Crispy Chicken Cutlet

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this chicken cutlet in air fryer will be your new go-to. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and uses just a fraction of the oil you’d need for traditional frying.

This recipe is part of my Healthy 15-Minute Dinners collection — meals designed to help you get wholesome food on the table fast. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this dish delivers a comforting, home-cooked taste without the extra calories or mess.

Why Make Chicken Cutlet in Air Fryer

There’s a reason so many home cooks are swapping their frying pans for air fryers. First off, you get that same crispy, golden crust you love — but with a fraction of the oil. That means fewer calories and less grease, making it a better choice for your heart and your waistline.

The air fryer chicken cutlet method also saves time. You can cook multiple cutlets at once without hovering over the stove, and they’re done in under 15 minutes. No splattering oil, no lingering fried smell in the kitchen — just easy, mess-free cooking.

Cleanup is another big win. Instead of scrubbing pans and dealing with oil disposal, all you need to do is wash your air fryer basket. This recipe is also super versatile: you can change up the seasonings, try different breadcrumb coatings, or even make them gluten-free.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, these cutlets are proof that healthy can still mean crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Olive oil spray

For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs — just like I use in my gluten-free Dutch baby to keep it safe for celiac diets.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Cutlet in Air Fryer

Making a crispy, juicy chicken cutlet in air fryer is simple, but a few tricks make all the difference. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Prep the chicken

If your chicken isn’t already cut thin, slice the breasts in half horizontally.

Place each piece between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.

Season generously

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs).

3. Coat the chicken

Set up a breading station: one plate with flour, one shallow bowl with beaten eggs, and one plate with breadcrumbs.

Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into the egg, and press into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

4. Preheat your air fryer

Set it to 375°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes. Preheating helps with even cooking and a crisp finish.

5. Air fry

Spray both sides of the breaded cutlets with a light coat of oil.

Arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping.

Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve immediately

Let the cutlets rest for a couple of minutes before slicing or serving so the juices stay inside.

Expert Tips

• Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch — they toast beautifully in the air fryer.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket or your chicken won’t crisp evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
• Pound your chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
• Spray lightly with oil before cooking for that golden finish.
• Check doneness with a thermometer — 165°F is your magic number for chicken safety.

You can also give this recipe a twist by swapping chicken for fish — my blackened salmon air fryer is a great alternative for seafood lovers.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

The beauty of chicken cutlet in air fryer recipes is they pair with just about anything:

• Fresh salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the cutlet.
• Roasted or steamed veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make an easy, healthy side.
• Grains – Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a filling meal.
• Sandwich or wrap – Add lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce between bread or inside a tortilla for a quick lunch.

If you’re building a weeknight meal plan, this one fits right alongside recipes from my Healthy 15-Minute Dinners list for quick and balanced eating.

Storage & Reheating

If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep that crispy texture, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it’ll make the breading soggy.

For freezing, place cooked cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.

 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This chicken cutlet in air fryer proves you don’t need a deep fryer to get crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken. It’s fast, healthy, and versatile enough for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

For more quick, healthy meals, explore my Healthy 15-Minute Dinners hub or browse the full Air Fryer Recipes section to keep your weeknight cooking fresh and exciting.

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