How to Cook Juicy, Tender Veal Cutlets in an Air Fryer

Veal cutlets are a classic dinner choice that are enjoyed for their mild, delicate flavor and tender texture when properly prepared. While traditionally pan-fried, breading and frying veal can be greasy and time consuming. Using an air fryer is a quick, convenient and healthier cooking method that results in veal cutlets with a crispy breaded crust and juicy interior.

Follow this simple guide to learn everything you need to know about choosing veal cutlets for the air fryer, prepping and breading them properly, recommended cooking times and temperatures plus serving ideas With the right techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality veal cutlets cooked right in your own kitchen

Selecting the Best Veal for Air Frying

Choosing veal cutlets that are well suited for air frying is an important first step. Look for cuts that are:

• Thin sliced, about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch maximum thickness Thinner cuts cook faster and more evenly

• Uniform in size if cooking multiple pieces. Evens out cooking times.

• Minimal marbling or fat content Too much fat leads to smoking and flare ups,

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

• Boneless for easy eating. Bones may prevent even cooking.

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

Prepping Veal Cutlets for the Air Fryer

Proper preparation helps veal cutlets cook up crispy on the outside while staying tender and moist on the inside when air fried:

• Pound to an even thickness: Use a meat mallet to gently pound cutlets to a uniform 1⁄4 inch thickness. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.

• Pat dry: Remove any excess moisture by patting veal cutlets dry with paper towels. This allows the breading to properly stick.

• Trim edges: Cut off any uneven ragged edges so cutlets are uniform in shape and size.

• Season: Season both sides with salt, pepper and any other dry herbs or spices you want to add flavor.

• Set up breading station: Get three shallow dishes for flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.

Breading Veal Cutlets for Air Frying

Breading provides that crunchy outer texture and protects the tender veal during air frying:

• Dredge in flour: Thoroughly coat both sides of cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess. The flour helps the breading adhere.

• Dip in egg wash: Next dip floured cutlets in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. This provides a tacky coating.

• Coat with breadcrumbs: Finally press cutlets into a dish of breadcrumbs, coating both sides completely. Use panko for a super crispy result.

• Add flavors to crumbs: Mix in grated Parmesan, Italian herbs or other seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

• Work with one or two cutlets at a time so you can keep one hand dry for dredging and breading.

How to Cook Veal Cutlets in the Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked air fried veal cutlets:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Pound cutlets evenly to 1⁄4 inch thickness if needed. Pat extremely dry.
2. Season cutlets with preferred spices or herb blend. Set up breading station.
3. Dredge cutlets in flour, then egg wash, then press into breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray basket lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
5. Place breaded veal cutlets in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
6. Air fry for 4-5 minutes until underside is crisped and golden brown.
7. Flip cutlets and air fry 4-5 minutes more until second side is browned.
8. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.
9. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What is the Best Time and Temperature for Air Frying Veal?

• 1⁄4 inch thick cutlets – Cook 8-10 minutes total at 375°F, flipping halfway
• 1⁄2 inch thick cutlets – Cook 10-12 minutes total at 375°F, flipping halfway

Always verify the internal temperature of veal reaches 165°F minimum for food safety. Cooking times vary based on thickness and amount being cooked. Check frequently for your desired level of doneness.

Seasoning and Breading Combinations for Veal

Before breading, season veal cutlets with any of these herb rubs and spice mixtures:

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

For the breading, use flavored options like:

• Parmesan panko crumbs
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Pork panko crumbs
• Fresh herbs like parsley, chives or dill

What to Serve with Air Fried Veal Cutlets

Enjoy your crispy air fried veal cutlets with any of these easy vegetable side dishes:

• Pasta – spaghetti, linguine, pasta salad
• Potatoes – mashed, roasted, fried or baked
• Rice – white rice, risotto or pilaf
• Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, squash or zucchini

Or pair with classic Italian style sides like marinara sauce or mozzarella sticks.

Dipping Sauce Ideas for Veal Cutlets

Offer flavorful dipping sauces for even more flavor:

• Marinara – traditional tangy tomato sauce
• Brown gravy – rich, savory and smooth
• Steak sauce – A1, barbecue or bold steak house flavors
• Ranch – cooling, creamy dipping sauce
• Honey mustard – sweet tangy flair

Fresh lemon wedges also add a bright pop of flavor and moisture.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fried Veal

Use these tips for enjoying leftover breaded veal cutlets:

• Allow to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container for 3-4 days max.

• Refrigerate leftover dipping sauces separately.

• Veal cutlets can be frozen for 2-3 months then thawed in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F until hot and sizzling or use the microwave if not breaded. Do not air fry twice.

With proper storage, air fried veal cutlets maintain their texture and flavor for quick weekday meals.

FAQs About Cooking Veal in an Air Fryer

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can you bread veal without using flour?

Yes, the flour just helps the breading adhere better but is not absolutely necessary.

Do the cutlets need to be pounded flat?

Not required but pounding to an even 1⁄4 inch thickness helps them cook faster.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?

Any style works – Italian, panko, pork panko, regular or gluten-free. Go with what you like.

How long does breaded veal last in the fridge?

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

Get Perfectly Cooked Veal Cutlets With Your Air Fryer

Air frying lets you enjoy tender, juicy veal cutlets with a deliciously crisp, golden crust using minimal oil. Follow these tips:

• Choose thin, uniform raw veal cutlets approximately 1⁄4 inch thick.

• Dry cutlets completely and season before breading with flour, egg wash and crunchy panko crumbs.

• Cook at 375°F for 8-12 minutes based on thickness, flipping halfway through.

• Check internal temperature to ensure food safety.

• Pair with easy vegetable sides and dipping sauces for a complete meal.

With the right prep and cooking techniques, you can now make restaurant-quality breaded veal cutlets easily at home using your handy air fryer for quick wholesome meals.