Easy Chicken Milanese Air Fried

Chicken Milanese is a simple delicious dinner the whole family will love. Crispy seasoned chicken cutlets served with a lemony arugula salad topped with parmesan shavings!

Chicken Milanese Recipe

Chicken Milanese is a classic Italian dish that’s surprisingly easy and quick to make at home. The combination of the crispy chicken cutlets, the cool lemony arugula salad and the salty and sharp cheese is an unbeatable combination. This is one of my favorite dishes

I love this 30 minute dinner as it's a meal the whole family will enjoy. It is also a simple yet delicious dinner that works great for a dinner party. The arugula salad topped with parmesan shavings on top of the chicken cutlets is a restaurant quality meal that will impress your guests! 

What Does Milanese Style Mean?

Milanese style simply means to bread and fry thin pieces of meat. I add additional seasoning to Italian Seasoned Breadcrumb with granulated garlic, onion powder and fresh grated parmesan cheese for an extra crispy finish and touch of saltiness.

I often cook up some additional cutlets so they are prepped for other delicious quick dinner meals, such as chicken Parmesan, crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken waffle sandwiches, or just served with a hearty green or Caesar salad.

What is in Chicken Milanese?

Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless - sliced in half and pounded thin to create the cutlets for this dish.
• Italian Bread Crumbs - using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs that are already seasoned makes this a quick recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese - to add an extra cheese flavor to the breadcrumbs I add fresh grated parmesan cheese.
• Flour - the first layer of the cutlet coating is flour.
• Milk and Egg - the combination of milk and egg is used to ensure the cutlets are well coated in breadcrumbs and this combinations creates a crispy coating.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper - even though Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are used in this recipe I still like to add extra flavor!
• Olive Oil - these cutlets can be air fried or pan fried. I recommend pan frying in olive oil for the best texture and results (see recipe card at bottom of page for air frying method).

Arugula Salad

• Arugula - a nutty, peppery lettuce. If you have never had arugula, or 'rocket', it is a must try!
• Parmesan Cheese - this simple salad is served topped with shaved parmesan that adds a salty sharp cheese flavor.

• Lemon Juice - the dressing is a lemon vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice.
• Olive Oil - I recommend using a good quality olive oil for the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper - a little salt and pepper goes a long way in this salad. Season the dressing to taste.

How to Make Chicken Milanese

Full Printable Recipe at Bottom of Page

Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1 Prepare the dredging station with 3 large shallow dishes or bowls.

2 In the first dish add the flour, 2 teaspoon of garlic and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.

3 In the second dish, whisk the eggs and milk until evenly combined, season with salt and pepper.

4 In the third dish add the bread crumbs, 2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, mix to combine.

5 One at a time, coat the chicken cutlets in flour (shake off the excess), then egg (shake off the excess) and lastly the seasoned breadcrumbs. Use your hands to pack the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure an even coating and shake off the excess loose breadcrumbs.

Cook the Chicken Cutlets

1 In a large skillet or pan, on medium heat add the 4 tablespoon olive oil.

2 Working in batches, add the coated chicken cutlets to the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Keep the cooked cutlets in the oven on a sheet pan with a wire rack at 250°F to keep warm while frying the remaining chicken.

AIR FRYER COOKING METHOD

Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F. Generously spray both sides of the cutlets with cooking spray. Add to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes per side.

Prepare the Arugula Salad

1 For the salad dressing, in small bowl whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

2 Add the arugula to a large bowl and pour the dressing over. Gently toss to evenly coat.

3 Serve the cooked chicken cutlets with the arugula salad on top or on the side.

4 With a vegetable peeler or knife, shave thin slices of Parmesan on top of the arugula salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Chicken Milanese

• Slice the Chicken Into Cutlets - Hold a sharp knife parallel to the cutting board and cut the breast into two thinner slices, like opening a book.
• Pound the Chicken Cutlets - Once the chicken breast is sliced in half the meat is pounded thin. This not only tenderizes the chicken but it also prevents in shrinking while cooking. Once you have your sliced cutlets, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a mallet or skillet to make them even thinner, about ¼ inch thick.

What to Serve with Chicken Milanese?

I love pairing my Chicken Milanese with my easy Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup! Click here for the recipe.

Looking for More Simple Delicious Dinner Ideas?

Try some of my most popular dinners that are sure to impress your family and friends!

• Sweet and Sour Pork - made healthier and even tastier then takeout! Crispy and tender pork stir fried with peppers, onions and pineapple in an irresistible tangy sauce.
• Fish Tacos - the perfect summer dinner! Served with mango salsa, cabbage slaw and a fresh tangy lime crema. Each component is so easy to make.
• Black Bean Soup - made in a flash with the help of an Instant Pot. A hearty and healthy dish loaded with classic Mexican flavors. This is a great addition to your Taco Tuesday dinners!

Enjoy!

- Sab

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission.