Crisp, golden, and irresistibly delicious—these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets with Panko are a must-try! Coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, these cutlets cook up perfectly in the air fryer, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s a simple, healthier take on a classic favorite!
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.
Notes
Even Sizing: Ensure your chicken cutlets are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. You can pound them with a meat mallet to achieve the desired thickness.Pat Dry: Before breading, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the egg wash and panko adhere better, resulting in a crispier coating.Seasoning: Season both the flour and panko breadcrumbs with your favorite spices. This adds extra flavor to your cutlets. Consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.Double Coating: For an extra crunchy exterior, double-dip the chicken. First, dip it in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally in the panko. Repeat the egg wash and panko steps for an extra-thick crust.