Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer chicken schnitzel is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in minutes. It uses simple ingredients, cooks evenly, and doesn’t require standing over a frying pan. It’s ideal for weeknights, healthier than traditional methods, and delivers restaurant-style results with little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped parsley
Directions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Prepare a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
- One with flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- One with beaten eggs
- One with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and a little salt
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Cheesy twist: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Herb crust: Add dried thyme, parsley, or oregano to the coating.
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat and maintain crispiness, return schnitzels to the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
You can freeze cooked schnitzel in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I cook the schnitzel from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes, just add 3–5 extra minutes to the cook time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the schnitzel cook evenly and develop a crisp crust from the start.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best?
Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunchy texture. You can mix with regular breadcrumbs for a denser coating if desired.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken, and let the coated schnitzel rest for a few minutes before air frying.
Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Yes, reduce the cook time slightly depending on their size—usually 8–10 minutes total.
Can I bread the schnitzel ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before air frying. Bring to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Is oil spray necessary?
Yes, a light spray helps the crust crisp up in the air fryer and promotes even browning.
Can I stack schnitzels in the air fryer?
No, they should be cooked in a single layer to ensure they get crispy all over.
What can I serve with schnitzel?
Try mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, cucumber salad, or a simple lemon-dressed green salad.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should be 165°F and juices should run clear.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel is a quick, crispy, and healthier take on the classic breaded cutlet. With a golden crunch and juicy center, it’s a simple yet impressive dish you can enjoy any night of the week. Whether paired with potatoes or salad, this schnitzel delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture—without the frying oil.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel is a healthier and faster twist on the classic fried cutlet. Juicy chicken breasts are breaded in a seasoned Panko crust and air-fried until golden and crispy—all without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add cayenne or chili flakes to breadcrumbs for a spicy variation.
- Mix grated Parmesan into the coating for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
- Don’t stack schnitzels—cook in a single layer for best crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 schnitzel
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
