Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Milanese: Weeknight Dinner in 30

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Jul 12, 2023

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This weeknight dinner comes together in minutes! Crispy, juicy, Parmesan-breaded chicken with a fresh lemon arugula salad. Dinner can be on the table in 30 minutes or less!

Thanks to the now world-famous Air Fryer you are able to achieve that crave-able crunch with half the calories and fat of authentic Chicken Milanese.

Paired with the peppery crispness of lemon-dressed arugula salad, this weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your fried chicken cravings! With only 3 points per serving, this protein-packed dish will be an easy weeknight favorite.

This recipe makes 4 servings and is perfect for the whole family or a single household with enough to enjoy the next day. It can easily be reheated in the microwave, air fryer, skillet, or even the oven for a quick and delicious lunch!

Why you should try this recipe:

Healthy Decadence: Crispy, carby, cravings are easily satisfied with this deceptively indulgent recipe. The use of an air fryer in combination with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a savory, crispy, coated crunch that is sure to satisfy!
Time Saver: With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions this dish can be on the table in 30 minutes or less!
Family Friendly: Who doesn’t love “fried” chicken? Serve this healthy alternative with some freshly cut veggies for a kid-friendly version.

Ingredients in Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Milanese:

Fresh Arugula (3-4 cups)
Raw boneless, skinless chicken breast (4 (5 oz) cutlets)
Garlic powder (1 tsp)
Italian seasoning (2 tsp)
Dried parsley (1 tsp)
Kosher salt (2 tsp)
Black pepper, freshly ground (¼ tsp)
All-purpose flour (¼ cup)
Eggs (2 large)
Water (2 tsp)
Panko breadcrumbs (6 Tbsp)
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup)
Cooking spray
Lemon Slices for dressing and garnish

Instructions for Making Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Milanese:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or preheat the oven to 425°F if baking)
Butterfly your chicken breasts and lay them on a large sheet of plastic wrap or in a Ziploc bag. Using a heavy-bottomed frying pan, gently flatten your butterflied chicken breasts into an even thickness.
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and water together. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, 1 tsp salt, and Parmesan cheese.
To bread the chicken, working with one cutlet at a time, use one hand to dip your chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, with your other hand, dip it in the egg mixture, turning to coat and allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, with your flour hand (this is now your dry hand), dip it in the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly.
Place the coated cutlet on a clean work surface and repeat the process with the remaining cutlets. Lightly coat both sides of the chicken with cooking spray.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and air fry for approximately 7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. If baking, place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled aluminum foil and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sprinkle with finishing salt while they’re hot and serve with lemon wedges and arugula. ENJOY!

Variations and Substitutions:

Swap Different Protein: Although the traditional Milanese recipe calls for chicken, you can experiment with other proteins such as pork or veal. Adjust the cooking time and flavoring to your liking.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the final dish. This variation adds flavor without compromising the Italian essence of the dish.
Keep it Keto: Create a unique texture and flavor profile by replacing the breadcrumbs and flour with crushed pork rinds and almond flour! This variation adds a delightful crunch without the carbs 😉
Mediterranean Inspiration: Serve this crispy treat with a fresh greek salad of diced cucumber, tomato, black olives, and 1 oz fat free feta cheese per person!

Tips and Tricks Section for Making Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Milanese:

Timing is Key: For the best results, serve the chicken Milanese immediately after cooking to maintain its crispiness.
Freezing and Reheating: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer to maintain its crispy texture. They can be stored in an airtight Ziploc bag or container for up to a month.
Cooking Spray: The light spritz of cooking spray is key to achieving a crispy exterior on the chicken. If you don’t have access to cooking spray, feel free to lightly coat your air fryer basket and/or baking sheet with oil to help ensure crispness and an easy release!

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