You want crispy chicken cutlets that stay perfectly breaded. This air fryer method gives you that satisfying crunch every time. We are bringing back the best fried flavors with less oil.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large
All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
Large eggs: 2
Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil based)
Instructions
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Lightly whisk the eggs in the second dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
Dredge one chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip the floured cutlet completely into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
Press the cutlet firmly into the panko mixture, coating both sides well. Press the breading onto the chicken to help it stick. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cutlets in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
Spray the tops of the cutlets generously with cooking spray. This is key for browning.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through. Spray the second side lightly with cooking spray before flipping.
Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
Notes
For extra sticking power, chill the breaded cutlets in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before air frying.
Avoid overcrowding the basket; work in batches if necessary for maximum crispness.
Use Panko breadcrumbs; they provide a superior crunch compared to standard breadcrumbs.