Air Fryer Schnitzel: Timing For Perfection

Schnitzel is a classic German dish that consists of a pounded cutlet of meat that is breaded and fried. The air fryer has become a popular appliance for making schnitzel as it requires less oil and results in a juicy inside and crispy outside. The cooking time for schnitzel in an air fryer varies depending on the type of meat used and the thickness of the cutlets. On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook schnitzel in an air fryer, with some recipes requiring flipping the cutlets halfway through.

Schnitzel cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for schnitzel in an air fryer will depend on the type of meat used, the thickness of the cutlets, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked schnitzel:

Pork Schnitzel

For pork schnitzel, you will need boneless pork chops, preferably about 1 inch thick. Cut off any excess fat from the edges of the pork chops and then cut them in half to create cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick. If you want even thinner cutlets, you can use a meat tenderizer, heavy pan, or rolling pin to pound them down to about 1/4 inch in thickness.

When you are ready to cook the schnitzel, preheat your air fryer to 390º F for at least 3 minutes, but preferably closer to 10 minutes for a more even cook. The cooking time will be around 12 minutes total. Cook the schnitzel in batches of two to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Spray the schnitzel lightly with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the pork schnitzel is golden brown.

Chicken Schnitzel

For chicken schnitzel, you will need chicken breast fillets. Place each breast fillet on a cutting board and slice them in half horizontally to create thinner slices, ideally about 1/4 inches thick. You can use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness if needed.

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Prepare a crumbing station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour mixture, one for the egg wash, and one for the breadcrumb mixture. Dip each chicken fillet into the flour mixture, followed by the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well coated at each step.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the crumbed fillets inside, spraying a little more oil on top. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once about 3/4 of the way through to ensure both sides are golden and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the schnitzel in batches.

Veal Schnitzel

For veal schnitzel, you will need scallopini cuts of veal, which are about 1/4 inch thick. If your veal is not already cut into scallopini, you will need to pound it down to the desired thickness.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a dredging station with three plates: one with flour, the second with a mixture of egg and parsley, and the third with breadcrumbs. Dredge each veal cutlet in the flour, followed by the egg-parsley mixture, and then the breadcrumbs, pressing down so that the breadcrumbs adhere.

Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray and place the breaded veal inside, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the tops with more cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip, spray any dry spots, and cook for another 5 minutes. Repeat with any remaining veal cutlets.

Schnitzel prep time

The prep time for schnitzel will vary depending on the type of meat used and the specific recipe followed. However, on average, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to prepare schnitzel for cooking in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare schnitzel efficiently:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare the Meat

For schnitzel, you will typically need meat cutlets (either chicken, pork, or veal), flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The exact quantities and additional ingredients may vary based on the recipe you are following.

Start by preparing your meat. If using chicken or pork, cut the meat into thin cutlets or fillets, slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. For chicken, you may also need to pound the fillets to ensure they are of even thickness. For veal, if the meat is not already in scallopini cuts, you will need to pound them down to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls or plates for the breading process. In the first bowl, combine flour with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add parsley to the flour mixture if desired. In the second bowl, whisk eggs with a small amount of water or milk. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with more seasonings, such as paprika or garlic powder. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Step 3: Bread the Meat

Take each cutlet and dip it first in the flour mixture, making sure it is well coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, patting or pressing to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process for all the cutlets.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare for Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 375-400°F (about 190-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare a tray or plate with a single layer of the breaded cutlets, spraying them lightly with cooking oil or olive oil spray. This will ensure that the crumbs brown evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Schnitzel

Place the breaded cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spritz or spray them with cooking oil, and cook until the tops are golden brown. This should take around 4-5 minutes. Then, flip the cutlets, spray the second side with oil, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the schnitzel in batches to ensure even cooking. Repeat the cooking process for any remaining cutlets.

And that's it! Your schnitzel is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with your favourite sides and sauces, such as lemon wedges, salad, or a creamy dill sauce.

Schnitzel ingredients

Schnitzel is a German dish that has become popular worldwide. It is made by pounding cutlets of meat until they are thin and tender, then breading and frying them. This results in a juicy inside and a crispy outside. The traditional meat used for schnitzel is pork, but chicken, veal, beef, or turkey can also be used.

Ingredients

• Meat: The most common type of meat used for schnitzel is pork, specifically boneless pork chops. However, chicken, veal, beef, or turkey can also be used. The meat should be pounded until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to coat the meat before dipping it in the egg wash. It helps the breading adhere to the meat and creates a crispy texture.
• Eggs: Eggs are whisked and used as an egg wash to help the bread crumbs stick to the meat.
• Breadcrumbs: Dry bread crumbs are used to create a crunchy outer layer on the schnitzel. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra crispy texture.
• Spices: Spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are added to the flour and/or breadcrumb mixture to enhance the flavour of the schnitzel.
• Cooking spray or oil: Cooking spray or oil is used to grease the air fryer basket or pan and to spritz the schnitzel before cooking, ensuring a golden brown and crispy exterior.
• Lemon wedges: Lemon wedges are traditionally served with schnitzel and are squeezed over the dish just before eating, adding a fresh and tangy flavour.

Schnitzel alternatives

Chicken Schnitzel

Air fryer chicken schnitzel is a quick and easy dish to make. The air fryer ensures the crumbs are golden and crunchy, and the chicken remains tender and juicy. You can use breast fillets or fillet the breasts to create the perfect size and thickness for schnitzel. The breading process is the same as for pork schnitzel, and you can add spices and herbs to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Vegan Schnitzel

For a plant-based alternative, you can make vegan schnitzel using celeriac slices, or tofu, seitan, aubergine/eggplant, mushrooms, or cauliflower as a base. The basic process is the same as for meat schnitzel, but instead of egg, a mixture of gram flour, water and soy sauce is used. You can also use plain flour instead of gram flour if you prefer. The best breadcrumbs for schnitzel are dry, fine and even, and you can make your own using stale bread.

Schnitzel Toppings and Sauces

There are many different toppings and sauces you can add to schnitzel to change up the flavours. For example, you could try a Hawaiian-style schnitzel with ham, pineapple and cheese, or a Mexican schnitzel with jalapenos and cheese. If you're feeling fancy, you could make a gorgonzola sauce, or go for the traditional option of serving schnitzel with a slice of lemon and a side of potato salad or french fries.

Schnitzel storage

Storing schnitzel can be a bit tricky, as the dish tends to get soggy when stored in the fridge. However, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your schnitzel stays as fresh and crispy as possible.

Firstly, it is important to let the schnitzel cool down to room temperature before storing it. Then, use an airtight container and line it with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Place the schnitzel pieces inside, making sure they don't touch each other, and separate extra layers with more paper towels or parchment paper. This way, you can store your schnitzel in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to store schnitzel for longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze schnitzel, cover a baking tray with parchment paper and place the schnitzels on it, leaving a gap between each piece. Separate layers of schnitzel with parchment paper and flash-freeze them in the coldest part of the freezer for 2-3 hours. After they're frozen, place them in a freezer bag or vacuum seal, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Properly frozen schnitzel can last up to 6 months in the freezer, although the quality may start to decline after that.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen schnitzel, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or cook it straight from frozen. Reheating options include using an air fryer, oven, skillet, or microwave, each with its own benefits for convenience and texture.

Frequently asked questions