Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy

Crispy, golden, delicious Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets is my favorite way to make crispy breaded chicken without all the oil! Air fryer breaded chicken will become your new favorite way to prepare chicken. It requires minimal prep and less than 20 minutes to cook. Serve these air fryer chicken cutlets on their own, in hamburger rolls or over a salad!

If you are looking for air fryer healthy recipes, then you will love this healthy breaded chicken culets.

Chicken Cutlets in Air Fryer:

Breaded thin chicken in air fryer is a mid week dinner dream. Juicy, tender chicken cutlets, covered with a golden crunchy, delicious outer coating of bread crumbs.

This is a great dish for any pallet and makes for a perfect dinner option when you want a filling dish that requires minimal prep and only takes 20 minutes to cook.

Healthy Air fryer chicken with bread crumbs will become your new favorite way to prepare chicken.

There’s nothing better than biting into crispy, air fry thin chicken breast! Chicken breasts are thinly sliced into cutlets, coated with panko breadcrumbs and spices. These breaded cutlets are then quickly air fried to perfection. A terrifically easy 20-minute chicken dinner recipe.

What is a Chicken Cutlet?

A chicken cutlet is basically a thin piece of a chicken breast, which usually come pre-sliced thin at your local grocery store. 

Chicken cutlets can be easily prepared at home from a whole boneless, skinless chicken breast. Slice each whole chicken breast horizontally from the thick end to the thin end into two equal pieces. Then you simply pound them with a mallet to an even 1/4-inch thickness. 

Chicken breast cutlets cook quick and evenly, that’s why they are perfect for air frying!

Quick Chicken Hack: If slicing your own cutlets, it’s helpful to freeze the chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes before cutting. I find it easier to slice through a slightly frozen piece of chicken or meat. 

breaded chicken air fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Ingredients:

There is nothing like a good piece of tender chicken, coated in a flavorful, crunchy outer coating. Welcome air fried breaded chicken! Here is what you’ll need: 

  • Chicken breast cutlets: A chicken cutlet is a thin, boneless, skinless piece of chicken breast that is usually pounded before cooking.
  • Panko breadcrumbs:  This type of breadcrumb is lighter and flakier compared to regular dried breadcrumbs. They’re great as a coating for chicken because they absorb less oil and stay crisp longer after cooking.
  • All purpose flour: Helps make for a lighter crust.
  • Egg: Dipping the thin chicken breasts in an egg wash is essential for helping the crumbs adhere. I season the eggs with salt and black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
  • Garlic powder: For extra flavor
  • Black pepper: For seasoning
  • Salt: To taste
  • Cooking spray: For coating the breaded cutlets.

Tips for Making Thin Breaded Chicken in an Air Fryer:

Easy to make and easy to like, this Air Fryer Breaded Chicken will win over both children and adults alike. Here are a few tips to help you make the best breaded chicken in air fryer!

  • Pre heat your air fryer before adding the breaded chicken, for about 3 minutes. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Avoid the temptation of jamming a bunch of chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, this will lead to unevenly cooked cutlets. 
  • Flip the cutlets halfway through. To ensure they are crispy on both sides. 
  • Generously spray the chicken cutlets with cooking spray, once you place it in the air fryer and once you turn it halfway too. 
  • Don’t overcook your chicken breast: These cutlets cook really quick, overcooking can make them dry. I recommend you check around 7 minutes. 
if you are looking for air fryer chicken breast recipes, then you will love this breaded chicken cutlet recipe.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets:

(Full recipe with quantities in recipe card below)

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Easy to make and perfectly air fried crispy chicken that the whole family can enjoy!

  • Dredge chicken cutlets in flour, beaten egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. 
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and generously Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 
  • In batches transfer chicken cutlets to the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray as well.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side then turn it, spray with cooking spray again and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. (Mine took 9 minutes).
  • Serve and Enjoy!  

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Recipe Variations:

  • Seasoning Variation: You can add different herbs and spices to the crispy coating. For spicy chicken, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Try dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or rosemary. Mix the seasonings with the panko breadcrumbs so the spice coats the chicken.
  • Add Parmesan: For crispy chicken with fresh Parmesan cheese flavor, mix shredded cheese into the breading mixture. Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture and air fry as usual.
  • Breading Variations: Try other types of crumbs in the crumb mixture. Instead of standard panko bread crumbs, the chicken would taste great with corn flake crumbs, pretzel crumbs, or chopped pecans.

