Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel

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Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel is made with thin pork cutlets, breaded in panko crumbs and air fried until golden brown and crispy. It’s a healthier version of pan fried schnitzel that requires minimal oil and only takes 10 minutes in the air fryer!

The air fryer is a great way to lighten up foods that are normally pan fried or deep fried. And, since schnitzel is traditionally fried in oil, it’s well suited for air frying. You just need a light spritz of oil and the hot air circulating around the air fryer does the rest!

Pork schnitzel on white plates and served with green beans and lemon wedges.

The panko breading for this pork is similar to the one I use for this air fryer cod, these air fryer chicken bites and these air fryer breaded shrimp. They’re all deliciously crispy while using little or no oil!

For an easy weeknight meal, we’ve been enjoying this pork schnitzel with air fryer green beans, rice and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

You can also serve it with potatoes, carrots or mixed vegetables.

What is schnitzel?

Schnitzel is a German dish that’s made from a thin cut of boneless meat. This can be pork, chicken, veal or beef. The meat is pounded out with a mallet until thin, then it’s coated in a simple breading and fried until crispy.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These breaded pork cutlets are ultra crispy with minimal oil.
They take just 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
You can enjoy the pork on its own with a few side dishes or serve it on a bun for a crispy schnitzel sandwich.

Ingredients to make air fryer pork schnitzel arranged individually.

Details on the ingredients

Pork chops – You’ll need 4-5 boneless pork chops for this recipe. Since they’ll be pounded to about 1/4-inch thick, I recommend buying chops that are no thicker than 1/2-inch thick. Any thicker and it will be difficult to pound them into thin cutlets.

Flour – The pork is coated in a thin layer of whole wheat flour, which absorbs moisture on the surface of the pork and helps the egg stick to it. You can substitute all purpose white flour, if you prefer.

Egg – Dipping the floured pork into the egg will help the crispy panko crumbs stick. One egg is just enough for 4-5 pork cutlets.

Panko crumbs – This is the outer breading for the pork. I used white panko crumbs for the crispy breading, but you can also use whole wheat.

Seasonings – A mix of dried basil, oregano, salt, garlic and smoked paprika are added to the panko crumbs to season the breading. Feel free to substitute with other dried herbs and spices.

How to make pork schnitzel in the air fryer

Pork chops on a wooden board in between plastic wrap with a mallet next to them.

A pork cutlet coated in flour on a plate.

Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface and arrange the pork chops in a single layer on top. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

Use a mallet to pound each pork chop to 1/4-inch thick.

Prepare your breading stations. Add the flour to a shallow bowl (or rimmed plate). In another shallow bowl, whisk your egg. And, in a third shallow bowl, mix together the panko crumbs and seasonings.

To bread the pork, cover each piece in a light coating of flour, dip it in the egg (let any excess egg drip off) and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture. (I use my fingers to lightly press the crumbs into the surface of the pork).

Tip: I usually use one hand to coat the pork chops in flour and dip in the egg, keeping the other hand dry to coat each pork chop in the panko mixture and transfer to the air fryer. If you use the same hand, your fingers will quickly get clumped up with egg and panko crumbs.

Place the pork cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with oil. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the pork in two batches).

Air fry on 400F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork over, spray the tops and air fry for another 3-5 minutes.

Remove from the air fryer basket and repeat with remaining pork, if necessary.

Crispy breaded pork cutlets in an air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best temperature to air fry pork schnitzel?

Since schnitzel is traditionally cooked at a high heat to get the coating browned and crispy, I recommend setting your air fryer to 400F. At this temperature, the thinly pounded pork will be cooked through and the breading crispy. If you cook it at a lower temperature, it will take longer for the breading to get crispy and the pork may dry out.

How do you know when pork schnitzel is cooked?

According to the USDA, pork should be cooked to at least 145F with a 3 minute rest time. In Canada, the recommended minimum internal temperature is 160F. I normally use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

How long does it take to cook pork schnitzel in the air fryer?

At 400F, pork schnitzel will only take 8-10 minutes to cook. The timing will vary depending on the internal temperature you are targeting. At 10 minutes, the pork should have an internal temperature of 160F.

Can regular bread crumbs be used instead of panko crumbs?

I haven’t tested this recipe with regular bread crumbs. I like using panko crumbs as they create the best crispy breading for schnitzel.

Can frozen pork be used?

If you only have frozen pork chops, you’ll want to defrost them first so the breading will stick. Thawed pork will be a little wet so make sure you pat it dry with paper towels before starting the breading process.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Pork schnitzel is best enjoyed hot and crispy, so I suggest serving it as soon as it comes out of the air fryer.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just note that the breading on the pork will soften in the fridge.

To reheat leftovers, you’ll want to use the oven or the air fryer in order to get the breading crispy again. I recommend 400F for 5 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and the breading is crispy. Be careful not to heat the pork for too long as it will dry out.

Close up view of a piece of pork schnitzel on a white plate.

Key recipe tips

Pound the pork thin. Schnitzel is air fried on a high heat to create the browned and crispy coating. To ensure the middle is cooked, the pork cutlets need to be pounded out to 1/4-inch thick. If they’re thicker, they will take longer to air fry.
Go easy on the flour. You’ll want the pork chops just lightly dusted in flour so be sure to shake off any excess. If they have too much flour on them, it will make the egg mixture thick and lumpy.
Breading process. I usually use one hand to coat the pork in flour and dip in the egg, keeping the other hand dry to coat each pork chop in the panko mixture and transfer to the air fryer. If you use the same hand, your fingers will get clumpy with egg and panko crumbs.
Spray with oil. To get the breading golden brown and crispy, you’ll want to lightly spray each side of the breaded cutlets with oil.
Air fry in a single layer. For quick and even cooking, make sure you air fry the pork in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the schnitzel in two batches.
Flip the pork. Make sure you turn the pork chops over after 5 minutes of air frying to ensure they cook and brown evenly.
Don’t overcook. The pork is pounded into thin cutlets, so it will cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness so you don’t overcook and dry out the pork.

Other air fryer recipes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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