Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel

An air-fryer-chicken-schnitzel recipe gives you crispy golden breaded chicken with juicy tender meat inside using far less oil than traditional frying. The air fryer cooks schnitzel evenly while keeping the coating crunchy and flavorful, making this recipe perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and beginner air fryer cooking.

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Course: air fryer, Healthy Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 32

Servings: servings

Calories: 390kcal

Author: Eva Stoner

Cost: 3

Equipment

air fryer
meat mallet
mixing bowls
paper towels
kitchen tongs
measuring spoons

Ingredients

2 large boneless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
Place the chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them evenly into thin cutlets.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the breading stick properly.
Prepare three separate bowls with flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using.
Coat each chicken cutlet lightly in flour, dip into the eggs, and then press gently into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Let the breaded chicken rest for several minutes so the coating adheres better during cooking.
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray for crispier texture.
Arrange the schnitzels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket while leaving space around each piece for airflow.
Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking until the coating becomes golden brown and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Let the schnitzel rest for 2 minutes before serving so the coating stays crispy.

Notes

Pound the chicken evenly so the schnitzel cooks consistently. Pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick properly. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil before cooking for a crispier golden coating. Avoid overcrowding the basket because trapped steam can soften the breadcrumbs.

Nutrition