Air Fryer Schnitzel with Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you everything you love about schnitzel—crispy breading, juicy meat, and satisfying crunch—with less oil and mess thanks to the air fryer. Paired with warm sweet and sour cabbage, it delivers a well-rounded meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a great weeknight dinner option and impressive enough for guests. Plus, both components can be made ahead for a quick reheat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Schnitzel:

• Boneless pork chops or chicken cutlets
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Plain breadcrumbs or panko
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika
• Cooking spray or oil for air fryer

For the Sweet and Sour Cabbage:

• Red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• Apple (peeled and grated or chopped)
• Onion (sliced)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar or maple syrup
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Ground cloves or caraway seeds (optional)

Directions

For the Sweet and Sour Cabbage:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the red cabbage and apple. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cloves or caraway if using.
4. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

For the Schnitzel:

1. Pound the pork chops or chicken cutlets to about ¼-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat evenly in breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray both sides of the schnitzel with cooking spray.
5. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot with sweet and sour cabbage on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken or veal instead of pork for different schnitzel options.
• Swap panko for traditional breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Add mustard or a touch of horseradish to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
• Stir in raisins or dried cranberries to the cabbage for a sweet twist.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or a side of mustard for dipping.
• Make the cabbage in advance—it tastes even better the next day.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover schnitzel and cabbage separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat schnitzel, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy. Reheat cabbage on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded red cabbage can save time and works well in this recipe.

What cut of meat is best for schnitzel?

Thin, boneless pork chops or chicken cutlets are ideal. Veal is traditional for Wiener schnitzel.

Is it necessary to pound the meat?

Yes, pounding ensures even cooking and helps achieve that classic schnitzel texture.

Can I bake the schnitzel instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Is the cabbage spicy?

No, it’s mildly tangy and sweet. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Can I freeze schnitzel?

Yes. Freeze after breading (before cooking) or after cooking. Reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best vinegar for the cabbage?

Apple cider vinegar adds a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, but red wine vinegar works too.

Can I make the schnitzel dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use oil instead of butter in the cabbage.

What should I serve with this dish?

Sweet and sour cabbage pairs beautifully, but you can also serve with potato salad, roasted veggies, or a lemon wedge for brightness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Schnitzel with Sweet and Sour Cabbage is a lighter, easier way to enjoy a classic European meal. The air fryer gives you all the crisp without the oil, and the tangy cabbage adds a perfect contrast to the rich schnitzel. With its balance of flavor, texture, and convenience, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Air Fryer Schnitzel with Sweet and Sour Cabbage

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Air Fryer Schnitzel with Sweet and Sour Cabbage is a lighter take on a German-inspired classic. Crispy, juicy schnitzel is cooked to perfection in the air fryer and paired with tangy-sweet braised red cabbage for a flavorful, balanced meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: German

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops or chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
• 1 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, peeled and grated or chopped
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the Sweet and Sour Cabbage: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add cabbage and apple. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and optional cloves or caraway. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Prepare the Schnitzel: Pound pork chops or chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
5. Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
6. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
7. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray schnitzels on both sides with cooking spray.
8. Air fry in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
9. Serve schnitzel hot with sweet and sour cabbage on the side.

Notes

• Substitute veal or chicken for pork if preferred.
• Add mustard or horseradish to egg wash for extra zing.
• Make cabbage ahead—it tastes even better the next day.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a GF version.
• Serve with lemon wedges, potatoes, or mustard on the side.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 schnitzel with 1/2 cup cabbage
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 135mg