Breaded chicken cutlets are a staple in an Italian-American home, but they are usually fried in oil until golden brown. While they are delicious, I was determined to recreate this recipe using no oil, and in my air fryer. This is a base recipe for air fried chicken cutlets. You can use these in salads, on sandwiches, or to make dishes like chicken parmigiana, without the mess of traditional frying.
What are chicken cutlets?
I am not sure if this is an East Coast thing, but this is what we call thin sliced chicken breast that is breaded in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried in oil. They are the base for dishes like chicken parmigiana, and also make a delicious addition to salads or sandwiches.
I, like most Long Islanders, grew up eating chicken cutlets weekly. Everyone’s mom on Long Island makes the best chicken cutlets, and mine is no exception. Typically, a weeknight dinner in our house was mom’s chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes and corn. I would usually dip my chicken cutlets in BBQ sauce, just because.
When I moved out on my own, I continued making chicken cutlets for Emilio and me. And then for my kids. It’s just the perfect family-friendly food. The kids like to chop them up and dip them in ketchup, and the adults love them because of their nostalgia.
When I started eating healthier, I still wanted to incorporate my favorite foods into my life. To lighten up this recipe, it didn’t take much. The only change I made was from pan frying them in oil, to air frying them. Everything else stayed the same!
What is an air fryer? What if I don’t have one?
An air fryer is basically a glorified, petite, countertop-sized convection oven.
I got my first air fryer pretty early on during my wellness journey. You can generally find them pretty inexpensively at most stores. They’re easy to find these days. I live and die by my Gowise 7qt Air Fryer. I find that the food gets the crispiest in this particular brand. In the past, I have used quite a few air fryers, and this has been my favorite for a few years now.
My air fryer also comes in handy to heat up my kids frozen chicken nuggets. It makes them crispy instead of that kind of soggy texture caused by the microwave.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the convection feature in your oven, for the same time and temperature as suggested by whatever recipe you are following.
What you’ll need to make Air Fried Chicken Cutlets
This is the smallest ingredient list ever.
- thin sliced chicken breast (if you can’t find it, you can slice your own chicken breast)
- egg whites
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
Creating your breading station
First, make yourself a quick breading station. Grab two shallow bowls. Pour your egg whites into one bowl, and the breadcrumbs into the other.
Next, lay out a piece of wax paper, or get a plate. This will be for you to place your breaded chicken pieces on as they wait to get cooked. I like using wax paper for this, and then I crumble it up and throw it away when I am done. Less mess and less cleanup. Plus… it keeps cross contamination from raw chicken at a minimum.
How to make Air Fried Chicken Cutlets
Take each piece of chicken, dip it in the egg white, followed by the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated, and then set it aside on the wax paper until they are all finished.
Next, spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil spray thoroughly. The size of your air fryer basket will determine how many cutlets you can cook at once. My old air fryer (5 qt) was able to handle two cutlets at a time, but this one (7 qt) can cook three, without them overlapping.
Lay the cutlets in the air fryer basket, and then spray the tops with more olive oil spray. Air fry at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. At the 7 minute mark, flip the chicken cutlets and spray the other side with olive oil. I like to do this for the maximum golden color.
The key here is to make sure that none of the pieces are overlapping each other in the air fryer. That way, we know each piece will get cooked to crispy perfection.
Set aside the cooked batch, and then repeat this process until all of the cutlets are finished.
The end result are these deliciously golden, air fried chicken cutlets. The perfect accompaniment to any sandwich, wrap, or salad, or the base of chicken parmigiana, or my chicken milanese recipe.
Easiest Air Fried Chicken Cutlets
Equipment
- air fryer
- 2 shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, sliced thin, 6 pieces
- ¼ cup liquid egg whites
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Create a breading station by pouring your egg whites into one shallow bowl, and the breadcrumbs into another shallow bowl.
- Lay a piece of wax paper or a plate to the side to put your breaded chicken on.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg white, and then into the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer with olive oil spray, then add half of the chicken pieces (depending on the size of your air fryer). I do 3 at a time.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 400 for 15 minutes. At the 7 minute mark, flip the chicken and spray the tops with more olive oil spray.
- Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a plate, and repeat the process for the remaining pieces.
Notes
- 1 WW point each (blue and purple plans)
- 2 WW points each (green plan)
Taylor says
Can’t get over how easy these were to make! So delicious and versatile!
Adrianna says
Easy peasy and DELICIOUS!! Family fav and in our regular rotation.
Mary says
These were so easy to make and turned out delicious. I only flipped once because I got preoccupied, but they were still deliciously crispy and perfectly cooked.
Cindy says
This is a wonderful recipe! My kids even enjoyed.
Kathy says
Life changing and versatile! I make these once a week and so thankful I found this recipe!!
Anne-Marie says
I’m from the south. Mississippi to be exact. Fried chicken is a staple in our world. It’s awesome to find someone that can make food we love into food we love that also fuels our bodies!
