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Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

These are the crispiest breaded air fryer chicken cutlets – golden crust, juicy chicken, all in under 15 minutes! This high-protein weeknight recipe is oil-free, providing a healthier spin on a classic favorite.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 193 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian , International

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs gluten-free if needed
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour gluten-free if needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and spray with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  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 ¼ inch thick. Repeat with all the tenders.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  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. 
  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.
  7. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Panko Bread Crumbs: Consider using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier texture. Mix them with your favorite seasonings for added flavor.
  • No Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
  • Flip Halfway Through: Flip the chicken cutlets halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get evenly browned and crispy.
  • Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe, but it’s crucial to thaw them first. Place the frozen chicken breasts in a sealed plastic bag and let them thaw overnight. Alternatively, submerge the sealed bag in cold water for a quicker thaw, changing the water every 30 minutes. Avoid thawing chicken at room temperature for food safety reasons.
  • Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). The cutlets should also have a golden brown color and a crispy texture
  • Freezing: You can freeze breaded chicken cutlets. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Use a lower temperature (around 325°F or 163°C) to prevent overcooking.
  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: For best crispy results, reheat in an air fryer at 325°F for 5 – 10 minutes. If you are in a rush, reheat in the microwave for 30 – 90 seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories 193kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 136mg (45%) Sodium 722mg (30%) Potassium 398mg (11%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 224IU (4%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 193

% Daily Value*

Calories 193kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 136mg 45%
Sodium 722mg 30%
Potassium 398mg 8%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 224IU 4%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.