Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken cutlets; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¾ cup all purpose flour; 2 eggs (beaten); 2 cups panko bread crumbs; Olive oil spray (for cooking)

Jump to Recipe

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in 20 minutes—no deep frying required. Whether you’re craving a lighter spin on a comfort food classic or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers all the crunch without the oil.

With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, these cutlets come out perfectly crispy every time and pair well with salads, pasta (hello caprese pasta salad with crispy chicken!), or sandwiches. I’ve even added them to Chicken Katsu Ramen! Keep reading for all my tips to make them extra flavorful and foolproof.

A plate of air fryer chicken cutlets served over greens.

Table of Contents

Similar to my Air Fryer Chicken Katsu and Fried Chicken Without Flour, this is an amazing way to create a versatile and delicious chicken dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Ready in 20 minutes: From start to finish, you’ll only spend 20 minutes in the kitchen.
Lots of ways to enjoy: Salads (I serve them with this little gem salad), sandwiches, wraps, pizza, protein bowls, and more!
Easy prep: All you have to do is bread the chicken and pop it in the air fryer!

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Labeled ingredients for air fryer chicken cutlets.

Chicken cutlets – the star of the show!
Flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken, creating a solid base for the breadcrumbs to stick.
Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the breadcrumbs in place while also giving the crust a golden, crispy texture when cooked. Together, they create a crunchy, well-coated exterior on the chicken.
Panko bread crumbs – light, airy, and crispy, these are the best breadcrumbs to guarantee a golden brown and crispy chicken cutlet every time!

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions/Additions

If you can’t find chicken cutlets, you can buy chicken breasts and slice them in half.
Garlic powder & onion powder can be added to the flour or breadcrumb mixture for extra savory depth.
Parmesan cheese mixed into the panko breadcrumbs adds a rich, cheesy flavor and enhances the golden-brown crust.
Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley can be mixed into the breadcrumbs for a fresh, herbaceous note. This is a great way to use fresh herbs from your garden!
Lemon zest can be added to the flour or breadcrumbs to give a fresh, citrus flavor that complements the chicken nicely.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

A bowl of flour next to a bowl of beaten egg and a bowl of bread crumbs.

Step 1: Prepare breading. Grab 3 shallow bowls. Mix the flour and salt and pepper in one, beat the eggs in another, and pour the breadcrumbs into the last one.

Step 2: Bread chicken. Cover each chicken cutlet in flour, coat well with beaten egg, and press in the Panko until fully covered.

Breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Arrange in air fryer. Place the breaded cutlets in the basket of your air fryer and spray lightly with olive oil.

Step 4: Air fry. Cook at 375 for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Absolutely! As long as you cook it all the way (to an internal temperature of 165 F), it’s perfectly safe to air fry raw chicken.

Are chicken cutlets the same as chicken breasts?

Chicken cutlets come from the chicken breast, but they’re sliced thinner and pounded flatter than chicken breasts would be.

How do you store leftover chicken cutlets?

Place chicken cutlets in an airtight plastic container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Allow them to cool to almost room temp first to prevent excess moisture that will make the breading soggy. You can also freeze chicken cutlets for a month or longer.

What’s the best way to reheat air fryer chicken cutlets?

Pop them back in the air fryer at 350 for a few minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again! You may want to spritz them with a tiny bit of extra olive oil to help them crisp up. You could also bake them at the same temperature. I don’t recommend microwaving unless you like soggy cutlets.

Air fryer chicken served with mexican street corn.

How to serve chicken cutlets

My current favorite way to serve these chicken cutlets is over a simple bed of mixed greens tossed in lemon juice, olive oil, and flaky salt. I top them with a delicious and unexpected topping, Mexican Street Corn Dip, which brings a creamy, tangy contrast to the crispy chicken with its combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, and a kick of lime.

If you’re looking for more sides to go with them, consider serving the chicken with a light cucumber and radish salad or a flavorful Roasted Baby Potatoes for a well-rounded meal. The crispy chicken, paired with these fresh and vibrant sides, creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!

In the summer, I also love topping this chicken with a fresh cherry tomato salad or serving it alongside a crispy roasted potato salad. These crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are another favorite of mine to serve with chicken cutlets!

If you tried this air fryer chicken cutlets or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you, and this helps my business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes!