Air fryer chicken schnitzel is a quick, delicious dinner idea that brings a crispy, juicy chicken breast with a flavourful golden crumb. It’s my go-to for a family favorite classic schnitzel, giving a healthier option we enjoy at home, from breakfast to dinner. Unlike store-bought, this homemade recipe delivers full flavor with less mess.
Made with thin chicken cutlets and panko crumbs, it’s air-fried for super crunchy, crispy results in less than 15 minutes. The hot air circulation ensures tender, juicy bites without soggy crumbs, requiring just a spritz of oil on both sides. It’s like enjoying Austrian and German cuisine, with all the flavor of the best pub grub but without the guilt.
What Exactly is Schnitzel?
Schnitzel is a thin cut of boneless meat that’s breaded and then fried in hot oil until crispy. This dish is especially popular in Germany, Austria, and Israel, and it is made with various meats like veal, pork, beef, or chicken. In the United States, chicken schnitzel is often compared to chicken fried steak because of its similar crispy coating and texture.
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in the middle for the perfect size and thickness. Flatten to about 1/4-inch thick, removing tenders if they feel awkward to work with.
Flour mixture: Use plain or all-purpose flour to coat the chicken and absorb surface moisture, helping the crumbs adhere properly. White flour or whole wheat flour both work well.
Egg mixture: Whisk beaten eggs with Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor. If needed, substitute yellow mustard for added versatility.
Breadcrumbs: Choose panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy coating. Combine with dried breadcrumbs and season with parsley, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for the best crispy result.
Seasoning and spices: To enhance flavors, add paprika, cracked black pepper, and salt. Mix with dried oregano, basil, and parsley to make it delicious.
Preparing Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
To make an air-fried chicken schnitzel, I place a chicken breast between cling wrap and pound it with a mallet to about 2cm thick. The breading stations include bowls of flour, egg and milk mix, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan. For flavor, the flour is seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and spices.
Each chicken piece is dipped into the flour, shaken to remove excess, coated in the egg mixture, and pressed into the panko mixture with oregano, basil, parsley, and smoked paprika. After breading, I place them on a tray and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Next, I preheat the air fryer to 200°C, lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil, and arrange them in a single layer. They cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway until the internal temperature hits 165°F for a golden brown finish.
The schnitzels are covered with foil to keep warm before serving. They are plated with lemon wedges, mashed potatoes, and green beans. This juicy, breaded schnitzel offers a crispy coating with minimal oil, making it a healthier choice than traditional pan-fried versions.
How Many Calories in a Chicken Schnitzel?
The calorie count of a chicken schnitzel depends on the cooking method. Air-fried schnitzels are healthier, containing approximately 250-300 calories per serving. Traditional pan-fried schnitzels may have higher calories due to the amount of oil used.
What Makes This Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel So Irresistible
This ultra-crisp chicken schnitzel uses less oil and is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs from the grocery store. The panko breading combined with basic seasonings from your pantry creates a super-flavorful, juicy, and crispy bite. That’s why it’s a favorite choice for crispy and delicious Air-Fried Chicken Schnitzel!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent even cooking and crispiness.
- Always chill the breaded schnitzels in the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking to help the coating set.
- Be careful not to overcook; the chicken is pounded thin and cooks quickly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
- Use one hand to handle the flour and breadcrumbs for a dry coat and the other for the egg wash to keep your fingers clean and avoid clumping with the panko crumbs.
- Organize your breading stations with dry flour, breadcrumbs, and wet egg mixture to make the process smooth and efficient.
- Spray the air fryer basket and the tops of the chicken breast with cooking spray for a golden, crispy
- Remove the small chicken tenders and flatten the chicken breast evenly. These tenders can be saved to make kids’ chicken fingers later.
- Avoid overcooking by remembering that pounded thin chicken cooks quickly; keep an eye on the timer to achieve perfect results.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
This delicious and versatile recipe fits any dinner mood—healthy or indulgent comfort food. Pair it with favorite sauces like homemade ranch dressing, gravy, or lemon wedges. Add sides like grilled vegetables, steamed vegetables, or a roasted broccoli salad.
For a heartier meal, serve on a burger bun with toppings or make parmigiana with pizza sauce, ham, and cheese. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or lighter sides like potato salad, orzo pasta salad, or coleslaw. Add mustard or mayo for dipping if enjoyed as a chicken burger.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Schnitzel
To cook frozen chicken schnitzel in the air fryer, preheat it to 200°C (390°F). Place the schnitzels in a single layer in the basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for a golden, crispy finish. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover schnitzels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Final Thoughts
Air-frying chicken schnitzel is a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, juicy meal with minimal effort. With quick cooking time, healthier preparation, and endless serving options, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Give this recipe a try and bring the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen!
People also ask
- How long does a schnitzel take in an air fryer?
It takes about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. - What temperature do you fry chicken schnitzel?
Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). - How long should you cook chicken in the air fryer?
Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until it reaches 165°F (74°C). - How to air fry frozen chicken schnitzel?
Cook at 200°C (390°F)for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Equipment
- Air fryer For cooking the schnitzel to a crispy, golden finish with minimal oil.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin To flatten the chicken breasts to the right thickness.
- Cutting Board For slicing and preparing the chicken.
- Bowls For preparing the breading station (flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs).
- Tongs or fork To handle the chicken during breading and flipping in the air fryer.
- Spray bottle or oil sprayer For lightly spraying oil onto the schnitzels for a crispy finish.
- Kitchen thermometer To check that the internal temperature of the schnitzel reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenders removed
- 2 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup plain flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the chicken by placing each chicken breast on a cutting board and slice them in half horizontally, creating four thinner breast fillets.
- To ensure even thickness, use a meat mallet or cover a saucepan with plastic wrap and gently pound the chicken fillets until they are even thick.
- Set up your crumbing station using three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs with chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each fillet first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Next, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat the fillet with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure all sides are covered.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the crumbed fillets in the basket, then spray a little cooking oil to help the crumbs brown. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once about ¾ of the way through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to repeat this process until all four schnitzels are cooked.
- Once cooked, serve the chicken schnitzels immediately.
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