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
Scale
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
