Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel: Reheating Time

Chicken schnitzel is a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. It consists of a thin slice of chicken breast, tenderized and coated with breadcrumbs, then fried to achieve a crispy, golden brown crust. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and juicy, tender interior is what makes this dish so appealing. While it can be store-bought, making it at home with an air fryer ensures a healthier, less oily, and equally delicious alternative.

Reheating chicken schnitzel can be tricky, as the goal is to retain its signature crunch while ensuring the meat is heated through. Microwaving should be avoided as it tends to make the schnitzel soggy. Instead, an air fryer, oven, or skillet can be used to effectively reheat the schnitzel, restoring its original glory.

Schnitzel preparation

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• 1 egg
• Flour
• Olive oil

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Kitchen hammer/meat mallet
• Saucepan
• Plastic wrap
• 3 shallow bowls
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Prepare your chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally to create 4 thinner fillets.
• Flatten the fillets by pounding them with a kitchen hammer or meat mallet, or by covering a saucepan with plastic wrap and gently pounding the fillets until they are an even thickness.
• Set up your crumbing station using three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the egg. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each fillet first into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it well. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat the fillet with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the crumbed fillets in the basket, leaving space between them to allow for air circulation. Spray a little cooking oil over the fillets to help the crumbs brown.
• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook the schnitzels for 12-15 minutes, turning once about 3/4 of the way through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
• Serve the chicken schnitzels immediately with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken schnitzels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer again until the schnitzels are hot and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Air fryer settings

To reheat chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, you will first need to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for effective reheating. If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat setting, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and letting it run for a few minutes before placing the schnitzel inside.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken schnitzel inside the basket, ensuring it is in a single layer and not overlapping with any other schnitzels. You may need to cook the schnitzels in batches if you are reheating multiple servings.

Reheat the schnitzel for 5-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The rapid air circulation in the air fryer will help maintain the crunchiness of the schnitzel while heating it quickly and evenly.

If you are using frozen schnitzel, increase the cooking time to around 11 minutes. For defrosted schnitzel, 9 minutes should be sufficient.

Cooking time

The cooking time for reheating chicken schnitzel in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of the schnitzel, as well as the specific model and settings of your air fryer. On average, it takes around 5-8 minutes to reheat chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, but this can vary. Some sources recommend reheating for 3-4 minutes, while others suggest up to 12 minutes. It is important to monitor the schnitzel to ensure it is heated through and maintains its crispy texture.

When reheating chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the schnitzel is reheated quickly and effectively, preventing it from becoming soggy.

To achieve the best results, place the schnitzel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This allows for even heat distribution and helps maintain the crispy texture. If you are reheating multiple schnitzels, you may need to do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the schnitzel halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking on both sides. This helps to achieve the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the initial temperature of the schnitzel. It is advisable to bring the schnitzel to room temperature before reheating, as this promotes more uniform heating. This can be done by removing the schnitzel from the refrigerator and letting it sit for about 15-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking from frozen

If you're cooking frozen chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure it's cooked properly and safely.

First, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your schnitzel and the power of your air fryer. As a guide, it should take around 11 minutes to cook frozen chicken schnitzel in an air fryer.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390-392°F). This usually takes around 3 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
• Prepare your frozen chicken schnitzel by slicing it into the desired thickness. For even cooking, it's best to have a consistent thickness throughout the fillet.
• If desired, season your schnitzel with spices such as paprika and garlic powder, along with salt and pepper.
• Set up a crumbing station using three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your chosen spices. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs and season with parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip the schnitzel into the flour mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, making sure all sides are covered.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. This will help the crumbs turn golden brown and crispy.
• Place the crumbed schnitzel into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 11 minutes, turning once about 3/4 of the way through to ensure both sides cook evenly.
• Once cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the schnitzel has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the safe temperature for consuming chicken.
• Serve immediately, with your choice of sides and sauces.

Some additional tips:

• If you're using store-bought frozen schnitzel, check the packaging for any specific cooking instructions or variations.
• For gluten-free schnitzel, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a crispier schnitzel, brush or spray a little oil onto the schnitzel before placing it in the air fryer.

Storing and reheating

Storing Chicken Schnitzel:

Before storing, it is crucial to let the chicken schnitzel cool down to prevent condensation from making the breadcrumbs soggy. Proper storage is essential to maintain the flavour and texture of the dish. Place the schnitzel in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to shield it from the air and other flavours in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, chicken schnitzel can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days without a significant loss in quality, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

Reheating Chicken Schnitzel in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating chicken schnitzel while restoring its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the schnitzel in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Reheat for 5-7 minutes, flipping the schnitzel halfway through the process.
• Check the internal temperature of the schnitzel with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely reheated.
• Serve the schnitzel immediately while it's hot and crispy.

Other Reheating Methods:

While the air fryer is an effective method for reheating chicken schnitzel, there are also other options available:

• Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the schnitzel on a wire rack over a baking sheet to enhance air circulation and promote even cooking. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, turning it over once halfway through.
• Stovetop Reheating: Lightly oil a skillet and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the schnitzel and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, using tongs to flip carefully.
• Microwave Reheating: Although not ideal for retaining crispiness, the microwave can be used for a quick reheat. Place the schnitzel on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a paper towel, and heat in short 30-second bursts, checking after each interval to prevent overcooking.

Tips for Optimal Crunch:

• Choosing the Right Oil: Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, to withstand higher temperatures without burning and maintain the golden crunch.
• Temperature Control: Reheat the schnitzel at a high temperature of around 400°F to prevent sogginess and ensure quick heating.
• Avoiding Sogginess: Let the schnitzel come to room temperature before reheating to minimise condensation, and blot it with a paper towel to absorb excess oil and moisture.

Frequently asked questions