Crispy, Juicy Veal Cutlets in the Air Fryer – A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, allowing you to enjoy deliciously crispy breaded cutlets without all the fat and calories of deep frying. Veal cutlets are especially well suited for the air fryer, turning out tender and flavorful with a light, crunchy crust when cooked properly.

This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to make perfect air fried veal cutlets. We’ll cover choosing the right cutlets, preparing them, seasoning suggestions, cooking times and temps, plus serving ideas to create a complete veal cutlet dinner.

Benefits of Cooking Veal Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Air frying veal cutlets offers several advantages over other cooking methods:

• Uses minimal oil for a healthier meal – just spray the basket, Deep frying soaks cutlets in fat

• Gives a delicate, crispy crust without overcooking the interior. Pan frying can make cutlets tough

• Distributes heat evenly to prevent burning Grilling can lead to charring

• Quicker than oven baking yet yields similar results.

• Allows you to enjoy breaded cutlets more frequently since they are less caloric.

Tips for Choosing Veal for Air Frying

Look for veal cutlets that are:

• About 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick – Air fries best with thin cutlets.

• Evenly sized pieces – Will cook at the same rate.

• Minimal marbling – Too much fat leads to flare ups.

• Pounded for tenderness – Use a meat mallet to flatten.

• Boneless for easy eating – Bones interfere with even cooking.

The mild taste of veal takes well to breading and seasoning.

Preparing Veal Cutlets for Air Frying

Proper prep is the key to perfectly air fried cutlets:

• Pound cutlets to an even 1⁄4 inch thickness using a meat mallet. This helps them cook faster.

• Pat dry using paper towels. Excess moisture prevents breading from sticking.

• Trim any uneven edges for uniform pieces.

• Season both sides with salt, pepper and any other dry spices desired.

• Set up breading station – separate dishes with flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.

Breading Veal Cutlets for the Air Fryer

Breading helps form that crispy crust and protects the tender veal when air frying:

• Dredge cutlets in flour, coating both sides evenly. Shake off excess.

• Dip in beaten eggs next. Allow excess to drip off.

• Coat completely in breadcrumbs last. Gently press so crumbs adhere.

• Use panko crumbs for the crispiest texture. Add Parmesan or herbs for extra flavor.

• Work with 1-2 cutlets at a time to keep other hand dry for breading.

How to Air Fry Veal Cutlets – Step by Step

These simple instructions result in perfect cutlets every time:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thin veal cutlets
• Flour, eggs, breadcrumbs
• Oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Pound cutlets to 1⁄4 inch thickness if needed. Pat extremely dry.

2. Season with preferred spices. Set up breading station.

3. Dredge cutlets in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.

4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket with oil or nonstick spray.

5. Place breaded cutlets in a single layer in basket. Don’t overcrowd.

6. Air fry for 4-5 minutes until underside is crisp and golden.

7. Flip cutlets and air fry 4-5 minutes more until other side is browned too.

8. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.

9. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Cooking Time for Air Fried Veal Cutlets

• 1⁄4 inch thick cutlets – Cook 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway
• 1⁄2 inch thick cutlets – Cook 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway

Cook times vary slightly depending on the number of cutlets and size of the air fryer basket. Check frequently until desired doneness.

Internal Temperature for Veal

Always use an instant read thermometer to check veal is fully cooked.

• Whole cuts – Cook to 145°F
• Ground veal – Cook to 160°F
• Cutlets and chops – Cook to 165°F

Seasoning Ideas for Veal Cutlets

Before breading, season veal cutlets with any of these spice rub combinations:

• Italian – basil, oregano, garlic, parsley

• Lemon Pepper – lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic

• Ranch – onion & garlic powder, dried parsley, dill

• Cajun – paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne

• Southwest – cumin, chili powder, cilantro, lime juice

Quick Side Dishes for Veal Cutlets

Serve crispy veal cutlets with:

• Spaghetti and marinara sauce

• Roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots

• Mashed or baked potatoes

• Pasta or potato salad

• Rice pilaf or risotto

• Green salad with vinaigrette

Dipping Sauces for Air Fried Cutlets

Offer flavorful sauces for dipping or drizzling:

• Marinara – classic, tangy tomato sauce

• Steak sauce – bold, savory flavors like A1 or brown gravy

• Homemade ranch – cool, creamy dipping sauce

• Honey mustard – sweet counterpoint to the crispy crust

• BBQ sauce – sticky, finger-licking goodness

• Lemon wedges – bright, refreshing accent

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

Save extra veal cutlets using proper storage methods:

• Let cool completely before refrigerating in airtight container.

• Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

• Can freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Reheat leftover cutlets using the oven or microwave until hot and sizzling. Don’t air fry twice.

Common Questions on Air Frying Veal

Still have some questions? Here are answers to the most frequently asked:

Can you bread veal cutlets without flour?

Yes, the flour just helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick better but is not mandatory.

Do cutlets have to be pounded flat?

No, but pounding to an even thickness helps them cook faster and more evenly. Keep thickness 1⁄4 inch or less.

Can I use pork panko or other crumbs?

Sure! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with any type you prefer – panko, pork panko, Italian flavored, etc.

How long do breaded cutlets last in the fridge?

Breaded raw veal cutlets will last 1-2 days max in the fridge before the coating gets soggy. Cook as soon as possible.

The Takeaway

Air frying lets you enjoy tender, juicy veal cutlets with a deliciously crisp, golden crust using minimal oil for a healthier take on a breaded classic. Follow these tips for perfect results:

• Choose thin, evenly sized cutlets. Pound to 1⁄4 inch thickness.

• Pat extremely dry before breading with seasoned flour, egg and crunchy panko crumbs.

• Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes total depending on size, flipping halfway.

• Check internal temperature to ensure food safety.

• Pair with flavorful sauces and quick vegetable sides for a complete meal.

With the right prep and cooking technique, air fried veal cutlets turn out tender and full of flavor every time. Ditch the deep fryer and make this homemade version instead!