Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy inside, look no further than this Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to get that deep-fried texture and flavor without the mess or guilt of traditional frying. These cutlets come out perfectly golden and crisp, thanks to the magic of air frying combined with a simple but flavorful coating of panko breadcrumbs and a touch of seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive finger food for guests, this recipe will become your new go-to chicken favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe is that it relies on straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a key role — from seasoning and moisture to creating that signature crisp outer layer that makes this dish a hit.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural chicken flavor.
- Flour: Helps the coating stick and adds a light base layer of texture.
- Eggs: Beaten to create that sticky surface that holds the panko perfectly.
- Hot sauce (optional): Just a few shakes add a subtle kick and extra depth to the egg wash.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to ultra-crispy cutlets — they fry up light and flaky.
- Avocado oil spray: Spritzing before air frying guarantees a golden color and crunch without excess oil.
- More salt (to finish): A little sprinkle post-cooking makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Chicken
Start by carefully slicing each chicken breast into 3 thin cutlets. Remove the tenderloin piece off the back first, then slice the remaining breast horizontally. This ensures quick cooking and a perfectly thin, crisp-ready crust. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to boost the flavor.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station
Get three wide, shallow bowls ready: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with a few shakes of hot sauce if you like, and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt. This setup makes the dipping and coating process quick, easy, and mess-free — plus it’s the key to that amazing crispy crust.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken piece and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the extra to drip off. Then press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, turning to coat it evenly and pressing gently so it sticks well. This triple-layered technique is what gives your cutlets that unbeatable crunch. Lay coated pieces on a plate, ready for a light spray of avocado oil.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap for even crisping. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes to cook through, then bump the temperature up to 400°F for an additional 2-3 minutes to get that irresistible golden color. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juicy, fully cooked chicken. Doing it in two batches works best to keep them crispy.
How to Serve Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your crispy cutlets with a scatter of fresh herbs like parsley or chives — they add a fresh, vibrant contrast. A light squeeze of lemon juice also cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chicken cutlets pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green salads, or even roasted veggies for a wholesome meal. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside garlic parmesan fries or a tangy coleslaw to balance the saltiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe into a delightful sandwich? Pile the cutlets onto a soft bun with a smear of mayo, crunchy lettuce, and pickles for a satisfying lunch. Or slice them thinly and use as a protein-packed topping for warm grain bowls or fresh wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their crispness, making them perfect for quick snacks or meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for way in advance, freeze the cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen for ultimate convenience.
Reheating
To revive the crunch, reheat your leftover cutlets in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well too, offering more juiciness. Just make sure to slice them evenly and adjust cooking time slightly for thicker pieces.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a regular oven at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes on a wire rack for crispy results or shallow fry them in a skillet with oil, but be mindful of extra oil absorption.
Is the hot sauce really necessary?
The hot sauce is totally optional but adds a nice little zing to the egg wash, which subtly boosts flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to keep them crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How thin should I slice the chicken cutlets?
Slicing them about 1/4 inch thick ensures they cook quickly and evenly while allowing the crunchy coating to stand out.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe is the perfect blend of convenience, crunch, and flavor that anyone can master at home. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it hits all the right notes — easy prep, juicy inside, and satisfyingly crispy outside. Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with a new classic!
Print
Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Crispy Chicken Cutlets are thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned, and air-fried to golden crispiness for a juicy, crunchy, and delicious meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are an easy and flavorful option ideal for dipping or serving with your favorite sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Breading
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot, optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for flour bowl)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for panko bowl)
Other
- Avocado oil spray
- Additional salt for seasoning after cooking (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast into three thin pieces by first cutting off the tenderloin from the back, then slicing the remaining breast horizontally in half. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Prepare breading stations: Set up three wide, shallow bowls—one with flour seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt, one with the beaten eggs mixed with the hot sauce if using, and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the flour bowl, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press into the panko breadcrumbs, turning a few times and pressing gently to fully coat. Place coated cutlets on a plate.
- Spray for crispiness: Lightly spray each breaded chicken piece with avocado oil spray to ensure even golden crispiness when air frying.
- Air fry the cutlets: Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes, then increase to 400°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until extra browned and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This may require two batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Serve: Remove the cutlets and season with a little more salt if desired. Serve hot, crispy, and juicy, perfect for dipping or with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Alternative cooking methods include pan-frying the cutlets in a skillet with oil until golden and cooked through.
- You can omit the hot sauce in the egg mixture if you prefer milder flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, consider adding paprika or garlic powder to the flour or panko seasoning.
- These cutlets are best served immediately for maximum crispiness but can be reheated in the air fryer to refresh the crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
