Crispy Air Fryer Pork Cutlets

Juicy and tender, these Crispy Air Fryer Pork Cutlets are perfectly seasoned with Panko or Italian breadcrumbs and are the perfect way to cook pork cutlets in the air fryer.

We also love to make Pork Cordon Bleu with our pork cutlets. Try it for yourself!

Pork Cutlets in Air Fryer

Pork cutlets in the air fryer are remarkably easy to prepare, cook quickly and require minimal ingredients for a delicious and satisfying air fryer recipe.

Are pork cutlets something you remember your Grandma frying up in the kitchen?

Perhaps cutlets weren’t a staple in your upbringing, leaving you wondering—what exactly is a cutlet?

Simply put,

Ingredients

• Thin pork cutlets: You can also use thin cut pork chops that are pounded out to approximately 1/4 of an inch.
• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs (panko and Italian)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Eggs

Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dash of salt

Recipe Tips

• Cook pork cutlets in batches, to allow air flow in air fryer.
• Alternative to breadcrumbs, try crushed corn flakes.
• Mix up Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce to accompany pork cutlets.

How to cook pork cutlets in the air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F.

If using bone-less pork chops instead of cutlets you will need to start by hammering or pounded them out.

Place pork between two layer of plastic wrap.

Pound with the smooth side of a meat tenderizer tool until the pork cutlets are 1/4 inch thick.

Don’t have a meat mallet? A few kitchen stand-in items to complete the process are a heavy rolling pin, a cast iron skillet, or even a large can of soup.

Use your best judgement for food safety and personal kitchen safety when looking for alternative routes for flattening the meat.

If you are using pork cutlets, you can begin your preparation at this step.

The next step is to prepare the dredging ingredients. This is a three-step process of coating the cutlets, which involves flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

First, add flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to a shallow dish or tray and mix well.

In a bowl or tray, whisk two eggs, creating an egg wash.

On a third plate of tray, measure and pour out breadcrumbs.

Place the flour and spice mixture first, egg wash second, and breadcrumbs third on the countertop.

One by one dip each pork cutlet in flour, gently shake off excess. Next, dip floured pork into egg wash. Finally, press pork into the breadcrumbs coating evenly.

Arrange the cutlets in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 9-10 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Make sure the pork cutlets do not overlap in the air fryer. Flip the cutlet at the halfway point, or around 4 minutes if you are cooking in an air fryer with a basket.

If you are cooking in an air fryer with a rack that allows for air flow, there is no need to flip.

While the pork cutlets are in the air fryer use the time to prepare the honey dijon dipping sauce. Measure out mayonnaise, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey and dash of salt.

Stir together in a small dish or ramekin and serve along side the meal.

What is a pork cutlet

A pork cutlet is a thin, boneless cut of pork similar to a loin chop. Classically cutlets are pounded thinner to make them even more tender, dredged in breadcrumbs and pan fried.

How long to cook pork cutlets in the air fryer

Pork cutlets are a thin cut of meat and will cook rapidly in the air fryer.

Our recipe calls for 9 – 10 minutes of cooking time at 390 degrees F. At the halfway mark a quick flip of the cutlet will help gauge the doneness.

What temperature do you cook pork cutlets in the air fryer?

Using the air fryer the cooking temperature will be 390 degrees F.

A traditionally fried pork cutlet would require a much higher temperature.

What’s the difference between pork chops and pork cutlets?

A pork cutlet is a thinner slice of meat, often pounded to make it even thinner, usually taken from the loin or the leg, and is commonly breaded and fried or cooked quickly.

Pork chops are a thick cut of meat from the loin of the pig, typically including a rib bone, and is known for its tenderness and flavor.

Why are my pork cutlets tough?

If your air fryer pork cutlets are tough there’s two possible issues.

The temperature was too high or cooked too long. The thinness of a cutlet will dictate if these should be reduced.

Other recipes to try

This tender Thin Air Fyer Pork Chops recipe is big on flavor, uses only a few seasonings, and is ready in under 15 minutes.

This Italian Sausage in the Air Fryer recipe guides you through a quick and flavorful way to prepare Italian sausage with an air fryer.