These Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets bring the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar salad into a deliciously crispy, easy-to-make dish. Tender chicken cutlets are coated with a flavorful Caesar-inspired breadcrumb mixture, then air-fried to golden perfection. It’s a lighter take on a traditional breaded chicken that’s just as crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun dinner with the family, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible!
Personal Story & Background:
I’ve always been a fan of Caesar salads—the crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make it one of my go-to comfort foods. One day, I thought, “Why not combine my love for Caesar salad with my love for crispy chicken?” That’s when the idea for these Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets was born. They have all the flavors of a Caesar salad, but in a crispy, bite-sized format that’s easy to serve and even easier to eat. What I love most is that the air fryer gives these cutlets a deliciously crispy texture without all the oil, so it feels like a healthier version of something indulgent. These cutlets quickly became a family favorite, and I know they’ll become one of yours, too!
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Cutlets: The key to a great chicken Caesar cutlet is using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded thin. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- Breadcrumbs: I use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy coating. Panko gives the cutlets an extra crunch, while the regular breadcrumbs help with flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for that salty, umami flavor that pairs so well with the Caesar dressing. It helps create a flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Caesar Dressing: Caesar dressing is the star ingredient in this recipe, adding creaminess and a tangy, garlicky flavor to the coating. You can use store-bought Caesar dressing, or make your own if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the breadcrumb mixture without overwhelming the taste of the chicken.
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the breadcrumbs get crispy in the air fryer. It’s key for getting that golden, crunchy exterior.
Substitutions:
- Chicken Cutlets: If you can’t find chicken cutlets, simply slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin pieces. You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer a smaller, bite-sized portion.
- Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko, you can use all regular breadcrumbs. You could even use crushed crackers (like Ritz) for a different flavor profile.
- Caesar Dressing: For a lighter option, you can swap in a light Caesar dressing or Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken cutlets. If they aren’t already thin, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps them stay juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of regular breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will create a golden, crispy coating for the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg and Caesar dressing mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the crumbs stick. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the air fryer is nice and hot, which is key to getting that crispy, golden coating on the chicken.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the chicken cutlets with a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing, some chopped romaine lettuce, and additional Parmesan cheese for an optional Caesar salad vibe.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key to ensuring it cooks evenly and stays juicy. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- Crispy Coating: Don’t skip the olive oil spray! It’s the trick to getting that golden, crispy crust in the air fryer. A light coating goes a long way.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fryers need space for the hot air to circulate to get that crispy texture. If you’re making multiple servings, cook the chicken in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Caesar Salad: Serve the crispy chicken cutlets over a bed of romaine lettuce, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing for a complete meal.
- Side Dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables, a side of garlic bread, or even some air-fried potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Wrap It Up: For a fun twist, slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with some lettuce, shredded cheese, and a bit of extra Caesar dressing to make a Chicken Caesar wrap.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work perfectly! They’re a bit juicier than chicken breasts, so they’ll add an extra layer of flavor to the cutlets.
Can I make the chicken cutlets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. This gives the breadcrumbs time to set, making them even crispier.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken cutlets in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden and crispy.
Conclusion:
These Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets are a perfect mix of crispy, tender, and full of flavor. With a golden, crunchy coating and a juicy interior, they’re a healthier version of traditional breaded chicken that still hits all the right notes. Whether you serve them on their own or as part of a Caesar salad, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness and feel free to share your variations or thoughts in the comments!
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Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets: Crispy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Cooked
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (adjusted from 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets bring the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar salad into a crispy, easy-to-make dish. Tender chicken cutlets are coated with a Caesar-inspired breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- Breading:
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Cooking:
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, whisk together the egg and Caesar dressing.
- In another bowl, mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Serve: Let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with extra Caesar dressing, chopped romaine, and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Chicken Alternatives: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great.
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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