1. Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- Prepare Breading: In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station:
- In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken Cutlets
- Dredge Chicken: Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
4. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve that crispy exterior.
5. Cook the Chicken Cutlets
- Arrange Cutlets: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
6. Serve
- Enjoy: Serve your crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. They can also be served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Tips for Success
- Even Thickness: Ensuring the chicken is an even thickness will help it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy texture, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken cutlets reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Spicy Option: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are a fantastic, healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or crunch. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, these cutlets are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal, or use them in sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch option. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple and delicious recipe!