Crispy, golden Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets—juicy chicken coated in a flavorful Caesar-seasoned crust for a quick and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – The air fryer ensures a golden, crunchy coating without excess oil.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
- Healthier alternative – Air frying reduces the need for deep frying while keeping the texture crispy.
- Perfect for meal prep – Great for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Brings gourmet flavors to your kitchen without extra effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets.
- In three separate bowls, place flour; beaten eggs; and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken cutlets with olive oil.
- Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes and croutons.
- Drizzle with the prepared Caesar dressing and toss to combine.
5. Serve:
- Plate the salad and top with crispy chicken cutlets.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
- Low-carb option: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and skip the croutons.
- Extra cheesy: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on the salad before serving.
- Dairy-free alternative: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free mayo and sour cream.
- Different greens: Swap romaine with kale or spinach for a new twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken cutlets separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked cutlets for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat cutlets in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few extra minutes.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before air frying.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry in a bit of oil.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the dressing?
Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light soup.
Can I use pre-made Caesar dressing?
Of course! But homemade dressing enhances the flavor and freshness.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Cook the chicken ahead and store it separately to keep it crispy until serving.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets are a delicious and easy meal that combines crispy, golden chicken with a fresh and creamy Caesar salad. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a healthy lunch. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets—juicy chicken coated in a flavorful Caesar-seasoned crust for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets.
- In three separate bowls, place:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- A mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken cutlets with olive oil.
- Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes and croutons.
- Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss to combine.
Serve:
- Plate the salad and top with crispy chicken cutlets.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the dressing for a lighter option.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add anchovies or Worcestershire sauce to the dressing for an authentic Caesar flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
