Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts, halved into 4 cutlets)
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 15ml Dijon mustard
- 5g garlic powder
- 5g smoked paprika
- 100g Panko breadcrumbs
- 30g grated Parmesan cheese
- 15ml neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- Salt to taste
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound them to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a three-bowl dredging station. Bowl 1: Mix flour with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with Dijon mustard. Bowl 3: Combine Panko, Parmesan, and oil, rubbing the oil into the crumbs until they resemble damp sand.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, and then press firmly into the Panko mixture to ensure full coverage.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Place cutlets in a single layer in the basket without touching.
- Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip the pieces. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow carryover cooking to reach 165°F (74°C).