Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel: Crispy, Quick, and Oh-So-Delicious!
Craving that classic comforting crunch of chicken schnitzel but short on time? This Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero! Forget the messy pan-frying and hello to golden-brown perfection in minutes. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken coated in a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb crust, all cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil. Get ready for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and surprisingly healthy – perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying those schnitzel cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier Option: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying.
- Crispy Perfection: Achieve a perfectly golden-brown, crunchy schnitzel without the mess.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the whole family!
- Versatile: Pair with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s one of the best air fryer recipes around.
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal mess compared to traditional frying methods.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, but panko will give you a crispier result.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Set up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Schnitzel: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need work in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil spray.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious air fryer chicken schnitzel while it’s hot and crispy.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use Olive Oil Spray: Spraying the chicken with olive oil spray helps the breading get extra crispy and golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, flavorful twist.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer chicken schnitzel is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Classic Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a lemon wedge.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad or a tangy coleslaw.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a healthy and delicious accompaniment.
- Potatoes: Serve with french fries or potato salad to fill up your plate!
- Easy Weeknight Dinners: This is a great main dish. You can serve it with some rice and beans to make a healthy and fast meal.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover air fryer chicken schnitzel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F, but it may not be as crispy. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it can make the schnitzel soggy.
FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe. If you must use frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before beginning. Pounding frozen chicken can be difficult and lead to uneven cooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great way to prep for those easy weeknight dinners!
Q: Is Air frying healthy?
A: Yes, air frying generally considered a healthier alternative to traditional frying as it uses significantly less oil, a great way of making healthy dinner ideas, reducing fat and calories.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel?
A: As mentioned above, mashed potatoes, green beans, salads, and roasted vegetables are all great options. This dish pairs well with all sorts of different flavors.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to make it more tasty?
A: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture! You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
So there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ditch the messy frying pan and enjoy crispy, golden-brown schnitzel without the guilt. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board for later, leave a comment below if you try it, and subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes. Enjoy your meal!
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Meat Mallet
- 3 shallow dishes
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve your delicious air fryer chicken schnitzel while it’s hot and crispy.
