used pre-cut skinless chicken breast from my local grocery store, but you can use a skinless chicken breast that has been pounded to even thickness using a meat mallet, which also doubles as a meat tenderizer.
EGGS – Eggs act as a binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. For an egg substitute, buttermilk, aquafaba, or yogurt can be used to achieve a similar binding effect.
PANKO BREADCRUMBS: Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken cutlets a light and crispy texture. The Italian seasoning adds a flavorful kick to them as well.
EXPERT TIP – If you don’t have Italian-seasoned panko for your breading station, you can use regular panko and add dried herbs like oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder for your crispy chicken cutlets.
SPICES – Salt enhances the overall flavor of this dish, while black pepper adds a subtle heat to it. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper levels according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and dip each chicken cutlet into it, ensuring an even coating.
- Coat the egg-coated chicken cutlets into panko bread crumbs in a separate dish.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375º Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
FRESH SALAD – Pair with a light, fresh salad for a balanced meal.
DIPPING SAUCES – Serve with your favorite sauces like chipotle mayo, classic Ranch, or cilantro lime for added flavor.
VEGETABLE SIDES – Roasted vegetables such as our easy Roasted Frozen Broccoli, Roasted Potatoes And Carrots, or steamed greens make great accompaniments.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZE – Place the cooked cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months.
REHEAT – Reheat in the air fryer at 375º Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. This method helps retain the texture better than microwaving.
Recipe Success Tips
EVEN COATING – Ensure each chicken cutlet is evenly coated with both egg and breadcrumbs for consistent cooking and texture.
SINGLE LAYER COOKING – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer ensures even air circulation and crisping.
FLIPPING THE CUTLETS – Flipping them halfway through cooking is crucial for an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
Commonly Asked Questions
Should I flip my chicken cutlets during air frying?
Yes, it’s a good idea to flip the cutlets over midway during cooking to make sure they are evenly browning and cooking on both sides.
How do I keep my chicken from becoming rubbery?
I recommend not overcooking and overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
Lack of oil spray or undercooking your chicken pieces are common reasons. Make sure that your raw chicken is dry before breading, the air fryer is preheated, and that you have enough space between the chicken for air circulation. Also, don’t be afraid to cook them a little longer for extra crispness.
Can I use whole chicken breasts in my air fryer chicken cutlet recipe?
Yes, you can. However, for quicker and even cooking, I recommend slicing your large chicken breasts into thin chicken breast cutlets.
How can I prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket or the chicken?
Using parchment paper or lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the breaded chicken cutlets will prevent the cutlets from sticking to the basket.
Any tips for busy weeknights when preparing air fryer chicken cutlets?
For busy weeknights, I recommend prepping in advance by slicing and breading the chicken cutlets. Store them in the fridge wrapped in pieces of plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to cook, quickly bread and air fry them for a delicious meal.
What should I do if I don’t have an olive oil spray bottle?
You can use a food-safe brush and lightly coat the air fryer basket.
More Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes
Easy Chicken Parmesan – Our Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan recipe has been a hit for years; find out why thousands have given it a five-star rating!
Chicken Schnitzel – While classic Schnitzel is often made with veal or pork, we Germans also love a good Schnitzel made with Chicken.
Chicken Meatloaf – A delicious alternative to a traditional beef meatloaf.
Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs – A rich, creamy, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast skinless, boneless, can be between
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- salt and black pepper optional, to taste
- olive oil spray see notes
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375º Fahrenheit.
- If required slice chicken cutlets in half. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture.
- Spread panko bread crumbs in a separate dish and coat each chicken cutlet on both sides.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil, place the breaded cutlets in a single layer. Spray the coated chicken cutlets lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 375º Fahrenheit, flipping halfway. Once cooked, let the cutlets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.