Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Cutlets

🕒 Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 10–14 minutes

• Total: ~35 minutes

🍽 Servings

4 servings

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken tenders)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Breading Station

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon water or milk

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• ½ cup regular breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Crisping

• Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)

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🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets (about ½ inch thick).

2. Pat dry with paper towels.

3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.

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🥣 Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Use three shallow bowls:

1️⃣ Bowl 1: Add flour.
2️⃣ Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water/milk.
3️⃣ Bowl 3: Mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

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🍗 Step 3: Bread the Chicken

For each piece:

1. Dredge in flour (shake off excess).

2. Dip into egg mixture (fully coat).

3. Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

💡 Tip: Press the crumbs in well for that thick, crispy coating like in the image.

Place coated pieces on a plate or rack.

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🔥 Step 4: Air Fry

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the basket with oil.

3. Arrange chicken in a single layer (do not overlap).

4. Spray tops lightly with oil (this helps browning).

Cook:

• 375°F for 10–14 minutes

• Flip halfway through (around 6–7 minutes)

• Cook until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)

If making thicker pieces, add 2–3 extra minutes.

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🥇 For Extra Crispiness

• Use mostly panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.

• Spray a little extra oil before cooking.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket.

• Cook in batches if needed.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Garlic aioli

• Honey mustard

• Ranch dip

• Lemon wedges

• Side salad or roasted vegetables

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store in fridge up to 3 days.

• Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

• Avoid microwave (makes coating soggy).