These super crispy breaded air fryer chicken cutlets are golden, juicy, and so easy to make. Made without oil and ready in under 15 minutes!
Crispy air fryer chicken cutlets
As I kid, I would order chicken tenders everywhere I went with my family. As a teenager, that order turned into chicken cutlets. That’s why I am so excited to share the best healthy chicken cutlets made in an air fryer!
Air fryers are all the rave now and I am guilty of using mine daily. When I am in the mood for an Asian-inspired dish, I make this air fryer orange chicken, but when I am in the mood for Italian food, I make these!
Air fryer chicken cutlets are extra crispy on the outside and super moist and juicy on the inside. They are seasoned with a blend of simple spices, which make them Italian-inspired. Plus, any level cook can make them (even beginners) and everyone will love them!
Serve air-fried chicken cutlets for date night, family dinner, or meal prep – just delicious!
Are air fried chicken cutlets healthy?
Yes, I consider these air fryer chicken cutlets to be healthy. First, there is no oil since we are cooking them in the air fryer. Second, chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and each serving has 18 grams of protein. Third, they can be made gluten-free.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple and healthy ingredients to make air fried chicken cutlets! They make for the perfect quick lunch or weeknight dinner. Here is a list of ingredients:
- Chicken: First up, you’ll need two large chicken breasts. We will cut them in half and pound them to make 4 servings.
- Spices: For the best flavor, we’ll mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Flour: We dredge the chicken breasts in flour to help give these chicken cutlets their classic golden-brown crust.
- Eggs: Next, we put them in an egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cutlets.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Finally, panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest and most delicious crust. You can also use seasoned breadcrumbs.
Kitchen tools need
This recipe only calls for a few kitchen tools and utensils. Here is a list so you are prepared and ready to cook!
- Air Fyrer
- Spatula
- 3 Bowls
- Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/4 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make chicken cutlets in air fryer
These chicken cutlets are made in a few simple steps right in your air fryer! They are so crispy on the outside and super moist on the inside. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F and spray with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Meanwhile, carefully cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise; they should resemble large chicken tenders. Place one tender between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-lock bag on top of a cutting board and flatted/pound with the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Start in the center and work out to the edges until the chicken is about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with all the tenders.
Step 3: Set up 3 mixing bowls: one with flour and half the seasonings, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs, and the second half the seasonings.
Step 4: Next, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture (making sure to coat it all), then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs. I recommend gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken, so it is fully coated. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
Step 5: Add the chicken to the preheat air fryer basket, making sure they DO NOT overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches.
Step 6: Air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes, flip them with tongs, and then air fry at 400°F for 2 – 3 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature is 165°F.
Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to serve if chicken cutlets?
There are so many options for what you can serve with chicken cutlets! I especially love them with broccolini salad, mashed sweet potatoes, or maple roasted brussels and sweet potato.
Are they gluten free?
Yes, these air fried chicken cutlets are gluten-free if you use gluten free flour and bread crumbs.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes! To get maximum crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 360°F while preparing the chicken cutlets.
What if my air fryer basket is small?
If your air fryer basket does not fit all four chicken cutlets, cook in batches.
How to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best crispy results, reheat in air fryer at 360°F for 5 – 10 minutes. If you are in a rush, reheat in the microwave for 30 – 90 seconds until warm.
Try these air fryer recipes next!
- Air Fryer Italian Turkey Meatballs
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fried Buffalo Chicken
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free if needed
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and spray with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Meanwhile, carefully cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise; they should resemble large chicken tenders. Place one tender between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-lock bag on top of a cutting board and flatted/pound with the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Start in the center and work out to the edges until the chicken is about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with all the tenders.
- Set up 3 mixing bowls: one with flour and half the seasonings, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs, and second half the seasonings.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture (making sure to coat it all), then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs. I recommend gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken so it is fully coated. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
- Add the chicken to the preheat air fryer basket, making sure they DO NOT overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes, flip them with tongs, and then air fry at 400°F for 2 - 3 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Katherine says
Crisp, easy to make, 10/10 will make again. I am no cook and I was able to make these easily…. super surprisingly. I made them for a family dinner and serve with simple pasta and red sauce. Great dinner and great recipe.
Abigail says
I’d been wanting a good air fried chicken recipe to make homemade chicken fried steak. This was perfection! It turned out so much better than the restaurant version. Highly recommended making this chicken.