Why you’ll love these Thin Breaded Chicken in Air Fryer:

  1. Cooked to perfection – This recipe is so crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Thanks to the Air Fryer!
  2. Customizable – Switch up the seasoning based on your preferences.
  3. Endless possibilities – These can be served as a main course with air fryer vegetable or a side salad for dinner or wrapped into a sandwich.
  4. Healthier – No oil. Just a bit of cooking spray needed.
  5. Kid friendly – And grown ups alike!
Air Fryer chicken cutlets

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long to Air Fry Chicken Cultles:

390°F for 10 minutes, flip half way through.

How to Bake Thin Chicken Breast:

If you don’t own an air fryer, you can bake these chicken cutlets instead:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously grease it with cooking spray.
  • Place the chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and spray with cooking oil on top as well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken cutlets and bake for 5-8 minutes more, or until golden and cooked through.

What is the difference between a chicken breast and a chicken cutlet?

A chicken cutlet is simply a thinly sliced chicken breast.  A chicken breast is a whole breast.

What is the difference between chicken cutlets and chicken tenders?

Chicken cutlets are thin-sliced chicken breasts while chicken tenders are larger, thicker cuts of chicken breast meat.

What to serve with breaded air fryer chicken cutlet breast:

Air fryer chicken breast can be served alongside some roasted veggies, such as Rainbow Carrots with Tahini Sauce or air fryer vegetables to keep it as healthy as possible, such as Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Corn on the Cobor Air Fryer Carrot Fries.

They will also taste great with some roasted potatoes, over a salad, or with hummus or baba ganoush.

How to store crispy air fryer chicken:

These crispy chicken cutlets are best enjoyed fresh. But you can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Allow the cutlets to cool off completely on a cooling rack before placing it in an airtight container and storing it in the fridge. 

To Freeze, place in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To Reheat Frozen Cutlets, Place frozen cutlets in the air fryer basket at 400°F and cook for 7-10minutes, or until heated through.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe:

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner of juicy air fried chicken cutlets with crisp breadcrumbs ready in less than 20 minutes!

If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe or any other recipe on Salt & Sweet, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me some feedback in the comments below. Those are always so epic and very much appreciated. 

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes:

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Breast- No Breading

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes

A quick but flavorful recipe to cook breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer in just 20 minutes!

Instructions

  1. In a shallow plate, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder until well combined.
  2. In another shallow plate, beat the egg with black pepper and salt.
  3. Add flour into a last shallow plate.
  4. Dip the chicken cutlet into the flour, then egg mixture , then breadcrumb mixture. 
  5. Shake off excess breading. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
  6. Spray the air fryer pan with cooking spray.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and generously Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 
  8. In batches transfer chicken cutlets to the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray as well.
  9. Place the chicken in the basket of the air fryer, without over crowding the pan.
  10. Cook for 5 minutes on one side then turn it, spray with cooking spray again and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.
  11. Serve and Enjoy! 

Notes

  • Pre heat your air fryer before adding the breaded chicken, for about 3 minutes. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Avoid the temptation of jamming a bunch of chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, this will lead to unevenly cooked cutlets. 
  • Flip the cutlets halfway through. To ensure they are crispy on both sides. 
  • Generously spray the chicken cutlets with cooking spray, once you place it in the air fryer and once you turn it halfway too. 
  • Don't overcook your chicken breast: These cutlets cook really quick, overcooking can make them dry. I recommend you check around 7 minutes. 

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 460mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 37g

Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

59 Comments

  1. Can you do this same recipe with chicken legs and thighs? Im sure you have to cook longer. Any idea on how long to cook?

  2. The coating was so crispy and flavorful, and the chicken stayed really juicy. Thanks for the tip about freezing the chicken before slicing, it made it much easier to get those thin cutlets!

  3. So crispy and delicious! I added some lemon pepper in the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavors. I’m definitely making this again!

  4. I opted for the cheesy version so I added some Parmesan to the mixture. The chicken cutlets turned out so crispy with a cheesy twist just the way I like it. It satisfied my cravings for something crispy and delicious without all the extra oil. Absolutely loved it!

  5. Just made these, and they’re delicious! The panko breadcrumbs made the cutlets really crispy, while the seasoning adds the perfect flavor. A new favorite in my house. The kids love it!

