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Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
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These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are crispy, juicy, and come together quickly for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. Featuring a crunchy panko and Parmesan coating with tender chicken inside, they are perfect for busy nights and customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly pounded to about 1/4 inch thick

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can substitute Asiago or Pecorino Romano)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other

  • Cooking spray or 1-2 teaspoons oil for spraying/brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large zip-top bag and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly thin, about 1/4 inch thick, for even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt and pepper), one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creates a perfect coating setup.
  3. Bread the chicken: Coat each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated for maximum crunch.
  4. Preheat and air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray each breaded cutlet with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to help browning. Place cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing enough space for air circulation.
  5. Cook to golden perfection: Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cutlets should be golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If desired, add 1-2 extra minutes for crispier results.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Season all coating components (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs) for deeper flavor.
  • Use a light mist of cooking spray for a golden, crispy crust without excess oil.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for best texture.
  • Let cutlets rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, breaded chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/breaded-air-fryer-chicken-cutlets/