Lori Famoso says
It’s so funny about “everyone’s Mom” making the best ones!! As a child, we had them at least once a week and I made them for my boys, as well! In fact, it’s my youngest favorite and most requested dinner when he comes for dinner!! Even funnier is that you eat them with corn & mashed potatoes! This is a MUST!! Thanks so much for ALL of your hard work finding ways to still enjoy our comfort food without the added fat & calories! 💖
Donna says
I cannot wait to try this with gluten free bread crumbs!
Helen says
If I make chicken cutlets, this is the only method I use. It’s healthy, quick and oh yes Delicious. I also like the 1SP on Blue. How did we survive without the Air Fryer?
Maritza says
Delicious!! So crispy… don’t miss frying chicken cutlets ! thank you!
Michelle says
These are amazing!! Legitimately look like the fried cutlets my mom made!!
Brittany Robb says
Made these for dinner tonight! 10/10 and my husband couldn’t stop talking about how good they were and said he actually felt guilty eating them when he didn’t have to hahaha!
Shannon Nolen says
First time using an air fryer!! First time trying this and it was delicious!! It will definitely be in our meal rotation.
Lori says
So good!! Very easy to make. Thank you.
Jenn says
These are so easy, tasty and light! Definitely will be making it again!
Kristin B says
These are becoming a go to for all sorts of dinner options!
Laura says
So easy and delicious! Love that you can make a bunch and use them all week!
Sarita says
Love and so easy to make!
Jennifer says
These were amazing! My whole family loved them. So easy to make!
Laureen Mariano says
Great recipe! My cutlets came out perfect! Love the ease of the recipe, especially for someone who doesn’t like to cook! Thanks!
Tina says
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make!! Will definitely be making these often!
Shannon Conley says
As a Long Island girl I can never escape my love for chicken cutlets, they’re great on their own or mixed into a hero (long island sub/hoagie), on a salad, or as chicken parm! Thanks for sharing Steph!
Roseann says
Another classic, lightened up. Prior to being on WW, I’d fry these in like an inch of olive oil (I learned this from my mom of course…because they literally all make the best chicken cutlets). Now that I air fry them, I feel so much better and they taste just as good!
Meagan says
My family is obsessed with this recipe. My husband and boys ask for this weekly!
Kenia says
Sooo good and super EASY! Super easy is what I need as a busy mom!
Miriam says
Just made these for dinner and they are So Good! Love me some breaded chicken but without the grease! This is perfect!
Kristin says
Made it for my first air fryer meal and it was delish and easy!
Sami Gravett says
The best home made chicken I have ever had. And SO EASY!!
Jen says
Eating these while I write this review. Go make these! So easy. Better than friend.
Cassie Murphy says
This is a must try! I make this at least once a week, so easy to pare with anything. I love how easy she makes her recipes so anyone can make them!
Amy Cohen says
These are so good!! Crispy, tasty and easy – my husband is soooo happy, my picky 3.5 year old is even eating them. Thanks for saving me from another dinner time battle!
Tina says
Tried this tonight and it was delicious! I made a bunch so I can use it for lunch for a few days. I recently bought some bulk chicken breasts and this was a great way to use it. Thanks!
Kristi says
Best online recipe I’ve ever tried. I was so skeptical about these but they are amazing! I will be prepping these every week for lunches and easy dinners. Thank you!!!
Stephanie says
I love this recipe! I’ve even made variations by adding different seasonings!
Sara Isley says
So good! My Italian grandmother made these all the time (fried in oil of course), and these are a great substitution.
Brittany says
Super easy and delicious!
Alison Talbert says
So delicious and a perfect base for so many recipes!!
Alicia says
Soooo easy and delicious!
Nicole Heimbigner says
Great recipe! Love the flavor and how easy they were to make.
Melissa says
Wow! This recipe gave me the confidence and inspiration to do cook more! This was so easy and afterwards I tried playing around with different spices too. Such a healthier option than buying a bag of these in the freezer section. I actually know what I’m putting into my body this way. This is a weekly staple!
Marcelle says
Game changer for me. This is something I’ve always loved but thought to high calorie. Nope its definitely doable and tastes amazing. I have used the same breading on cube steaks definitely higher points but great too.
Mary says
Could you do this in the oven?
Emily says
THE BEST and so versatile!!
Mary says
Okay. Wow. These chicken cutlets are (shockingly) better than pan fried—very crispy and flavorful. I made mine into chicken parm for an easy dinner. My Italian husband approves.
Caitlyn says
The best and easiest chicken cutlets by far!!! Steph did it again!!! A family favorite in this household!
Mary M says
Easy and delicious!!! Love that it’s so versatile! I serve this by itself, topped with cheese, on a salad, or dipped in BBQ sauce!
Claudia says
Could this recipe be done with tilapia fillets? If so, how long should I put them in the air fryer and at what temperature?
Hilary says
Super easy – used regular eggs – daughter is eating them now! Thanks
Judy Broccoli says
Very dry and much too chewy!
Kiersten says
Same here – maybe bc I used a Cuisinart combo air fryer/toaster oven instead of a dedicated air fryer? But I will make again for 5 minutes less.
