Extra Crispy Chicken Cutlets (Printable)

Golden, juicy chicken cutlets with a crisp crust cooked quickly in the air fryer for a lighter finish.

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tablespoons milk
05 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Olive oil cooking spray

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to 1/2-inch thickness.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray both sides of each cutlet with olive oil cooking spray.
06 - Place cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
07 - Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flip cutlets, spray again with oil, and cook another 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Allow cutlets to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Crispy exterior that rivals any deep-fried version but uses just a whisper of oil and way less guilt.
  • Ready to eat in 30 minutes flat, which means weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
  • So versatile you can serve it with anything—pasta, salad, rice, or just lemon wedges on the side.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pounding step—thin, even cutlets are the difference between perfectly cooked chicken and some pieces dry while others are still cooking.
  • The oil spray is not optional; that's literally what the air fryer needs to create the crust you're after, so don't be timid about it.
03 -
  • Don't thaw frozen chicken breasts before pounding—they're easier to flatten when they're still partially frozen, and you'll get more even results.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, it's better to cook in two batches and keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven than to crowd the basket and create steam instead of crispness.
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