Description
Deliciously crisp and flavorful, these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are made with juicy chicken breasts coated in a Parmesan and herb breadcrumb mixture, then air fried for a healthier version of a classic favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Cutlets
- 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast or precut cutlets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Breading
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For Air Frying & Garnish
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley (optional), chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes while you prepare the chicken and coating.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This breadcrumb-herb mix will ensure a flavorful and crispy coating.
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Butterfly each chicken breast and cut in half to create thin cutlets. If needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking results.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each cutlet into the beaten eggs, coating both sides well. Next, press each side of the egg-coated cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the surface is well covered.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the prepared cutlets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch for even airflow. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid crowding.
- Air Fry the Cutlets: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to promote crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juices. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional information may vary, especially with substitutions.
- Each serving is approximately 4.75 oz cooked; for 6 servings, make each about 3.25 oz.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Keep earlier batches covered and reheat for 2 minutes before serving for best crispiness.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before cooking; air fry from frozen for 14–17 minutes, making sure to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4.75 oz cooked
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
