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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are quick and easy – and perfectly crispy! The cutlets are coated with a secret ingredient that keeps them juicy, adds flavor, and helps the breading stick to the chicken.

Crispy Chicken Cutlets In The Air Fryer

We know that the air fryer is perfect for heating frozen chicken nuggets and it’s great for many other simple chicken dishes. But we just had to try making chicken cutlets in the air fryer instead of pan frying, and the results are amazing!

The chicken crisps up perfectly due to one secret ingredient! Have you tried adding mayonnaise when breading chicken? It’s a game-changer. The mayonnaise adds flavor, plus keeps the meat nice and tender, and it helps keep the breading on the chicken. If you haven’t tried it, here’s your shot!

With the addition of a few simple seasonings to the breading, this chicken has so much flavor! And it couldn’t be easier to replicate the fried chicken flavor we all crave and love.

dinner plate with chicken cutlets and green salad

What’s The Difference Between Chicken Cutlets and Chicken Breast?

Chicken cutlets are simply chicken breasts that have been sliced in half. This is done so that the chicken is thinner and cooks more quickly. Chicken cutlets are great for pan frying and air frying.

a sheet tray with raw chicken and small bowls of breading, mayonnaise, and spices

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Crispy Chicken Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Keep in mind that the exact amounts of each ingredient and instructions are below in the recipe card.

  • Chicken Cutlets
  • Mayonnaise: We used mayonnaise instead of eggs here for more flavor and it keeps the chicken from drying out.
  • Garlic Powder: You can also use granulated garlic instead.
  • Italian Seasoning: Using this seasoning adds incredible flavor to the chicken. You could also use a mix of dried parsley, thyme, and/or oregano.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: If you only have unseasoned, that’s ok! You can add some more salt, pepper, and seasonings right to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
sliced air fryer chicken cutlets

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

It’s pretty simple to put this recipe together! Here are the steps you need to follow.

First, preheat the air fryer. It’s always best to start with the air fryer hot!

Then, mix the mayonnaise and seasonings. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the mayonnaise.

Coat the chicken cutlets with the mayonnaise mixture. And then coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs.

Place the chicken in the air fryer. Make sure that the chicken cutlets are not touching each other and you may need to work in batches to avoid this.

Lastly, cook for about 12-15 minutes. Or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal thermometer reads 160F.

air fryer chicken cutlets in the air fryer tray

Can I Make This Recipe Low Carb?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe low carb. All you need to do is omit the breadcrumbs. Then you can add some parmesan cheese on top after frying for a bit of extra flavor.

a platter of crispy chicken cutlets

Tips & Variations

Here are some simple ways that you can mix up this recipe. You can use these tips if you’re missing a few ingredients or if you want to add some different flavors.

  • Go gluten-free: You can also use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
  • Add parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs: You can also add shredded parmesan with the breadcrumbs if you want to add a little bit of cheesiness to your chicken.
  • Enhance the mayonnaise: You can mix up the seasonings you use in the mayo mixture like using onion powder, flavored salts, or white pepper. You could also add a drizzle of your favorite dressing like ranch or Italian dressing.
  • Serve them with a sauce: Serve just as they are or with our Favorite Marinara.
chicken cutlets with green salad on the side

What To Serve With Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Below are some of our favorite recipes to serve alongside these crispy chicken cutlets.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Then, reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes for best results.

dinner plate with chicken cutlets and green salad

Can I Freeze These?

It’s best to eat these immediately after they are cooked. This is when the chicken is going to be perfectly crispy! So, freezing these cooked chicken cutlets is not recommended.

Yield: 4 servings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

a platter of crispy chicken cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are perfectly crisp, tender and juicy! Seasoned mayonaise is the secret ingredient to keeping them extra juicy and for the breading to stick to the chicken. Ready in under 25 minutes, they are the perfect quick and easy dinner!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 chicken cutlets
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. In a small bowl, stir to combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
  3. Coat each cutlet with the mayo mixture. Then generously coat the cutlets with breadcrumbs on both sides.
  4. Place coated chicken in the air fryer, making sure to not layer the chicken on top of each other.
  5. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reaches 165 degrees. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Then, reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes for best results.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 641Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 233mgSodium: 874mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 48g

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