Air-Fried Chicken Schnitzel: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken schnitzel is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. This healthy, low-fat alternative to traditional fried chicken is a great option for a quick weeknight meal. The recipe involves coating chicken breast in breadcrumbs and frying it in a small amount of oil in the air fryer. The result is a succulent, crispy and juicy chicken schnitzel. This paragraph will discuss the process of making chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking and serving suggestions.

Preparing the chicken breasts

Firstly, place one chicken breast in between two pieces of cling wrap or parchment paper. Using a mallet, meat tenderizer, or rolling pin, pound out the chicken breast until it is thin and even in thickness. The ideal thickness is around 0.5 cm to 1 cm. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.

Next, set up three shallow bowls or plates for the breading process. In the first bowl, place some plain flour. You can use white or whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour if preferred. In the second bowl, crack an egg and beat it slightly. You can also add a little milk to the egg to make it go further. In the third bowl, combine your chosen breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings. Fine white breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs are ideal for chicken schnitzel. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now you are ready to start breading the chicken. Take a piece of chicken and coat it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. Finally, move the chicken to the bowl of breadcrumbs and coat it generously, lightly pressing the crumbs into the chicken so they stick well. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.

Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Breading the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of cling wrap or parchment paper. Using a mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken until it's about 0.5 inches (or 1-2 cm) thick. This process helps to flatten and tenderise the meat, ensuring a more even cook. Repeat this step for all your chicken breasts.

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place some plain flour and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or onion powder. The flour helps to dry the surface of the chicken and provides a base for the rest of the breading to stick to. In the second bowl, whisk an egg (or two, depending on the size of your chicken pieces) with a fork until it is beaten. You can also add a teaspoon of dijon mustard to the egg for a tangy flavour. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the final breading adhere to the chicken. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. Seasonings like dried oregano, basil, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder can be added to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

With your breading station set up, you can now start the breading process. Take a piece of chicken and coat it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step is important, as too much flour can make the coating soggy. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the next step. Finally, move the chicken to the bowl of breadcrumbs and coat it generously, lightly pressing the crumbs into the chicken so they stick well. Repeat this process for all your chicken pieces.

Once all the chicken pieces are breaded, it's a good idea to chill them in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps the coating set and ensures a crispier final product.

Your chicken schnitzel is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil before placing them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer for the best results.

Cooking the schnitzel

Now that your chicken breasts are prepped and ready to go, it's time to cook your schnitzel!

First, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, turn it on to the same temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken.

Next, take your chicken out of the fridge and spray or brush both sides with a little olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil. This step is optional but will help ensure your schnitzel is extra crispy.

Arrange two pieces of chicken in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook the schnitzels in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the timer for 10 to 12 minutes, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. If your air fryer requires food to be flipped or turned halfway through the cooking time, do so carefully.

Once the schnitzels are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm while you repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken.

To check that your schnitzels are cooked properly, use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F or higher in the centre of the thickest part.

Your chicken schnitzels are now ready to serve! Enjoy them as they are or with some lemon wedges and a fresh garden salad on the side.

Storing and reheating

Storing your chicken schnitzel correctly is critical to ensuring it retains its flavour and texture. To prevent condensation from making the breadcrumbs soggy, allow the schnitzel to cool before placing it in the fridge. Then, wrap it in plastic or place it in an airtight container to protect it from other flavours and air in the refrigerator. When stored properly, chicken schnitzel can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to reheat your chicken schnitzel, avoid using the microwave, as this can make the dish soggy. Instead, use the oven, skillet, or air fryer, carefully controlling the temperature and timing to ensure the schnitzel is heated evenly and doesn't dry out.

Reheating in the Oven

Place the schnitzel on a wire rack over a baking sheet to enhance air circulation and promote an even crunch. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and reheat for 10-15 minutes, flipping the schnitzel halfway through.

Reheating on the Stovetop

Lightly oil a skillet and place it on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the schnitzel and reheat for about 2 minutes on each side. This stovetop method provides a crispy texture while avoiding sogginess.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the schnitzel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Reheat for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. The rapid air circulation in air frying will maintain the crunchiness of the schnitzel while heating it quickly.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve chicken schnitzel made in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Side Dishes

Schnitzel pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Potato fries, sweet potato fries, and mashed potatoes are all great options. If you're looking for something lighter, a simple green salad or a salad with peas and asparagus is a perfect choice. Potato salad, orzo pasta salad, or coleslaw are also delicious and refreshing options.

Sandwiches and Tacos

You can also serve schnitzel in a bun or on slices of bread with salad, ranch dressing, or lemon herb mayo for a hearty sandwich. For a more casual option, slice the schnitzel thinly and serve it in tacos with salad, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

Sauces and Condiments

Lemon wedges, mustard, and mayonnaise are all excellent condiments to serve with schnitzel. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even turn your schnitzel into chicken parmesan by making a parmigiana sauce and topping it with a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Main Course

Chicken schnitzel can be served as a main course with a side of slaw and wedges for a tasty and satisfying family dinner.

Frequently asked questions