Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are one of my favorite dishes to make. I love how easy they are and how delicious they taste! Every time I prepare Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, I feel a wave of excitement because they come out so crispy and golden brown. I often serve them with a side of fresh salad or my favorite dipping sauce. The best part? They’re healthier than fried chicken but still pack a lot of flavors.
A Special Memory
I remember the first time I made Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets for my family. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I wanted to try something new. I gathered all the ingredients and prepped the chicken, feeling a bit nervous but excited. As the chicken cooked in the air fryer, the smell filled the kitchen. When I served them, my family couldn’t believe how crispy and tasty they were. They devoured every bite, and I knew I had found a new family favorite.
Simple Steps
Making Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets is so simple! First, I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and my favorite spices. Then, I dip each piece in egg and coat it with breadcrumbs. Finally, I place the chicken in the air fryer and let it work its magic. In just a short time, I have perfectly crispy chicken cutlets that look and smell amazing. It’s a fun process, and I love sharing it with my friends who come over for dinner.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets have become a go-to recipe in my home. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a family dinner, they always impress. I enjoy making them because they are quick and easy, but they taste like I spent hours in the kitchen. Each time I make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, I feel proud of my cooking skills and happy to see everyone enjoy their meal. It reminds me that good food brings people together, and that’s what I love the most.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
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- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Organic or free-range chicken can elevate the dish.
- To ensure the breadcrumbs stick, make sure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning. This helps the coating adhere better.
- For an extra crispy texture, dip the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs twice. This adds a thicker coating that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior.
- Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so keep an eye on the cutlets. If they’re not golden brown after the recommended time, add an extra minute or two as needed.
- Lightly spray the chicken cutlets with nonstick cooking spray before and after flipping to enhance crispiness.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside miso soup or pickled vegetables.
- Feel free to add spices to the panko mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
4
cutlets20
minutes20
minutes318
kcal40
minutesGet ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets! Achieve the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and succulent interior, complemented by a tangy-sweet homemade sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for busy households seeking healthy, affordable, and delicious meals. Let your kitchen channel the finesse of top celebrity chefs with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients
- Katsu Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy seasoning
1 tablespoon dark brown cane sugar
1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 teaspoons Worcestershire condiment
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- Chicken Cutlet
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts halved horizontally
sea salt a pinch
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs
Nonstick cooking spray for coating
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs can substitute panko bread crumbs for those avoiding gluten.
Apple cider vinegar mixed with water can replace sherry.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce can be used as an alternative to traditional Worcestershire sauce.
Flaxseed meal mixed with water can replace eggs for a vegan option.
Directions
- Prepare the Katsu Glaze – In a mixing bowl, combine tomato ketchup, low-sodium soy seasoning, dark brown cane sugar, dry sherry, Worcestershire condiment, and finely chopped garlic. Whisk until the sugar fully dissolves. Set aside to let flavors meld, approximately 5 minutes.
- Season and Coat the Chicken – Lay the chicken breast halves on a clean surface and generously season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage, then dredge in panko breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken – Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, allowing it to reach the desired temperature (about 3 minutes). Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the cutlets using a spatula, spray the tops again, and cook for an additional 8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and slice into strips. Plate the crispy cutlets over a bed of steamed rice if desired and drizzle generously with the prepared Katsu Glaze. Serve immediately for a delightful meal. Optional: garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Equipment
- air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- spatula
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 318kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 5IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier cutlet. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even almond flour for a gluten-free version. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Is the Katsu Dipping Sauce necessary?
While the sauce adds flavor, you can enjoy the chicken cutlets on their own or with other dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can bread the chicken cutlets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. This can help save time during meal prep.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including steamed vegetables, jasmine rice, quinoa salad, or even coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
