These 30-minute crispy chicken cutlets will become a regular weeknight dinner or lunch in your house! Thin slices of chicken breasts covered in a light, yet flavorful combination of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and air fried to golden perfection. Did I mention it takes less than 30 minutes?!
If you are a busy mom like me, any meal done in 30 minutes is definitely my favorite option and these crunchy, Italian cutlets are no exception to that rule!
Make them once and then serve them with a big salad, hearty cheese sauce, layer them over garlic rice, or enjoy them in a panini sandwich with your favorite toppings.
Plus, this quick dinner is made right in the air-fryer so no need to heat up any messy frying oil or your oven! If you like, you can even make a mini version of the recipe by chopping the cutlets into the size of chicken tenders.
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Why You'll Love the Recipe
What I love the most about the recipe is its simplicity. Although it looks restaurant quality, it only takes a few simple ingredients!
Since air frying is the best way to cook these cutlets, you can enjoy them guilt-free. And if you are just as obsessed with your air fryer as I am, you'll want to try my Chicken Taquitos in an Air Fryer or some quick mini chicken tacos!
As Easy As It Gets! It is the easiest and the best chicken cutlets recipe out there - period! Even if you're a beginner, you'll get through it with perfectly crunchy and super tasty cutlets.
Freezer friendly. I love a meal I can make a ton of and freeze for later, this cutlet recipe is perfect for that! Freezer meals are a staple in our house!
Make for meal prep! Prep these once and enjoy them in tons of different recipes during the week. Throw them on top of your Homemade Wendy's Jalapeno Popper Salad or on a few Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders!
Simple Ingredients! The recipe has nothing too fancy that you won't find at your local grocery store or even in your pantry!
Fun to Share! Whether you put these on the table for post-school lunch or serve them on game day, they'll be gone in a flash! Everyone loves crispy chicken, after all! Brownie points if you serve these French Fries and a finger-licking good dip!
No Stovetop Drama Here! No extra heat. No constant attending. Plus, air frying is always healthier than deep frying. So, it's a win! If you love the air fryer like I do, try out my easy Air Fryer Ahi Tuna Steaks!
Can Easily be Tweaked! From the seasoning to the cooking method, this recipe is extremely customizable. You can make your chicken cutlets spicy or fry them in a large skillet instead of air frying.
Main Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets: I prefer getting chicken cutlets to save time (doesn't require hammering or slicing). Plus, they cook more evenly and don't dry out much. But you can always make your own using boneless skinless chicken breasts - just slice and pound thick pieces into thinner slices with a meat mallet so they cook faster in the air fryer. I'd also highly recommend patting the chicken dry before working with it so the breading sticks better.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs have finer grains; you won't miss a spot when breading those crispy chicken cutlets.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Who doesn't like some extra crisp? Panko bread crumbs are lighter compared to other options. But if you're an everything-homemade person, feel free to make your own breadcrumbs!
All Purpose Flour: Flour will be our base layer. It soaks in all the juices, so we get a juicy, crispy breading.
Milk and Eggs: This powerful duo will give your cutlets a nice color while keeping them juicy. Perfect!
Italian Seasoning: Use a storebought version or make your own.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: We'll mix some (or as much as your heart desires) with our breadcrumb mixture to give it a nutty flavor. It's a bonus that grated parmesan toasts really well - you'll end up with golden brown juicy chicken cutlets!
Olive Oil Spray: This is the best option to get full coverage for the air fryer. You can use spray vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even mix the two! Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so it'll keep the cutlets from burning.
You'll find the details on quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Check it out and save it for later use!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning.
Step 2: In one shallow bowl mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoon olive oil.
Step 3: In a 2nd shallow bowl whisk together the egg and milk.
Step 4: In a 3rd shallow bowl add the flour & begin the dredging process by taking a cutlet and coat with flour on both sides, shake off the excess.
Step 5: Take that cutlet then dip it into the egg mixture on both sides.
Step 6: For the final step dip the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture and coat on both sides.
