Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel: The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can absolutely make pork schnitzel in an air fryer! It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying or pan-frying, and it only takes about 10 minutes to cook. You'll get a juicy, tender pork chop with a crispy, golden crust—all with just a light spritz of oil.

How to prepare pork schnitzel for the air fryer

Preparing pork schnitzel in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying or pan-frying, and it's also quicker and less messy.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Boneless pork chops
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (plain, or panko for a crunchier texture)
• Spray oil (e.g. avocado or olive oil)
• Lemon wedges, parsley, and/or creamy dill sauce to serve

Preparation

• Preheat your air fryer to at least 375°F (390º F is ideal) for a minimum of 3 minutes, but 10 minutes is preferable for a more even cook.
• Cut off any white fat on the edges of the pork chops and cut the pieces of pork in half to make cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick.
• Using a meat tenderizer, heavy pan, or rolling pin, pound the pork cutlets down to about 1/4 inch in thickness.
• Set up three shallow bowls or plates for the breading:

• Bowl 1: Add the flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs to combine.
• Bowl 3: Add the breadcrumbs.

• One at a time, dredge the pork cutlet first in the flour until covered, tapping off any excess. Then, dredge it in the egg, letting any extra drip off, and finally in the breadcrumbs until fully covered. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining pork.
• Lightly spray the schnitzel on both sides with oil and place in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the pork schnitzel is golden brown.
• Remove and serve with lemon wedges, or creamy dill sauce made from chicken broth, sour cream, and dill weed.

Tips

• Keep one 'wet' hand and one 'dry' hand when dredging to prevent the breading from sticking to your fingers.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if necessary.
• To keep the schnitzel crispy, don't stack them after cooking; place on a wire rack instead.
• You can also bake the schnitzel in the oven or pan-fry it if you don't have an air fryer.

The best temperature and timing for air frying pork schnitzel

Air-frying pork schnitzel is a great way to achieve a crispy texture and golden-brown colour without deep oil frying. The temperature and timing will depend on the thickness of your pork and the size of your air fryer. Here is a guide to help you achieve the best results.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking pork schnitzel in an air fryer is around 375°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pork to ensure even cooking.

Timing

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork schnitzel and the temperature of your air fryer. As a general guide, cook the pork schnitzel for 5-7 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 10-12 minutes at 375°F (180°C), flipping the pork halfway through the cooking process. For a thicker cut of pork, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your pork schnitzel is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also cut into the pork to make sure it is opaque and the juices run clear.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use thin and even-sized pork chops for even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating.
• Spray the pork schnitzels with cooking spray or oil before putting them in the air fryer to help the coating become crispy.
• Cook the pork schnitzels in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Flip the pork halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispness.

How to make pork schnitzel crispy

Pork schnitzel is a German dish that is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The pork chops are pounded into thin, tender cutlets which are breaded and fried, resulting in a crispy crust and juicy centre.

Ingredients:

• Pork steaks or chops
• Salt and pepper
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (dry/panko)
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray)
• Optional: seasonings, spices, herbs, cheese, sauces

Method:

• Prepare the pork: Cut or pound the pork to an even width of around 1/4-inch. Trim off any fat and slice into cutlets.
• Set up a breading station: Season the flour and place in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings.
• Bread the pork: Dredge the pork in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Fry the schnitzel: Place the schnitzel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritzing with cooking spray, or fry in oil in a pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, around 4-5 minutes on each side.
• Serve: Pork schnitzel is often served with lemon wedges, or paired with a creamy dill or mushroom sauce. It can be accompanied by sides such as potato salad, cucumber salad, or spaetzle.

Tips for a Crispy Schnitzel:

• Pound the meat very thin so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Use high heat to get a nice crisp exterior.
• Spray the schnitzel lightly with oil for a golden colour and extra crunchy crust.
• Fry immediately after breading to ensure a crispy texture.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 330ºF) to prevent a soggy coating.

How to reheat pork schnitzel

Reheating pork schnitzel in an air fryer is a great way to restore that signature crispy texture and mouth-watering flavour. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Before reheating, it's important to ensure your schnitzel is properly thawed if frozen. Ideally, you should leave it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave's defrost setting, but be careful not to cook the meat.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature will ensure your schnitzel warms through without burning.
• Place the schnitzel in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven heating. If you have multiple pieces, you may need to reheat in batches.
• Reheat for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on your schnitzel to avoid overcooking. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your schnitzel and the power of your air fryer.
• Flip your schnitzel halfway through. This ensures even heating and helps maintain that perfect crispy texture on both sides.
• Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your schnitzel has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. This is the ideal temperature for both food safety and optimal taste.
• Serve and enjoy! Your schnitzel is now ready to be devoured. Consider pairing it with some delicious sides and sauces, such as potatoes, vegetables, or a creamy dill sauce.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Keep the dill sauce separate: If you're reheating schnitzel with dill sauce, it's best to store them separately to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
• Use an oven or stovetop as an alternative: If you don't have an air fryer, you can reheat your schnitzel in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in a skillet on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Avoid stacking: After reheating, avoid stacking the schnitzels on top of each other. Instead, place them on a wire rack to maintain that crispy texture.

What to serve with pork schnitzel

Pork schnitzel is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance its flavour and make it a more satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pork schnitzel:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with pork schnitzel. For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can add sour cream and chives to give your mash a subtle tanginess and a bright onion-y flavour. This side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with the crispy, golden pork schnitzel.

Carrot Fries

If you're looking for a healthier option, carrot fries are a great choice. They are easy to make and require very little cooking oil. You can cook them in an air fryer to get crispy, tasty results within a few minutes. They make a perfect, healthy side dish to accompany the juicy pork schnitzel.

Tater Tots

Tater tots are crispy, addictive balls of goodness. You can buy ready-made tater tots and cook them with seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper. The spicy crunch of tater tots pairs perfectly with the tender pork schnitzel, adding a delightful texture to your meal.

Potatoes and Carrots

This is a simple yet wholesome dish to serve alongside pork schnitzel. Seasoned with spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, potatoes and carrots make a perfect spicy side dish. This combination of vegetables is easy to prepare and can be a great option when inviting friends and family over for a tasty lunch or dinner.

Green Beans

Green beans are healthy, crunchy, and fulfilling. They require very few ingredients and can be made in an instant pot within five minutes. This side dish pairs well with pork schnitzel, adding a nutritious and tasty element to your meal.

Radish Chips

Radish chips are a healthy and fulfilling option, especially for kids who might be picky about eating vegetables. To make radish chips, you'll need radishes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. They are a guilt-free side dish that goes well with the flavours of pork schnitzel.

Potato Rosti

Potato rosti is another simple and quick side dish to prepare. It only requires a few basic ingredients like potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chives for garnishing. This potato dish is a great complement to the crispy texture of pork schnitzel, making your meal more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions