Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner, look no further than these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful coating that will have you and your family coming back for seconds! The air fryer delivers that satisfying crunch without the excess oil, making it a win for both your taste buds and your waistline. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! Here’s why these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets have garnered rave reviews:
- Quick Cooking Time: These cutlets cook in a matter of minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this dish lower in calories compared to traditional frying.
- Crispy Texture: You still get that golden, crispy texture that everyone loves, without the guilt!
- Versatile Flavor: The seasoned breadcrumbs and Italian dressing elevate the flavor, making each bite delicious.
What We’re Using
To whip up these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 28 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 3/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Equipment Breakdown
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! Choose one with a good capacity for even cooking.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- Shallow Bowls: For the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.
- Cooking Spray: To ensure the cutlets crisp up beautifully.
- Meat Thermometer: To check that your chicken is cooked through.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Made Stepwise
Creating these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets is simple. Follow these steps for a delicious result:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken cutlets for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Marinate in Italian Dressing
Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in a shallow dish and pour the Italian dressing over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes; this adds flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, place the beaten egg. In another bowl, mix together the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dry Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Dip each marinated chicken cutlet first in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help achieve that crispy exterior.
Step 7: Air Fry the Cutlets
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops with a little more olive oil.
Step 8: Cook to Perfection
Air fry the chicken cutlets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy the crispy, juicy flavors of these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets!
International Equivalents
Cooking is universal, and here are some equivalents that may be helpful:
- 28 oz = 800 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon = 2.5 milliliters
- 1/4 cup = 60 milliliters
- 3/4 cup = 180 milliliters
- 2 tablespoons = 30 milliliters
- 1 large egg = 1 large egg
Learn from These Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets turn out perfectly:
- Not Pounding the Chicken: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking.
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Give the cutlets space to cook evenly; cook in batches if necessary.
- Skipping the Olive Oil Spray: This is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Not Checking the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets later, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked cutlets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for best results.
Handy Q&A
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will remain juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they might take a little longer.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
You can easily make your own by mixing olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs or use a store-bought vinaigrette of your choice.
Can I make these cutlets gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
Don’t Miss These
For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out these links:
Final Bite
These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a fantastic way to bring something new to your dinner table while keeping things healthy and simple. The combination of flavors from the Italian dressing and breadcrumbs creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, with the air fryer, you can enjoy all the crispiness without the extra oil or hassle. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to this delightful recipe tonight!
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken cutlets for maximum flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in a shallow dish and pour the Italian dressing over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes; this adds flavor and moisture.
- In one shallow bowl, place the beaten egg. In another bowl, mix together the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dry Italian seasoning.
- Dip each marinated chicken cutlet first in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help achieve that crispy exterior.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops with a little more olive oil.
- Air fry the chicken cutlets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy the crispy, juicy flavors of these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets!
Notes
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use olive oil spray for an extra crispy texture.
