Print

Air fryer chicken schnitzel

Air fryer chicken schnitzel
Print Recipe

This Air fryer chicken schnitzel recipe delivers a crispy, juicy, and golden chicken dish quickly and healthily. Using tenderized chicken breasts coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, the air fryer produces a perfect crunchy texture without deep frying mess or excess calories. Ideal for busy weeknights, this versatile schnitzel can be customized with herbs, spices, or gluten-free options, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray or oil, for misting

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and tender results.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and the last with the breadcrumb mixture optionally seasoned with paprika or herbs. This flour-egg-breadcrumb method locks in crispiness.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each cutlet first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. For extra crunch, optionally double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs once more.
  4. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
  5. Cook the schnitzel: Place the coated chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray, then air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the schnitzel rest for 2 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and keep each bite juicy and tender.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken cutlets are an even thickness by pounding to prevent uneven cooking.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain airflow and crispiness; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Lightly spray both sides of the schnitzel with oil for perfect golden browning.
  • For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness.
  • Freezing cooked schnitzel between parchment sheets in a freezer bag keeps them fresh up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken schnitzel, air fryer recipe, crispy chicken, panko schnitzel, quick chicken dinner, healthy fried chicken alternative

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/air-fryer-chicken-schnitzel/