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Air Fryer Chicken Milanese with Baby Arugula

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets cooked in the air fryer and served with peppery baby arugula and lemon wedges.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 breasts, cut into 4 cutlets
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs or wheat-free/gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
  • olive oil spray for spraying chicken
  • 6 cups baby arugula
  • 3 lemons cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 4 cutlets total, then place each cutlet between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and gently pound to about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Season both sides of the pounded cutlets with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • In a shallow bowl, beat the large egg with 1 teaspoon of water.
  • In another shallow dish, combine the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Dip each seasoned cutlet first into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides; place the breaded cutlets on a work surface and lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  • Working in batches if needed, arrange cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes, flip each cutlet, then cook an additional 5–8 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the cutlets from the air fryer and let rest 1–2 minutes. Plate each serving with about 1 1/2 cups baby arugula and squeeze lemon wedges over the chicken to taste.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • parchment paper or plastic wrap
  • shallow bowl or plate
  • shallow dish for breadcrumbs
  • Tongs

Notes

  • Beat the egg with a teaspoon of water to thin it slightly for dredging.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Spraying the breaded cutlets with oil helps them crisp evenly.
  • Check doneness with a thermometer; chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve immediately for best texture.