These Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor! They combine chicken with a tasty Caesar dressing and breadcrumbs, making them hard to resist!
I love how quick and clean this dish is to make. Just season the cutlets, air fry them, and enjoy a delicious meal without all the oil. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Cutlets: This recipe shines with chicken cutlets, which are thin and cook quickly. If you can’t find cutlets, you can slice boneless chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Turkey cutlets are also a good alternative.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken a crispy texture. If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. For a gluten-free option, you could try crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano is a great choice, or you can also use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Caesar Dressing: Look for a good quality Caesar dressing for the best flavor. You can also make your own or substitute with ranch dressing if you prefer. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and lemon.
How Do I Get the Coating Just Right?
Coating the chicken evenly is key to achieving that beautiful crunch. Start by dredging the cutlets in flour, which helps the egg adhere better. Be sure to shake off any excess flour. Then, dip in the beaten eggs before pressing them into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breadcrumbs coat every inch!
- Set up your dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, breadcrumb mix in a third.
- After coating, give the cutlets a gentle press into the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Salad:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- Parmesan shavings for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will create the flavorful coating for your chicken.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
In another bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This setup will help you coat the chicken easily.
4. Coat the Chicken Cutlets:
Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process until all cutlets are coated.
5. Air Fry the Cutlets:
Arrange the coated chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry the cutlets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
6. Prepare to Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain its juices. While it’s resting, chop your romaine lettuce and get your Caesar dressing ready.
7. Assemble Your Dish:
Top each chicken cutlet with the chopped romaine lettuce and drizzle generously with Caesar dressing. Let’s make it look fancy by garnishing with some parmesan shavings!
8. Serve with a Twist:
Serve your tasty chicken cutlets with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze some lemon over your cutlet for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Cutlets?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, just make sure to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it might take a couple of minutes longer!
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. For extra crunch, you could even crush some crackers, such as Ritz or saltines, as an alternative. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Caesar Cutlets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they might lose their crunch.
