If you’re craving crispy, golden chicken without the mess of deep frying, these Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are about to become a family favorite! They’re juicy and tender inside, irresistibly crunchy outside, and packed with savory Parmesan flavor. Best of all, they’re ready in about 20 minutes and require very little oil.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each breast horizontally into thin cutlets. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
2. Set up the breading station
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are completely coated.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the coating start crisping immediately.
5. Air fry
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the second side lightly with oil.
6. Check for doneness
The chicken is ready when the coating is golden and crispy and the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your cutlets and your air fryer.
7. Serve immediately
Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes, then serve while hot and crispy. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for an extra finishing touch.
⭐ Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken so it adheres well.
- A light coating of oil helps the Parmesan crust turn beautifully golden.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Cutlets should be similar in thickness so they finish cooking at the same time.
🍋 What to Serve With It
These crispy chicken cutlets are delicious with lemon wedges, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or a simple side of steamed broccoli.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy without deep frying.
Juicy chicken with a crunchy Parmesan crust.
Quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal oil and minimal cleanup.
Kid-friendly and incredibly versatile.
Pro tip: Serve these straight from the air fryer with warm marinara and a little extra Parmesan for an easy crispy chicken Parmesan-style dinner.
