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Two golden-brown, crispy air fryer pork cutlets served on a plate with a side of green beans.
Emily Carter

Air Fryer Pork Cutlets

Achieve perfectly crispy and tender pork cutlets in your air fryer with this budget-friendly recipe. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying main dish perfect for any weeknight.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz pork cutlets boneless, about 1/2-inch thick
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 2 Shallow dishes for breading
  • 1 Meat Thermometer
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Parchment paper air fryer safe

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the pork cutlets very dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a crispy coating.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Dip each pork cutlet first into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then press it firmly into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides.
  5. Line the air fryer basket with a piece of air fryer-safe parchment paper and lightly brush or spray it with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil.
  6. Place one or two breaded pork cutlets in the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 7 minutes, then carefully flip the cutlets and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the cooked pork cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  9. Repeat with any remaining cutlets, adding a little more oil to the parchment paper if needed.

Notes

Make sure to pat your pork cutlets very dry before breading for the crispiest results.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
For leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.