This Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Panko recipe is crispy, juicy, and ready in under 25 minutes! It’s a lighter, mess-free way to enjoy golden chicken cutlets—perfect for busy nights.
As someone who’s tested dozens of air fryer recipes, I can confidently say this method nails the crunch factor without deep-frying. Learning how to make air fryer chicken cutlets taste like your favorite pan-fried version is all about smart prep, seasoning well, and choosing the right breadcrumbs.
These panko-crusted cutlets are weeknight heroes: fast, golden, and consistently juicy. Pair them with my Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables or some Almond Milk Mashed Potatoes for a comfort meal made simple.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy & Crunchy: Panko breadcrumbs create that perfect golden crust.
- Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in under 25 minutes.
- Healthier Than Frying: All the crisp, none of the grease.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin and pounded evenly—they cook fast and stay juicy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: My go-to for ultimate crunch. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Plus, they brown beautifully in the air fryer. Japanese-style panko gives the lightest crunch, while Italian panko adds flavor but browns quicker.
- Eggs: Help the crumbs stick for an even, golden coating.
- Flour: A quick dredge in flour makes the coating super clingy and crisp.
💡 No-Mess Tip: Use parchment rounds or silicone air fryer liners for easy cleanup and less scrubbing.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlets: Marinate in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before breading.
- Parmesan Panko Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme, oregano, or parsley to the breading.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne or smoked paprika into the crumb mix.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko and almond flour for a GF version.
Want more crispy air fryer ideas? Try these Baked Parmesan Broccoli Chips or my crunchy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Step 1: Warm the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes. Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner slices, yielding four pieces altogether.
- Step 2: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Put flour in a third bowl. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it in the eggs, and then cover it with the panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick.
- Step 3: Arrange the coated chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly mist the chicken cutlets with cooking spray.
- Step 4: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 23 minutes, turning the cutlets over halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
💡 Hint: Wondering how long to cook chicken cutlets in air fryer? The sweet spot is 23–24 minutes total at 380°F, flipping halfway for even crisp.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Even Thickness = Even Cooking: Pound chicken to uniform thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed to keep things crispy.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch: Re-coat in egg and panko if you like a thicker crust—just like a schnitzel-style finish!
- Freeze It: Bread raw cutlets and freeze flat in a single layer. Store in freezer-safe bags for quick future dinners.
- Freezer Prep Tip: Bread the cutlets, freeze flat, and store in a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko, but keep in mind that panko provides a crispier texture. If you prefer a slightly softer coating, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before air frying, so they cook evenly.
Always cook until golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure they’re safe and perfectly juicy.
Yes! You can freeze breaded raw cutlets or cooked leftovers. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Herby ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo all pair beautifully.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep the crust crisp.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken cutlets with low-fuss sides like:
- Steamed Green Beans
- Parmesan Asparagus
- Red Cabbage Slaw
- Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad:
- Air Fryer Corn On The Cob:
Try serving leftovers sliced over salad or stuffed into wraps for lunch!
🍽 More Easy Chicken Dinners
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Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Panko Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Warm the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner slices, yielding four pieces altogether.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with salt and black pepper.
- Place the flour in another shallow bowl.
- First, coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, cover it thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Arrange the coated chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Lightly mist the chicken cutlets with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 23 minutes, turning the cutlets over halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned—these air fryer chicken cutlets are a game-changer! The panko crust adds the ideal crunch, making them a delightful addition to any meal.