Let me tell you about my latest obsession—air fryer parmesan crusted turkey cutlets. These little beauties are my go-to when I need a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love crispy, golden turkey cutlets coated in a savory parmesan crust? Plus, the air fryer makes it so easy—no fuss, no mess, and dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes. My kids go wild for these, and honestly, I do too. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when I’m juggling a million things but still want something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your rotation too.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
These turkey cutlets are a game-changer—here’s why:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in just 22 minutes—perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” emergencies
- Healthier crunch: All the crispiness of fried cutlets with way less oil (but zero sacrifice on flavor)
- Cleanup magic: One bowl for breading, one for egg—the air fryer basket does the rest
- Kid-approved: That golden parmesan crust turns even picky eaters into turkey fans (mine beg for seconds!)
- Meal prep hero: Leftovers stay crispy for lunches—if you have any left
Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Gather these simple ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating that perfect crispy crust we love:
- 4 turkey cutlets (about 1 lb total, pat them dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (please, for the love of flavor, use freshly grated—the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I like panko for extra crunch, but regular works too)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (the secret flavor booster—don’t skip it!)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (for that little pop of color and freshness)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste—I always do a little taste test of my breading mix)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 1 egg (our trusty glue for all that delicious coating)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (just enough to help everything get golden and gorgeous)
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Making these turkey cutlets is so straightforward—you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. Here’s how to nail it every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Mixture
Grab a shallow bowl and toss in the parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up really well—you want every bite to have that perfect blend of flavors. I like to give it a quick taste test here to make sure the seasoning is just right.
Step 2: Coat the Turkey Cutlets
Beat the egg in another bowl. Take each turkey cutlet, dip it fully into the egg, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated on both sides—don’t be shy! Shake off any excess so the coating stays put while cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush both sides of each cutlet with olive oil—this helps them get that golden, crispy crust. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (no overcrowding!). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). That’s it—dinner’s ready!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Want restaurant-quality cutlets every time? These little tricks make all the difference:
- Oil spray magic: A quick spritz of cooking oil right before air frying gives you that extra-golden, shatteringly crisp crust we all crave
- Space them out: No overlapping in the basket! Crowding means steamed, not crispy, cutlets (I do batches if needed)
- Pat dry first: Blot turkey with paper towels—dry surfaces help the coating stick like glue
- Fresh is best: Grate your parmesan right before using—pre-shredded just doesn’t get as melty and delicious
- Temp check: That meat thermometer’s your best friend—165°F in the thickest part means perfectly juicy turkey
Common Questions About Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about these crispy little wonders:
- “Can I use chicken instead?” Absolutely! Chicken cutlets work great—just reduce cook time to 8-10 minutes since they’re usually thinner. Same delicious parmesan crust, different bird!
- “How do I store leftovers?” Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, give ’em 3-4 minutes back in the air fryer at 375°F to bring back the crunch.
- “Why is my breading falling off?” Did you pat those cutlets dry first? Moisture is the enemy! Also, press the coating on firmly and don’t skip the egg—it’s the glue that holds everything together.
- “Can I make these gluten-free?” Sure thing! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free already.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
These crispy cutlets deserve the perfect supporting cast! My family loves them with:
- Roasted veggies: Toss some asparagus or Brussels sprouts in olive oil and roast while the air fryer works its magic. For more ideas, check out these air fryer appetizer recipes.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: That crispy crust begs to be dragged through something smooth and buttery.
- Simple salad: A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Don’t forget the lemon wedges—a quick squeeze right before eating makes everything pop! The acidity balances that savory parmesan crust beautifully. For more ways to use your air fryer, explore these main dish air fryer recipes.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (because we all like to know!): Each golden-brown cutlet clocks in at about 220 calories, packing 25g of protein—perfect for keeping you full. You’re looking at 10g carbs and 8g fat per serving. Now, these numbers can dance around a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like how generously you coat those cutlets!). But honestly? For something this crispy and delicious, it’s a total win in my book. Learn more about the nutritional facts on food labels.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, give these air fryer parmesan crusted turkey cutlets a shot—they’re easier than you think and crazy delicious. Tag me when you make them so I can see your crispy creations!
Print
22-Minute Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets Are Irresistible
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy, flavorful turkey cutlets coated with parmesan and breadcrumbs, cooked in an air fryer for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 turkey cutlets (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Beat the egg in another bowl.
- Dip each turkey cutlet in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly brush both sides of each cutlet with olive oil.
- Place cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray cutlets lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
- Check internal temperature of turkey—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer turkey, parmesan crusted turkey, healthy turkey cutlets