Air-Fried Pork Schnitzel: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Making pork schnitzel in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic German dish. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes. The air fryer circulates hot air around the breaded pork, creating a golden crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This method also reduces the overall calories and cuts down on cleanup time.

How to prepare the pork

Preparing the pork is a crucial step in making pork schnitzel in an air fryer. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather your pork chops. For this recipe, you'll want to use boneless pork chops that are about 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. You'll need to trim any excess fat from the edges of the chops and cut them into cutlets. To do this, carefully cut each pork chop in half so that you have two pieces of roughly equal thickness. The goal is to end up with cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick.

Next, you'll want to pound the pork cutlets to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This step is important as it tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking. Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet, a heavy pan, or a rolling pin to pound them to the desired thickness.

Now it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, paprika, or seasoned salt. You can also add other dried herbs and spices of your choice. The second bowl should contain whisked eggs—you can also add a couple of tablespoons of milk to the eggs. The third bowl should contain plain, flavoured, or panko breadcrumbs. You can also add some Bavarian or German seasonings like rosemary, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, sage, paprika, or other spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now you're ready to bread the pork. First, dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the cutlet in the egg mixture, again coating both sides. Finally, dredge the cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, using your fingers to lightly press the crumbs into the surface of the pork. Repeat this process for all the cutlets.

Once all your cutlets are breaded, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't touch or overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cutlets in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with oil.

Cook the pork schnitzel for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cutlets and the temperature of your air fryer, but aim for a golden brown colour and an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

And that's it! You've successfully prepared and cooked pork schnitzel in an air fryer. Serve it with traditional sides like lemon wedges, parsley, red cabbage, potato salad, or sauerkraut for a delicious German feast.

How to make the breading

The breading is what gives your pork schnitzel that delicious crispy texture. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect breading for your air-fried pork schnitzel:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for the breading:

• All-purpose flour
• Seasoned salt and pepper (or regular salt and pepper, plus additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, dried basil, oregano, and smoked paprika)
• Eggs
• Milk (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably dry, or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating)

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls or plates for the breading process. In the first bowl, mix the flour with your chosen seasonings. You can use a combination of seasoned salt and pepper, or add additional spices like garlic powder and paprika for extra flavour.

In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (if using). The milk is optional but helps the breading stick to the pork. In the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with paprika. If you want an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Cutlets

Start by trimming any excess fat from the edges of your pork chops. Then, carefully cut each pork chop in half to create cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick. Place the cutlets between layers of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet, heavy pan, or rolling pin to pound them to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This tenderises the meat and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Dredge the Pork Cutlets

Now it's time to coat your pork cutlets with the breading. Have a dry hand and a wet hand to make this process easier and less messy. First, dredge the pork cutlet in the flour mixture until covered, tapping off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, using your dry hand to pat the breadcrumbs onto the pork and ensure they adhere.

Repeat this process for each cutlet, placing the breaded cutlets on a plate while you work on the rest.

Tips for Perfect Breading

• Keep one 'wet' hand and one 'dry' hand to prevent the breading from sticking to your fingers.
• Shake off any excess flour before dipping the cutlet into the egg wash to prevent clumps.
• If using regular breadcrumbs, you can add some ground pork rinds for extra flavour.
• For a crispier coating, lightly spray the breaded cutlets with cooking spray or oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you want to add some extra crunch and colour, spray the breadcrumbs with a light coating of oil before adding them to the bowl.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the schnitzel in batches if needed, ensuring there's space around each cutlet for the hot air to circulate.

How to cook the schnitzel

To cook the schnitzel, start by preheating your air fryer to between 375ºF and 400ºF.

Prepare your breading station by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with seasoned salt, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a small amount of milk. In the third bowl, mix dry breadcrumbs with seasonings such as dried basil, oregano, garlic, smoked paprika, or other dried herbs and spices. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or dried thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavour.

Next, pound the pork cutlets to a thickness of around 1/4 inch using a meat mallet. You can place the pork between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep your work area clean.

Now, dip each cutlet in the flour mixture, coating both sides, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere.

Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Spritz them with cooking spray and cook for around 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the schnitzel in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Serve the schnitzel with traditional sides such as parsley, lemon wedges, red cabbage, creamed Brussels sprouts, potato salad, cucumber salad, or air-fried asparagus.

What to serve with schnitzel

When it comes to serving schnitzel, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement this classic German dish. Here are some ideas to make your meal delicious and well-rounded:

Salads

A fresh and healthy option to accompany your schnitzel could be a classic German salad. Although not commonly served with schnitzel, a simple green salad with a sour cream dressing can be a tasty and refreshing choice. If you want to add some extra flavour, try a Northern cucumber salad, which pairs perfectly with a simple lettuce salad. For something a little different, you could also try a warm Southern potato salad, which is a popular choice in Southern Germany.

Carb and Potato Sides

Potato sides are a staple in German cuisine, and there are several options that would go well with schnitzel. Oma's German Spätzle, a type of noodle, is a fun and popular choice in southern parts of Germany. For something a little more elegant, try Hasselback potatoes, which are both classy and comforting. If you're looking for a quick and easy option, German fried potatoes, or Bratkartoffeln, are a great choice that can be whipped up in no time. For a heartier option, plain mashed potatoes are always a classic, and they go with just about anything.

Vegetable Sides

To add some extra nutrition to your meal, consider including some vegetable sides. Roasted asparagus is a delicious and easy option, especially if you have an air fryer. German red cabbage, or Rotkohl, is another classic German side dish that goes well with schnitzel. It's even better the next day, so it's a great make-ahead option.

Other Sides

Some other options to consider serving with schnitzel include French fries, which make for a cosy and comforting meal. You could also try a simple side of boiled potatoes with butter and parsley, or honey butter corn. If you're looking for something more substantial, serve your schnitzel with a bun and perhaps some mushroom gravy.

Don't forget to add some lemon wedges to your plate, as they are a must-have addition to any pork schnitzel!

How to store leftovers

Storing leftovers of pork schnitzel made in an air fryer is a simple process and a great way to ensure your meal stays fresh and tasty. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly store and preserve your leftover pork schnitzel:

After enjoying your freshly made pork schnitzel, let any remaining pieces cool down to room temperature. Place them on a wire rack or a cooling tray to allow even cooling and prevent condensation from forming, which can make the schnitzel soggy. Once the pork schnitzel has cooled down, you can start preparing your storage containers. Choose an airtight container that is clean and dry. You may use glass or plastic containers, ensuring they have a secure lid to seal in freshness.

Place the leftover pork schnitzel in a single layer in the container. If you have made a large batch and have multiple pieces, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. You can line them up in a single layer, or if needed, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing leftover pork schnitzel is between 35-40°F (1.5-4°C).

Properly stored, your leftover pork schnitzel will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This timing ensures the food remains safe to eat and maintains the best quality. Reheat the leftovers properly before consuming. Remove the schnitzel from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to regain the crispy texture, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria.

Storing pork schnitzel leftovers is a convenient way to enjoy this delicious meal again. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your leftovers remain fresh, tasty, and safe to eat within the recommended timeframe. Now you can look forward to another tasty meal without any compromise on quality!

Frequently asked questions