Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a simple weeknight dinner that can be made in 20 minutes. Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe uses little oil and also can be made gluten and dairy free, making them much healthier than traditional chicken cutlets. Use them in salads, sandwiches, or add sauce and cheese for a simple chicken parmesan!

Jump to:

• What Are Chicken Cutlets?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients For Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
• How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
• How To Cut Chicken For Chicken Cutlets
• Expert Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing and Reheating Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

If you need a simple and healthy meal, that's full of protein, then you have to try making these air fryer chicken cutlets. This recipe only needs 5 main ingredients, takes minutes to prepare, and air fries in less than 10 minutes.

The juicy chicken is coated in a delicious breading made with homemade bread crumbs, gated parmesan, and fresh lemon zest. They're super flavorful, not greasy, and are enjoyed by both kids and adults.

I love serving these on busy nights when I don't feel like cooking, but still want something more substantial to eat. These cutlets are also great for meal prepping, because you can reheat, chop them up for salads, or turn into a sandwich.

Serve these crispy air fryer chicken cutlets with mac and cheese, roasted potatoes, or a healthy veggies like green beans or squash for an easy, healthy weeknight meal.

What Are Chicken Cutlets?

Chicken cutlets are a classic, Italian-American dish made from thinly sliced chicken breasts that have been breaded and fried.

They're a common weeknight dinner because of how quick they cook and also how family friendly they are. Serve with pasta and salad, and you're got a 20 minute meal that the whole family would enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• You only need a handful of ingredients
• The chicken cutlets cook in less than 10 minutes
• The air fryer gets the breading so nice and golden brown and crispy
• This recipe can be made gluten free and dairy free if needed
• It's a great, family friendly recipe to make on busy weeknights

Ingredients For Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in the recipe card below*

• Chicken breast: I like to purchase the thin sliced chicken breasts from the store. You can also slice the chicken thinly yourself if you can't find it.
• Eggs: The eggs are used to make an egg wash that helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• Bread crumbs: You can make these chicken cutlets with either homemade bread crumbs, Italian bread crumbs, or even gluten free bread crumbs. Any will work.
• Parmesan cheese: I like to add a little bit of grated parmesan cheese to the breading mixture. You can use vegan parmesan or leave it out entirely if you're dairy free.
• Lemon: The lemon zest in the bread crumbs adds a nice brightness and freshness to the air fryer chicken cutlets that keeps them from tasting too heavy.
• Garlic powder and herbs: I add a mixture of garlic powder and Italian seasonings for extra flavor
• Olive oil spray: Since you're not frying the chicken cutlets, you're going to need some olive oil spray to spritz on the breading so they get golden and crispy in the air fryer.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F

2. Set up your breading station next. Whisk 2 eggs together in a small mixing bowl, then pour them into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the ingredients for the breading.

3. Take 1 piece of thinly sliced chicken breast and dip both sides in the egg. Move over to the breadcrumbs and coat thoroughly, then place onto a clean plate. Repeat with any remaining chicken pieces

4. Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and lay 2-3 pieces (depending on the size) of chicken into the basket. Spray the top of the chicken with more spray.

5. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 9-12 minutes (depending on your thickness). Flip at the 5 minute mark and spray the top with more olive oil spray

6. Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and set aside on a clean plate. Repeat the cooking process for any remaining pieces of chicken.

How To Cut Chicken For Chicken Cutlets

I usually purchase thin sliced chicken breast from the grocery store. (Perdue sells one without antibiotics which is great!)

However, if you can't find them you can always cut regular chicken breasts yourself. All you need is a cutting board, sharp knife, meat mallet, and 2 large chicken breasts.

Place the chicken onto the cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut the breast in half. Place plastic wrap over 1 half of the chicken and pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it's about ¼ inch thick. Do the same with the other chicken breast.

Once your chicken is thin, bread and cook as directed in the recipe card below.

Here's a helpful YouTube video if you want to watch how to do it!

Expert Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

1. Thin chicken: For the best chicken cutlets, use a very thinly sliced chicken breast
2. Make it gluten free: You can substitute the bread crumbs with your favorite gluten free bread crumbs
3. Don't stack: You want to air fry the cutlets in a single layer, don't stack in order to get the crispiest breading.
4. Cooking time: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. Mine is usually about ¼ inch thick and cooks for 10 minutes exactly
5. Turn into chicken parmesan: Place cooked chicken cutlets into a baking dish and spoon over warmed pasta sauce. Add slices of mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese is melty and browned.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve air fryer chicken cutlets with just about any one of your favorite side dishes. I usually like to add something starchy like roasted potatoes or gluten free pasta and then a vegetable or two.

Some side ideas are:

• Mashed potatoes without milk
• Mac and cheese
• Cajun potato salad
• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Air fryer baby carrots
• Crunchy kale salad
• Air fryer beets
• Burrata caprese salad

Storing and Reheating Instructions

STORING: Store leftover air fryer chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

REHEATING: To reheat, microwave for 30 second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can air fry at 300 degrees F for 2-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you make this recipe? If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you make and share it.

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