These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Cutlets came out amazing! I can’t believe how easy this recipe is and cleanup is a breeze. Fried chicken cutlets are always in demand in my house. But the egg, and oil, and disposing of it all, and cleaning up the splatter… not so fun.

This version made in the air fryer is, pretty much, the only way I make chicken cutlets now. Using the air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional frying, and certainly beats frozen cutlets or fast food.
These came out amazing! I can’t believe how easy this recipe is and cleanup is a breeze.
This recipe is egg free and can easily be gluten-free with the right breadcrumbs. I prefer 4C Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs, seasoned and panko versions are both great.

I use the Ninja Air Fryer. It was recommended by Consumer Reports and the parts are dishwasher safe. I was sold on this model just knowing I could rinse off the residue and throw the basket in the dishwasher!
Set the air fryer to 400ºF. Preheat your specific air fryer model per the instructions. (Mine says for 3 minutes.) I try to get as many cutlets in as possible per batch to save on time, but for best results do not crowd the basket.

I found that having a cooking spray on hand is key to success with the air fryer. Spray a light coating on the chicken to help it get golden and crunchy. Turn the chicken half way through cooking time to get even browning on both sides. The air fryer gets very hot so be sure to handle with care!

Using the air fryer to make breaded chicken cutlets is a much healthier alternative to the traditional frying method. My family loves it because this meal comes around more often than it used to thanks to the process being such a breeze!


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Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Using the air-fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional frying and certainly beats frozen cutlets or fast food.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Skinless boneless chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs (For Gluten-Free version use your favorite Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs)
- 4 tbsp Panko Breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F for approximately 3 minutes (per your air fryer's instructions).
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Put the 2 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl.
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In a separate bowl, add the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Gently whisk ingredients together.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper and then evenly coat the chicken in the olive oil.
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Transfer one cutlet at a time to the breadcrumb mixture and press both sides into the crumbs to be sure that the pieces are coated.
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Carefully place the chicken in the basket and lightly spray the top with olive oil spray.
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Air fry each batch 10 minutes, turning halfway through until the chicken is a delicious looking golden brown.
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Carefully remove chicken from basket and repeat steps with next batch.
Recipe Notes
For Gluten-Free version, use your favorite Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs! I love the 4C brand.
Good flavor but I can’t seem to get these crispy like the photos
Hi Jen. Thanks for the feedback. I used 4c Gluten Free Panko bread crumbs for the chicken you see in the photos. Panko tends to to add a bit more crunch and creates that golden brown color. It does take a couple of times to find your technique to get the most breadcrumbs to stick, but once you get the method down you’ll never look back.