If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious meal, look no further than Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. These juicy, flavorful chicken cutlets are coated in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb mixture that satisfies the crunch we all crave—without the extra oil. The air fryer makes cooking a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
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The Upside of Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, bringing a healthier option to our favorite fried foods. With Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, you get all the crispy goodness without the guilt. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Plus, it’s quick to preheat and even quicker to cook, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 28-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed – The star of the show! Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the cutlets.
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing – Acts as a marinade, infusing the chicken with zesty flavor.
- 3/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs – Provides a crispy coating. You can make your own or buy them pre-made.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 large egg, beaten – Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Olive oil spray – A light mist helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
Recommended Tools
Before you get cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Air Fryer – The key appliance for achieving that crispy texture.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin – For flattening the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Shallow Bowls – Useful for dredging the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Cooking Spray – Necessary for preventing sticking and promoting even browning.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature.
Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: A Simple Method
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming the chicken breasts to remove any excess fat. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Step 2: Marinate
In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add the chicken cutlets and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this will help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3: Set Up Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, place the beaten egg. In another shallow bowl, combine the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and dry Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each cutlet first into the beaten egg, coating it well, and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick coating.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This allows the cutlets to start cooking immediately when placed inside.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken Cutlets
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with olive oil spray.
Step 7: Cook
Air fry the chicken cutlets for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or whole grain pasta for a complete meal.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you need to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences or restrictions, consider the following options:
- For gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- For a dairy-free option: Omit the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- For lower sodium: Use a homemade Italian dressing with less salt.
- For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
To ensure your Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy breadcrumbs.
- Skipping the marinating step: Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, so don’t rush this part!
- Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- Failing to use a meat thermometer: Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- To store: Place cooked cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For freezing: Allow cutlets to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Place frozen cutlets in the air fryer at 370°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. For refrigerated cutlets, reheat at the same temperature for 5-7 minutes.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a juicier result. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken cutlets are done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken cutlets has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I make these chicken cutlets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets?
These cutlets pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as salad, roasted vegetables, or whole grain pasta. You can also slice them and add to sandwiches or wraps!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the details needed to make scrumptious Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! The combination of juicy chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, and zesty Italian dressing creates a flavor sensation that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a special occasion, these cutlets are sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets!
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by trimming the chicken breasts to remove any excess fat. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add the chicken cutlets and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In one shallow bowl, place the beaten egg. In another shallow bowl, combine the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and dry Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, dip each cutlet first into the beaten egg, and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer, and lightly spray the tops of the cutlets.
- Air fry the chicken cutlets for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For crispy cutlets, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Feel free to marinate the chicken longer for enhanced flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
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