Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This air fryer chicken cutlet recipe is your answer. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these cutlets are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a satisfying snack. Forget greasy frying pans – this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup. Get ready to experience the magic of air frying!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Prepare the Chicken:
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Place the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. Mix well to combine your dry ingredients.
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In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg.
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Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
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Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Finally, coat the cutlet thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Air Fry the Chicken:
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Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary for even cooking. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
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Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cutlets and your air fryer model.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides – a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes are all excellent choices.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your cutlets. Start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Cutlets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Chicken Cutlets: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Cutlets: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These air fryer chicken cutlets are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking method ensures a delicious dish every time, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Enjoy!