This Crispy 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!
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Table of Contents
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!
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!
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.
In addition to this pork recipe, I also have a recipe for air fryer chicken schnitzel that's crispy and delicious!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Pork chops - You'll need 4-5 boneless pork chops for this recipe. Since they'll be pounded to about ¼-inch thick, I recommend buying chops that are no thicker than ½-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
While it has a few steps, this recipe is pretty simple to make!
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 ¼-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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
I haven't tested this recipe with regular bread crumbs. I like using panko crumbs as they create the best crispy breading for schnitzel.
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.
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 ¼-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.
More crispy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic Boneless Wings
- Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Strips
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel
Ingredients
- 4-5 boneless pork chops, ½-inch thick, trimmed
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup panko crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- spray oil
Instructions
- 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 ¼-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.
- Cover each piece of pork 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. (Use your fingers to lightly press the crumbs into the surface of the pork).
- 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 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. The pork should be golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 145F (US) or 160F (Canada).
- Remove from air fryer basket and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- Repeat with remaining pork, if necessary.
Notes
- 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.
- I 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.
- This recipe was tested in a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. Air fryers can differ, so you may need to adjust the air frying temperature and time slightly.
- The air fryer I use has a non-stick basket. If you don't have a non-stick basket, you may need to spray your basket with oil to prevent the pork from sticking.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Paul n Jaci says
Very easy, very tasty. Thank you for the recipe. New subscriber!
Leanne says
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you Paul!
Lorraine Spadavecchia says
Never thought of making schnitzel with pork. So glad I gave a try. The recipe is perfect as is and will definitely be making pork schnitzel again.
Leanne says
I'm so glad you liked the recipe Lorraine!
Robert jhone says
Made this tonight turned out perfect....will make it again good recipe
Leanne says
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know.
terry says
what a great recipe! i have never tried to make schnitzel before because i thought it would be much trouble but i had to try after seeing your post i had to try. the steps you laid out were really simple and it turned out perfectly! thanks, will using this again.
Leanne says
So happy to hear that Terry! I'm glad you gave it a try. We love this one for quick and easy dinners.