Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets (Golden, Juicy & Better Than Fried!)
If you love crispy chicken cutlets but don’t love the mess, oil, or guilt that comes with deep frying, these Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets are about to become your new go-to recipe.
They’re perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and made with simple pantry ingredients—all thanks to the air fryer. No splattering oil. No soggy breading. Just restaurant-quality chicken cutlets made right at home.
Whether you’re serving them for dinner, using them for sandwiches, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every single time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Ultra crispy without deep frying
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Family-friendly and versatile
- Less oil, less mess, less cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
🧂 Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Breadcrumbs or panko (or a mix of both)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Eggs
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
Optional add-ins:
Onion powder, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, or ranch seasoning
🔥 How to Make Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
Pound lightly to an even thickness if needed—this ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 2: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each cutlet into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Press gently so the breading sticks well.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange chicken in a single layer.
Spray the tops of the cutlets lightly with oil.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until:
- Golden brown and crispy
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
🔥 Tips for Extra Crispy Cutlets
- Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch
- Spray both sides lightly with oil
- Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Add Parmesan for extra flavor and crispiness
