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Italian Chicken Cutlets

5 from 4 votes
This Air fryer Italian Chicken Cutlets recipe is made by breading chicken cutlets, air frying until crispy, and serving with an optional arugula salad. It's quick, easy, and healthier than traditional frying.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cool Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6-8 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs (about ½ cup beaten)
  • 1 cup 1 cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil spray
For serving (optional):
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese, to taste
  • Lemon wedges

Method
 

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut your raw skinless chicken breasts horizontally all the way through. Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they have an even thickness of about ¼ inch.
  2. In one shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, add the panko bread crumbs and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, press them into the panko breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides completely.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and then place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer.
  5. Cook the thin cutlets at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, carefully flipping them halfway through (after 6-7 minutes). The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
  6. Let the cooked golden brown cutlets rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. While the crispy chicken is resting, toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (optional) in a bowl. Top with shaved Parmesan, feta cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
  8. Place the chicken on plates, accompanied by the salad if desired. Serve your delicious air fryer cutlets with a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken.

Notes

Chicken Breasts: Providing lean protein. This recipe calls for pounding them thin for quick, even cooking. You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option, turkey cutlets, pork chops, or eggplant slices for a different flavor.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the chicken's natural flavors.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. For an egg-free version, you can use buttermilk or a mixture of mustard and olive oil.
Italian Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, flavorful coating. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers or corn flakes.
Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a golden-brown crust in the air fryer. You can use an oil mister filled with your preferred oil as an alternative.