Air Fried Pork Schnitzel
Introduction
Craving crispy, golden pork schnitzel without the mess and oil of traditional frying? Air Fried Pork Schnitzel delivers that crave-worthy crunch in a fraction of the time, with significantly less fat. The air fryer revolutionizes this Central European classic, making it weeknight-friendly and healthier, but still totally satisfying.
This recipe is fantastic for busy cooks who love bold flavor and texture. It’s also perfect for families or entertaining, since it turns out consistently wonderful results—no more oil splatters or uneven breading.
The Secret to Crisp, Juicy Air Fried Pork Schnitzel
What sets air-fried schnitzel apart from oven-baked or deep-fried versions is the even, hot airflow that crisps the breading while keeping the pork tender and juicy. Every bite is crackly outside, moist inside, and made in less than 30 minutes.
To keep the schnitzel light, a quick spray of oil and a well-prepped breading do the trick—no heavy pan needed!
Pork Prep: Thin for Win
A classic schnitzel is always pounded thin—about 1/4 inch. This ensures a quick, even cook. If you want ultimate consistency, use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan on a sturdy board. For the cleanest cutlets, try using a set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3.
If you want to save time, slice pork chops in half horizontally, then pound. The thinness means breading adheres beautifully and crisps fast in the air fryer.
Crispy Breading: Batches & Assembly
Set up a breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs for crunch. For quick chopping of fresh parsley or add-ins for your side salad, streamline prep with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
Line up your ingredients to work efficiently—from flour dredge to egg wash to crumbs, and finally, the air fryer basket.
Easy Air Frying for Golden Results
No deep fryer needed. Use a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for reliable, batch cooking and even browning. For faster cleanup and easy lifting, use Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or air fryer paper liners in your basket.
A quick mist from an YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black helps breading crisp beautifully without added heaviness.
Serving and Sides
Serve your schnitzel immediately, with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sea salt. For the ultimate meal, pair with potato salad or a crisp green salad (easily prepped in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for meal prep or outdoor dining).
This schnitzel keeps well, too—store leftovers in air-tight containers and reheat in the air fryer for next-day crunch.
Nutritional Information and Yield
Air Fried Pork Schnitzel clocks in at roughly 320-350 calories per serving, with far less fat than the traditional fried variety. This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family or small dinner party.
Air Fried Pork Schnitzel (Recap)
With crisp edges, juicy pork, and a light finish, this air fried schnitzel is a modern, crowd-pleasing take on a beloved classic. It’s fast, flavorful, and fit for any night of the week—no deep fryer required.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a work surface with your Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3. Pound pork chops to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set up three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and panko, salt, and pepper mixed in the third.
- Dredge each pork cutlet first in flour, then egg, then panko mixture. Press crumbs in firmly for great coverage.
- Line your air fryer basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup. Preheat the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange breaded pork cutlets in a single layer in the basket. Lightly mist both sides with the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black.
- Air fry for 6 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 145°F).
- Serve hot, garnished with optional parsley and lemon wedges.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
