Making perfect chicken cutlets in an air fryer is possible. The result will be as crispy and flavorful as the traditional deep-fried version. The secret to delicious air fryer chicken breast lies within this recipe.
The Importance of Fat for Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
To make tasty and good food you need fat. Fat not only carries the flavors but also enables higher cooking temperatures, something you definitely need for crispy and perfect chicken cutlets.
Thus for making perfect chicken cutlets in an air fryer, incorporating fat is crucial, given that the cooking medium is air, not oil. The solution is simple yet often overlooked. Before breading, coat the chicken breast with a layer of fat or oil.
The added benefit of this method is that it allows the use of your favorite type of fat. Thus you can avoid omega-6 rich and unhealthy options like vegetable oil and instead use healthier alternatives such as olive oil or even goose or duck fat, lard, enhancing the flavor.
Secrets to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breast
For perfect, crispy air fryer chicken cutlets, remember the following:
- Coat with Fat: Essential for achieving crispiness and flavor, the chicken breast must be coated with fat before cooking. This not only improves taste but also offers health benefits by avoiding traditional omega-6 rich cooking oils.
- Season Well: Seasoning is key. While salt and freshly ground black pepper are basics, adding some ground nutmeg can elevate the flavors. Traditionally, meat is seasoned before breading, but when using fat to coat the breast, seasoning the egg and flour mixture ensures a tasty result.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook at 355 F (180 F) for a total of 15 minutes, turning the chicken cutlets halfway through the cooking time.
Remember, air fried chicken cutlets might appear less golden than the deep-fried version, but following these tips ensures a dish that’s perfectly crisp, juicy, and flavorful.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs chicken breast 600 g
- ⅓ cup flour 50 g
- 1 cup breadcrumbs 150 g
- 1 tbsp fat or oil
- salt
- black pepper preferably freshly ground
Instructions
- Prepare for Breading: Set out 3 plates or bowls with flour, beaten eggs (seasoned with salt and pepper), and breadcrumbs.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast fillets into ⅔ inch (about 1.5 cm) thick. Place them between layers of plastic wrap and gently pound. Thinly coat the slices with your choice of fat or oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Breading: Dredge each chicken slice in flour first, next dip in egg, and then roll in breadcrumbs. Shake off excess at each step to avoid a thick coating.
- Cooking: Preheat the air fryer. Cook the breaded chicken slices at 355 F (180°C) for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
