Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (Quick & Easy Recipe)
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Craving crispy chicken that’s perfectly golden on the outside and juicy on the inside—without all the oil and mess of traditional frying?
These air fryer chicken cutlets are just the ticket!
In just 8 minutes, you’ll have perfectly seasoned, breaded cutlets with a deliciously crispy crust.
Made with pantry staples and minimal ef
fort, this is the ultimate go-to dinner for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick, tasty meal.
Ready in under 20 minutes, these crispy chicken cutlets will quickly become your new favorite dinner!
For Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Cutlets – Use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or pre-cut chicken cutlets. Both work wonderfully, depending on your preference for thickness and juiciness.
- Eggs – To create the egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs stick and form that perfect golden crust.
- Italian Bread Crumbs – For the classic crispy texture, these breadcrumbs will give you that Italian-style crunch.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – Adds extra crispiness and lightness to the coating.
- Garlic Powder – For that savory depth of flavor in the breading.
- Onion Powder – Balances the garlic and enhances the overall taste of the coating.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and breading to perfection.
- Cooking Spray – Helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior when cooking in the air fryer.
For Air Fryer Cooking
- Cooking Spray – Again, a little more is used to make sure the chicken crispifies evenly without sticking.
rispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (Quick & Easy Recipe)
Craving crispy, golden chicken cutlets without the hassle? This air fryer recipe delivers perfectly crispy, breaded chicken in just 8 minutes, with minimal prep and zero frying oil. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love!
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Servings: 4
Calories: 338kcal
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 chicken cutlets (or 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Set Up Dredging Station:
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In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined.
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In another shallow bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs, panko, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Coat the Chicken:
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Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, fully coating it. Then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the crumbs stick well.
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Repeat this process for each cutlet, using one hand for the wet mixture and the other for the dry mixture. Let the coated cutlets rest on a clean plate.
Cook the Chicken:
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Place two chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Generously spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
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Cook at 400°F for 4 minutes. After 2 minutes, open the air fryer and spray the tops of the cutlets again if you see any dry spots.
Flip and Finish Cooking:
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Flip the cutlets over, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops again with cooking spray.
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Continue cooking for another 4 minutes, checking halfway through for dryness and re-spraying if necessary. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest point.
Repeat for Remaining Cutlets:
Nutrition
Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5g | Protein: 47.1g | Fat: 9.5g | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.3g
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- Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating your air fryer is key to getting a perfectly crispy coating. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before cooking the chicken cutlets.
- How can I make sure the breading sticks?
The trick is to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg wash. This ensures the breading stays intact during cooking. Use one hand for wet and the other for dry to keep things clean.
- Can I stack the chicken cutlets in the air fryer?
For the crispiest results, it’s best not to stack the chicken. Lay them flat in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overlapping, so the air circulates evenly.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
The easiest way is with an instant-read thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the cutlet, and once it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is ready!
- Can I use frozen chicken cutlets?
Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed first! Frozen cutlets will cook unevenly and the breading may not stick properly if you don’t thaw them out.
