Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are crispy, juicy, and delicious. They are easy to make and take less than 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer!

For more delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out my Pretzel Crusted Chicken, Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs, Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles, and Crockpot White Chicken Chili.

I love making just about anything in my air fryer, but one of my standbys are chicken cutlets. 

A golden, crispy chicken breast that’s juicy on the inside without all the hassle, mess, and excess oil from deep frying? Sign me up!

Yes, these are fryer chicken cutlets come out perfectly cooked and are better for your since they are made in the air fryer. They are a staple at our house and go so well with a variety of side dishes and are easy to dress up, too. 

What is a chicken cutlet?

Chicken cutlets are thinly sliced pieces of chicken breast. You can usually find them at your local grocery store packaged as “thinly sliced chicken breasts.” Sometimes these prepackaged options are more expensive though, so I like to make my own. All you need to do slice larger chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pound to an even thickness, around 1/4 inch. I like to place my chicken breasts inside of a plastic zipper bag before pounding to cut down on mess.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

• all-purpose flour
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt + pepper
• cayenne pepper, optional
• thin sliced chicken breasts
• eggs
• water
• plain breadcrumbs

A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.

 How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare coatings

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. Finally, pour the breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.

Step 2: Coat chicken

Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour until completely coated on both sides, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the chicken cutlets in the egg mixture until well coated. Finally, dredge the chicken cutlets in the breadcrumbs, pressing evenly on both sides.

Step 3: Spray with oil

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the chicken cutlets in the basket then spray the tops with cooking oil.

Step 4: Air Fry

Cook in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, flip the chicken over, spray again with cooking oil, and cook for 5 more minutes until cooked through.

Tips and Notes for Making Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets 

• Don’t crowd the basket. Make sure to leave room around your chicken cutlets so that they can cook evenly and get crispy. You may need to cook your chicken in batches to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer. I like to preheat my air fryer for a few minutes before adding the food. This ensures that the proper temperature has been reached and that your air fryer chicken cutlets will cook up crispy and juicy. 
• Don’t overcook your chicken. All air fryers (like conventional ovens) cook differently and some cook hotter than others. Begin checking your chicken a few minutes early to ensure that you don’t overcook or burn your dinner!
• Storing and reheating: Any leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can place your prepared chicken cutlets in the air fryer for at 370 degrees for four minutes. You can also reheat for a couple of minutes in the microwave.

How long to bake chicken cutlets?

If you don’t own an air fryer or if you would rather bake your chicken cutlets in the oven, they can be baked on a greased sheet pan at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes. 

Can you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

While you can cook frozen chicken breasts safely in the air fryer, you will want to use completely thawed chicken for this recipe since it requires multiple layers and coatings.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets – Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets tastes delicious on their own with a side of Garlic Parmesan Asparagus or Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice. I also love cooking them to add to pasta, serving with marinara spooned over the top for chicken parmesan, or sliced over the top of a Strawberry Spinach Salad. Leftovers are also delicious sliced and wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing!

More Air Fryer Recipes You Should Try!

• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Air Fried Apples
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
• Chicken Taquitos in the Air Fryer

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!