How Do You Cook Chicken Schnitzel In An Air Fryer

Are you a fan of crispy, delicious chicken schnitzel but don’t want to deal with all the oil and mess of frying? Look no further – the air fryer is here to save the day!

Chicken schnitzel is a traditional dish that originated in Austria and has gained popularity all over the world. It consists of a thin chicken cutlet that is breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy. While the traditional frying method can be unhealthy and time-consuming, cooking chicken schnitzel in an air fryer provides a healthier and quicker alternative.

So, how exactly do you cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer?

First, start by preparing the chicken cutlets. Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other preferred seasonings. This will help enhance the flavor of the schnitzel.

Next, set up your breading station. In one bowl, place flour and season it with salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs with a splash of milk. Finally, place breadcrumbs in a third bowl. The flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs will create a crispy coating on the chicken schnitzel.

Now it’s time to bread the chicken cutlets. Start by coating each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Method For Cooking Chicken Schnitzel In An Air Fryer

Chicken schnitzel is a popular and delicious meal that can be made even more convenient by cooking it in an air fryer. Using an air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy and golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare your assembly line by setting up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Take one chicken breast at a time and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Place the coated chicken schnitzel in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Lightly spray the chicken schnitzel with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil.
Cook the chicken schnitzel in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the efficiency of your air fryer.
Remove the cooked chicken schnitzel from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade chicken schnitzel as a main course or use it to make delicious sandwiches or salads!

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these easy steps to cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps the chicken cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you desire.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating it on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures that the chicken schnitzel cooks quickly and gets that crispy exterior.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Schnitzel

Place the breaded chicken schnitzel in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook it in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping it over halfway through the cooking time, until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken schnitzel and the power of your air fryer. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a more succulent taste. Serve the chicken schnitzel with your favorite side dishes or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel is a delicious and popular dish that is enjoyed by many. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your chicken schnitzel turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful:

Choose the right cut of chicken: For the best results, use chicken breast that has been pounded to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a tender schnitzel.

Season your chicken: Before breading the chicken, make sure to season it with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken and adds an extra layer of tastiness.

Don’t skimp on the breadcrumbs: The key to a crispy schnitzel is a generous coating of breadcrumbs. Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for the best results. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure that they adhere properly.

Air fryer temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking the schnitzel. This high temperature helps to create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the chicken moist on the inside.

Flip halfway through cooking: About halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken schnitzel to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked and crispy.

Serve immediately: Chicken schnitzel is best served immediately after cooking to maintain its crispy texture. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and your favorite side dishes.

Experiment with toppings: While the classic way to enjoy chicken schnitzel is with a squeeze of lemon juice, you can also get creative with toppings. Try topping your schnitzel with a mushroom sauce, a fried egg, or even a slice of melted cheese for a delicious twist.

Enjoy leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days. To reheat, place the schnitzel in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispy texture.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create the perfect chicken schnitzel every time. Enjoy!

Q&A

What is chicken schnitzel?

Chicken schnitzel is a dish made from chicken breast that is pounded thin, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried or baked until crispy.

Can I cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to frying as it requires less oil.

How do I cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer?

To cook chicken schnitzel in an air fryer, you will need to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the breaded chicken schnitzel in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

What type of breadcrumbs should I use for chicken schnitzel in an air fryer?

You can use either regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for chicken schnitzel in an air fryer. Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a lighter and crispier texture.

Can I use frozen chicken schnitzel in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken schnitzel in an air fryer. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may take a few minutes longer to cook compared to fresh chicken schnitzel.