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Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

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Thin, golden chicken cutlets breaded with Parmesan and panko, cooked in the air fryer for a crispy crust and juicy interior in under 30 minutes. Works as a standalone dinner, chicken parmesan base, sandwich, or salad topper.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Halve each chicken breast horizontally by slicing through the middle to create two thinner pieces. Pound each piece between sheets of plastic wrap to an even ¼ to ½-inch thickness.
  2. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour and shake off the excess, then dip in egg and let excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides.
  4. Place breaded cutlets on a wire rack and rest for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with oil, then lay cutlets in a single layer. Spray the tops generously with olive oil spray.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping at the halfway point and spraying the second side with oil after flipping.
  7. Cutlets are done when the breading is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Rest 3–4 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the oil spray — two coats (before and after flipping) are essential for golden, crispy breading.

Parmesan in the breadcrumbs adds flavor and promotes browning. For extra crunch, use all panko.

Take chicken out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Bread cutlets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered on a wire rack; add 1–2 minutes to cook time when cooking from cold.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-chicken-cutlets-thin-cut-crispy-perfection/