For shallow-frying cutlets, aim to use enough oil to come about one-third to halfway up the sides of your cutlets.
When you're shallow-frying cutlets, you want to create that perfect crispy crust without drowning them entirely, which is what happens in deep frying. The right amount of oil is key for cooking the cutlet through and getting that beautiful brown coating. If you skimp on the oil, your cutlets might stick to the pan and brown unevenly. But if you go overboard, they could end up greasy and feel more like something that's been deep-fried, which might not be what you're going for in terms of texture or health. Starting with a layer of oil that covers the bottom of your pan and reaches about a third to halfway up the side of your cutlet ensures there's enough contact with the hot oil for even cooking and crisping.
Grab a pan with a nice flat, wide bottom! This gives your cutlets maximum contact with the hot oil, which means more consistent and even browning.