Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken
If you’re craving a light yet flavorful meal, this Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast with a fresh Mediterranean salad is the perfect dish. Topped with juicy tomatoes, red onion, romaine lettuce, and grated feta cheese, this take on Chicken Milanese brings a Mediterranean twist. It’s delicious, healthier, and easy to make, thanks to the air fryer. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Milanese with Crisp Salad
Why Air Fryer Chicken Milanese?
Inspired by a charming bistro in the Peconic area of Long Island, this version of Chicken Milanese offers a satisfying crunch without all the oil of traditional frying. With minimal prep, the air fryer allows you to achieve crispy breaded chicken, much like this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe or the Air Fryer Chicken Milanese with Arugula. You can even cook unbreaded options, like juicy air fryer chicken breasts, making air fryers a top choice for versatile cooking.
What is Chicken Milanese?
Chicken Milanese consists of chicken cutlets pounded thin, then dredged in eggs, breadcrumbs, and parmesan, and traditionally pan-fried. In this recipe, we’re lightening it up by using the air fryer, which gives the cutlets that same golden crisp with just a fraction of the oil. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Milanese with Crisp Salad
How to Air Fry Chicken Cutlets
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy chicken cutlets:
- Prepare the chicken: After seasoning your chicken cutlets, dip them in a mixture of eggs and water.
- Coating: Coat the cutlets with a blend of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Air fry: Spray the breaded chicken with olive oil and air fry at 400°F for about six minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the crust turns golden brown and the inside is no longer pink.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Milanese
- For the Chicken:
- 8 boneless, thin-sliced chicken breast fillets (4 oz each, ¼ inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup panko or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
For the Mediterranean Salad:
- 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 heirloom tomato, diced
- ½ small red onion, chopped
- 2 oz feta cheese, grated
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
How to Serve Your Chicken Milanese
This dish is already a satisfying meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, consider serving it with these options:
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus make a great complement.
Grains: Quinoa, couscous, or a simple rice pilaf would add a hearty element.
Crusty Bread: A side of fresh bread pairs well with the tangy Mediterranean flavors.
Variations for Chicken Milanese
There are endless ways to make this dish your own:
Breadcrumb Options: Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Greens: Use mixed greens instead of romaine for a softer salad texture.
Extra Veggies: Add avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
Directions to Prepare Mediterranean Chicken Milanese
Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. In a separate flat dish, beat the eggs with one tablespoon of water.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, let the excess drip off, and then press into the panko-parmesan mixture.
Air fry the chicken: Lay the breaded chicken cutlets on a work surface and generously spray with olive oil. Place them in your air fryer at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. When golden brown and cooked through, the chicken is ready.
Prepare the salad: While the chicken is cooking, combine the romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, garlic, and kosher salt. Let it sit for five minutes, then whisk in the olive oil.
Assemble the dish: Divide the cooked chicken onto four plates, top each with the tossed salad, and drizzle over the dressing. Use a box grater to grate feta cheese over each plate for the finishing touch.
A Healthier Chicken Milanese
The beauty of air frying is that you get the crispy texture of fried chicken without the extra oil. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a classic dish, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Milanese with Crisp Salad
By air frying your chicken and serving it with a vibrant Mediterranean salad, you can enjoy a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will keep everyone coming back for more. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Milanese with Crisp Salad