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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

crispy air fryer parmesan chicken cutlets - featured image

Crispy air fryer parmesan chicken cutlets served with a tangy lemon caper butter sauce, perfect for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style recommended)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any kind, dairy-free works)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound until about 1/2 inch thick (about 5 minutes).
  2. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step once more (about 10 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 3 minutes.
  5. Place chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in chopped capers, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  7. Drizzle the warm lemon caper butter sauce over the crispy chicken cutlets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crunch. Flip cutlets halfway through cooking for even browning. Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet if they start to clump. Lemon caper butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan chicken cutlets, lemon caper butter sauce, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option