Michelle Roberts says
Delicious!
Allison says
Love this so much thank you Steph!!
Kortney Trippany says
I’ve tried these once and they were so good I’ve made them for meal prep several times since!! They are so easy to keep on hand for sandwiches or salads!!
Jennifer says
These were good however I think 7 min each side in my air fryer (personally) dried these out a bit and they were a bit over cooked. Going to try again flipping at the 5 min mark.
Jolie Brown says
Made this tonight for dinner and as usual didn’t disappoint. 1 point per piece of chicken. Will definitely be making this again real soon. A must try!! Blue
Tricia says
New to this world of an air fryer. So happy to find your recipe. However, I noticed mine came out a little dry and crunchy. I have a Ninja air Fryer. Does that matter based on temperature and time? Recipe was really easy so I will use again but any advice on how to not make them as dry?
Tiffany says
Love love looooove this recipe! I use it literally at least once a week!! I want to work these into a chicken parm and I am scared to ruin it. Does anyone have any tips? Or is there a recipe on here??? Again, LOVE this recipe. About to make it RIGHT NOW 😁
victoria weiss says
Mine aren’t browning! How do u get them browned
Donna says
Just made it and it is fantastic! We like spicy so I added cayenne and red pepper flakes
Melissa J. says
This is a great and simple recipe. What I like about it is you can add additional spices to change it up! This is a staple for our house! Love it!
Anthony Iacovelli says
Awesome recipe and explanation! Just be careful cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil over 350°, that’s the smoke point. I usually use avocado oil spray in the air fryer, which has a higher smoke point of 52°
Cheryl S. says
This recipe is a staple in my house. My kids LOVE breaded cutlets but I don’t like the mess frying them makes. This helps with that for sure!
Leslie says
Can’t wait to try.
From LI, too..
I’m learning about how to use air fryer
Thank You
Louie W. says
As someone who lived on Long Island from birth to 50 years old I can attest to the first paragraph, It is a staple of living on Long Island, these are great, there’s no leftovers and the dinner plates are empty, if you don’t get thin sliced you can always place them in ziploc freezer bag and with a meat hammer pound them out until desired thickness, they’ll all cook evenly that way.
Colleen says
I just made these today. I WILL NEVER fry my cutlets again. These were perfect.
Amy says
Not to be dramatic (too late) but this recipe is life changing. Grandmother an Italian relatives have been making these for decades but I could never grasp it. It just got a new air fryer a few months back and try this recipe today. I will never buy another Frozen bag of chicken again and this will be so great for so many versatile meals. Thank you thank you thank you!!
Carmen says
I never leave comments on recipe posts but I just had to give you kudos for this one. The chicken breasts came out juicy. JUICY. I have literally never had such delicious chicken breasts in my life let alone in cutlet form.
Thank you for this! This is officially going to be one of my go-to recipes!
Mary says
The family loved it. So easy. I will add a pinch of salt and a little Parmesan next time, but otherwise awesome!
Lula says
Hello . Will be giving this a try . One question : When do you add the milk ?
Abby says
I make these almost weekly because they are so versatile. I sometimes make chicken parm, I’ve made healthy KFC bowls with them, eaten them plain, etc. Super good! I don’t think I would have made it this far in WW without recipies like this one!
Sherry says
Simply delicious! Just finished making. Cut up & added to an avocado lettuce salad! Scrumptious.
Samia Haddad says
do we preheat the air fryer? TIA!:))
Bonnie says
Perfect cook time for cutlets!! I didn’t have egg so I used Dijon mustard and plain bread crumbs with seasoning and it turned out SO good.
Thanks for posting this recipe 🙂
Mike says
I tried thousand Island dressing instead of egg. Really tasty.
Lisa says
So fast and easy! Just an FYI, mine only took 10 minutes so check them sooner. Of course it depends on the your air fryer and how thick your cutlets are. Paired it with Steph’s Greek Orzo salad which I made earlier in the day for a super quick but delicious dinner without much mess!
Erica says
How long would I air fry them if I used chicken thighs?
Mary Chase says
Excited to make these, but I will have to cut my own chicken cutlets as we do not have precut thin sliced in our area. What is best recommendation for how to do this? And recommendations / tips for how to cut off the gross parts of chicken breast in general and how to do without making a total mess and spreading salmonella all over your kitchen ? Thank you we love your recipes !
Kim says
Hi Steph, I can’t wait to try these cutlets! I love making chicken parm, but the recipe is a bit involved on busy weeknights. Using the air fryer to have cutlets made will be such a timesaver! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shari says
So easy, delicious and crispy! Served with pesto pasta and side salad. Definitely making these again.
Pam says
Up to you say cook it for 10 minutes than in the recipe you say cook 15 minutes.
Amy Myers says
Makes cleanup so easy with no oil and frying! Definite game changer and still as delicious!
Janelle says
The only air fryer chicken cutlet recipe I need! Thank you!
Jane in NE says
These were fantastic! Definitely a repeat!
Danelle says
Would this recipe work with panko?