Chicken Caesar Cutlets Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Caesar Cutlets Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Crispy chicken caesar cutlets bring a delightful twist to the classic salad favorite.

Juicy chicken breasts get a luxurious makeover with parmesan-rich breading and zesty seasonings.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of crunch and tender meat.

Creamy caesar dressing adds a tangy spark that makes this dish irresistible.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-style recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Weekend meal planning becomes exciting when you choose these mouthwatering cutlets.

Let’s turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed experience that everyone will love.

Chicken Caesar Cutlets from the Air Fryer That Really Deliver

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up a delicious meal in just 20 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up, making it perfect for busy families craving a tasty dinner solution.
  • Healthier Comfort Food Hack: Enjoy the crispy, indulgent texture of fried chicken without excess oil, thanks to the air fryer's innovative cooking method that delivers guilt-free crunch.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping seasonings or adding different herbs, making it a versatile dish that satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
  • Zero-Mess Cooking Experience: Eliminate the hassle of traditional frying with an air fryer that provides easy cleanup, less splatter, and a convenient cooking approach for home chefs of all skill levels.

Chicken Caesar Cutlets (Air Fryer) Ingredients

Chicken Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the cutlets, choose boneless and skinless for best results, fresh and high-quality meat preferred.
Main Coating Components:
  • Egg, Caesar Dressing: Binding liquid for breadcrumb mixture, helps create a smooth and flavorful coating.
Dry Coating Ingredients:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs, Regular Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy exterior texture, panko provides extra crunchiness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory cheese flavor to coating, enhances overall taste profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic seasoning, gives depth to coating mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor, balances other ingredients.
Additional Cooking Elements:
  • Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve golden and crispy exterior, prevents sticking in air fryer.
Optional Serving Elements:
  • Romaine Lettuce, Extra Caesar Dressing, Additional Parmesan Cheese: Provides fresh accompaniment and extra flavor for serving.

Chicken Caesar Cutlets Air Fryer Prep Steps

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Breasts

Gently pound chicken breasts until they reach a uniform half-inch thickness.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create even cutlets.

Thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels to ensure crispy breading.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Breading Mixtures

Prepare two separate bowls for coating:

First Bowl (Wet Mixture):
  • Caesar dressing
  • Eggs
Second Bowl (Dry Mixture):
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Regular breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Dunk and Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet into the Caesar-egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Transfer immediately to the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken, creating a thick, even coating.

Step 4: Warm Up Air Fryer

Set air fryer temperature to 375°F.

Allow the appliance to preheat for 2-3 minutes to guarantee perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Cooking Chicken to Perfection

Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray.

Arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer without overcrowding.

Spritz the top of each cutlet with additional olive oil spray.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway through cooking process.

Chicken is ready when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Allow chicken to rest for 2 minutes after cooking.

Serve with fresh chopped romaine lettuce, extra Caesar dressing, and sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your crispy, restaurant-quality chicken cutlets straight from the air fryer.

Caesar Cutlet Tips with Air Fryer Ease

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create even chicken thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • Thoroughly dry chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps breading adhere better and creates a crispier coating.
  • Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy layer that won't fall off during air frying.
  • Lightly mist chicken with olive oil before and during cooking to enhance golden-brown color and prevent dryness.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked cutlets without overcooking.

Chicken Cutlets Leftovers

  • Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy breading.
  • Warm at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
  • Wrap individual cutlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Sprinkle fresh Parmesan and drizzle Caesar dressing just before serving to revive flavors and restore texture.

Chicken Caesar Cutlets With Light Pairings

  • Savor Perfectly Paired Delights for Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets
  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair the cutlets with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body complement the Caesar flavors and cut through the crispy chicken's richness.
  • Create Caesar Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a classic Caesar salad with homemade croutons, extra Parmesan shavings, and a zesty dressing to echo the chicken's seasoning and elevate the entire meal's flavor profile.
  • Match with Herbed Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, providing a colorful and nutritious accompaniment that balances the protein-rich chicken.
  • Enhance with Tangy Lemon Aioli: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to add a bright, creamy element that intensifies the cutlets' Caesar-inspired taste.

Chicken Caesar Cutlets With Crispy Air Fryer Variations

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Caesar Cutlets: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra protein.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Mix dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the breading mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Caesar Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture, and incorporate red pepper flakes into the breading for those who enjoy a fiery touch.

FAQs

  • What makes the Caesar dressing special in this recipe?

The Caesar dressing acts as a flavor-packed wet coating that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken while adding tangy, creamy notes to the breading.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time since they’re typically thicker. Pound them to an even thickness and check internal temperature carefully to ensure they’re fully cooked.

  • Is it necessary to use both panko and regular breadcrumbs?

Using both creates a superior crunch and texture. Panko provides extra crispiness, while regular breadcrumbs help create a more even coating that sticks well to the chicken.

  • How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside with no pink areas.

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Chicken Caesar Cutlets Recipe

Chicken Caesar Cutlets Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent air fryer chicken caesar cutlets elevate weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired zest. Parmesan-crusted and golden, these cutlets deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from home’s kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds/680 grams), pounded to 0.5-inch thickness

Breading and Seasoning:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons caesar dressing
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Spray:

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Transform chicken breasts into uniformly thin cutlets by gently pounding to ensure consistent thickness, then thoroughly eliminate excess moisture using clean kitchen towels.
  2. Construct a two-part coating mechanism: whisk Caesar dressing with eggs in one receptacle, and combine panko, traditional breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, nuanced salt, and freshly cracked pepper in another container.
  3. Meticulously enrobe each chicken cutlet by first immersing in the egg-Caesar mixture, then carefully transferring to breadcrumb blend, applying firm pressure to ensure complete, even coverage.
  4. Activate air fryer and calibrate temperature precisely to 375°F, allowing appliance to reach optimal cooking environment.
  5. Prepare cooking surface by applying a fine olive oil mist to air fryer basket, strategically arranging chicken pieces without overcrowding, ensuring minimal contact between cutlets.
  6. Delicately spray chicken surfaces with additional olive oil to enhance crispiness, then initiate cooking process.
  7. Execute culinary transformation by air frying for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating cutlets midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
  8. Verify doneness through internal temperature reading of 165°F using reliable meat thermometer.
  9. Allow brief resting period to redistribute internal juices, then elegantly plate alongside complementary Caesar dressing, crisp romaine fragments, and additional Parmesan cheese shavings.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is uniformly pounded to guarantee even, crispy coating and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs mixed with panko for extra crunch and lighter texture that stays crisp in air fryer.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and achieve maximum golden-brown crispiness.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain recipe’s delicious profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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