Step 7: Repeat for each cutlet and set aside on a cutting board to rest.
Step 8: Pre-heat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes then add a few cutlets to the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil.
Step 9: Cook the cutlets for 5 minutes on one side, flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure each piece of chicken has an even thickness so they all quick equally well!
- Using a shallow bowl for the breading station for the best breading coverage.
- Season your chicken directly, don't season the flour or breadcrumb mixture. This ensures the best flavor!
- Always give your breaded cutlets some resting time on a cutting board or sheet pan before tossing them in the air fryer basket. It'll allow the breading to settle down.
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. No stacking either. You want each piece to crisp up perfectly. If there isn't much room, make them in batches!
- Once they are done, transfer them to a wire rack. I don't suggest using paper towels for dabbing any extra oil because it might mess with the crispiness.
Variations to Try
Add More Flavor: Throw in some garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or some dried herbs like oregano or basil in your breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. You can use almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Try a Different Cut or Protein: Use chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breast for a juicier and more flavorful cutlet. You can even choose a different protein altogether. How about some pork or turkey cutlets?
Make Chicken Parmesan with Them: Once your cutlets are ready, top them with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before putting them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. You'll have some delicious chicken parmesan to enjoy!
What to Serve With Chicken Cutlets?
My favorite pairings for this classic chicken cutlet recipe range from super rich comfort food to a light and healthy salad. Try some of these recipes to serve with the chicken cutlets:
- Italian Marinated Tomatoes
- Baked Tomato Tarts
- Spicy Tomato Risotto with Burrata
- Italian Chickpea Soup
- Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Cutlets are just whole chicken breasts that are thinly sliced horizontally! A thinner piece of chicken cooks quicker and more evenly so they are perfect for 30 minute dinners.
There can be a few reasons why they didn't turn out right:
1. You didn't preheat your air fryer
2. You put too many pieces in the air fryer basket together
3. You added more than the required oil
Although I prefer a spray extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor, you can also use avocado oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil in the recipe.
Use your favorite airtight container to store your leftover cutlets.They last up to 4 days and they taste delicious even straight out of the fridge! If you want to re-heat them, do it in the air fryer on 380 degrees for 2-3 minutes. You can also use your oven to warm them up.
Related Recipes
If you tried these Air Fried Chicken Cutlets , or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
30-Minute Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 3 shallow bowls
- 1 tongs
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken cutlets or 2-3 chicken breasts sliced in half
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup flour
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- fresh parsley for garnish
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Season your chicken with the salt and pepper generously on each side. If you are using chicken breasts, with a sharp knife, carefully slice the breast in half horizontally to create 2 thin slices of chicken.
- Set up the dredging station by preparing 3 shallow bowls. In one bowl combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, panko, 2 tablespoon olive oil and parmesan. In another bowl whisk together the eggs and milk, And the last shallow bowl add the flour.
- Take the chicken cutlets and dip into the flour and coat on both sides.
- Then dip the cutlet into the egg wash, then finally the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to completely cover the cutlet in breadcrumbs.
- Repeat until all cutlets are breaded and set aside on a cutting board or plate.
- While those set, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-4 minutes.
- Add 2-3 cutlets to the air fryer basket and spray with extra olive oil. Depending on your air fryer, you may have to air fry the cutlets in batches.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flipping halfway through the cooking process, and spray with additonal olive oil spray.
- Remove and serve, garnishing with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Make sure each piece of chicken has an even thickness so they all quick equally well!
- Using a shallow bowl for the breading station for the best crusty coverage.
- Season your chicken directly, don't season the flour or breadcrumb mixture. This ensures the best flavor!
- Always give your breaded cutlets some resting time on a cutting board or sheet pan before tossing them in the air fryer basket. It'll allow the breading to settle down.
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. No stacking either. You want each piece to crisp up perfectly. If there isn't much room, make them in batches!
- Once they are done, transfer them to a wire rack. I don't suggest using paper towels for dabbing any extra oil because it might mess with the crispiness.
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