  6. Definitely a game changing recipe, I used to hate dealing with the hot oil in a pan to make breaded chicken… those days are over! Thank you

    1. Thank you Alexa for the kind feedback! Happy to hear you’ve been enjoying this breaded chicken in air fryer recipe!

  7. This has become our new go to chicken recipe. It is a company dish as well as supper for just 2 of us. We thoroughly enjoy it.

  8. These sound delicious and I plan on making them this week! If I want to cook several cutlets ahead for the week, how long and at what temp would you recommend for reheating?

    1. Hello Lindsey,

      Glad to hear you’ll try my air fryer chicken cutlets recipe. While I think breaded chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook it up to 3-5 days ahead. Allow the cutlets to cool off completely before storing it in the fridge.

      To Reheat, place cutlets in the air fryer basket at 350°F and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. I hope they turn out delicious!

  9. Made these tonight & this is hands down the best recipe for air fried chicken! Dipped it in Heinz 57 sauce & served with sweet potatoes & broccoli. Hubby said this recipe is a keeper!

    1. Aww yay! Thanks Tara for leaving a comment, this makes me so happy! Glad you and your husband enjoyed these chicken cutlets.

    1. Hello Billie, the one time I tried using parchment paper in my air fryer, it started floating up. So I personally do not recommend it, but definitely do give it a try and see if it works for you. Just make sure to keep an eye on it.

    2. I do all the time. I’ve seen comments from others where cooking spray is not Air Fryer friendly. I’m crazy about my air fryer and satisfied with my parchment paper. ?

  10. Very easy air fryer recipe, the crumbs stick to the chicken and it was very tasty and moist! I didn’t expect to get this result without deep frying them. Air fryer breaded chicken is my new favorite recipe to make!

  11. One of my favorite air fryer chicken recipes! Adults and kids approved and it’s so easy and quick to make! I love severing with air fryer carrots on the side for a healthier side dish.

    1. Yes! I would bread the chicken and place in an airtight container in the fridge. Then when ready to serve, cook in air fryer as they are best enjoyed fresh 🙂 Hope this helps!

  12. I made these chicken cutlets in my air fryer the other day and my kids LOVED them! They turned out so crispy and not dry at all! I popped the leftovers in a panini the next day for lunch with cheese and toasted it and it was SO delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!

  13. Just got a new stove with air fryer in the oven, haven’t made much in it yet a little unsure but I plan to make this chicken tomorrow. Thanks for the recipe.

  14. Just got or air fryer 1-1/2 weeks ago, we love it?? Great recipe! Chicken was moist and tender. I added 2 Tb.of grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs. Yum!

    1. That’s so awesome, Sue! I love my air fryer, and I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, the Parmesan sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time 🙂

  15. Hello! Mine is a question–have you cooked the homemade cutlets in the air fryer direct from the freezer?

    1. If they are using frozen and already breaded chicken, then you can follow the same instructions and add about 5 extra minutes to the total cooking time. If they are not breaded, preheat your air fryer and place the frozen chicken cutlets in the basket of the air fir fryer. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and follow the breading process, the cook the recipe as normal.
      I hope this helps.

    1. Came out perfectly cooked! Crispy and moist! I really loved this thin airfryer chicken breast in the airfryer.

  16. Excellent breaded Air fryer chicken recipe! Quick and easy to make! I ordered cosori air fryer based on your recommendation, excellent choice. Thank you!

    1. Thank you for taking the time to write a comment. Air fryer chicken cutlets are a family favorite in my house. Enjoy your cosori air fryer!

  17. Made these tonight and it was the best air fryer chicken recipe i have used! So so good! I shared your blog via my Instagram ChelseaCountsCalories so others could see it! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Hello Chelsea,
      I’m so glad you enjoyed my air fryer chicken cutlets recipe! And thank you for taking the time to write and comment and for sharing it on your Instagram page! I’ll be sure to check it out.

  18. My family and friends tried these tonight. It was great, fast, and easy, I had all of the ingredients in my pantry. My air fryer did begin to smoke so if you could I would highly suggest a wipe down in between cooking the batches of chicken. We served it with baked beans and white rice. Delicious ?

    1. Hello there!
      Thank you so much for trying my air fryer chicken cutlets recipe! Glad your family and friends enjoyed. It’ a family favorite in my house too!
      I also have found that shaking off any excess breading before adding it to the air fryer helps.

    1. Hello Keisha,
      So glad to hear you’re trying my air fryer chicken cutlets recipe! Please let me know how it turns out for you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *