I’m always looking for dinner ideas that check all the boxes—quick, tasty, and family-approved—and chicken cutlets never let me down. They’re budget-friendly, easy to season however you like, and always a hit at the dinner table. Once I started making them in the air fryer, though, I was hooked. You get that crispy, golden crust without the grease or the pile of dishes.
This is one of those recipes that feels like a weeknight win. With just a few pantry staples, you’ve got juicy, flavorful chicken with a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of simple meal that delivers every time.
These air fryer chicken cutlets are the kind of go-to recipe you’ll always be glad to have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup golden breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 23 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Serving Size: 2 servings
Instructions:
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes.
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner pieces.
Set up three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs, one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper, and one with flour.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Place the breaded cutlets in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Lightly spray the cutlets with cooking spray to help crisp the coating.
Cook at 380°F for 23 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
And That’s it.
And you can slice it to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different breadcrumbs?
Yes, seasoned or Italian breadcrumbs can add extra flavor.
How do I adjust the cooking time for different cutlet thicknesses?
Thicker cutlets may need more time, while thinner ones may cook faster and require less time.
Can I prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time?
Yes, bread them in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. Let them come to room temperature before air frying.
Can I freeze cooked chicken cutlets?
Yes, once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
What sides go well with air fryer chicken cutlets?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad are great options.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup golden breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner pieces.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs, one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper, and one with flour.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Place the breaded cutlets in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
- Lightly spray the cutlets with cooking spray to help crisp the coating.
- Cook at 380°F for 23 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- And That's it. And you can slice it to serve.
