Save A modern take on the classic Viennese schnitzel, this air fryer version delivers a golden, crunchy crust and juicy pork or veal in just 15 minutes—no deep frying needed.
This is my go-to recipe when I want a quick classic Austrian meal without the mess of deep frying. It never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Meat: 4 veal or pork cutlets (about 120 g / 4 oz each) pounded to ¼ inch (6 mm) thick, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Breading: ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup (60 g) fine dry breadcrumbs preferably unseasoned, 1 tsp paprika optional for extra color, nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of neutral oil
- To Serve: 1 lemon cut into wedges, fresh parsley chopped optional
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Season:
- Pat cutlets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Breading Station:
- Place flour in the first shallow bowl, beat eggs in the second, and combine breadcrumbs and paprika if using in the third.
- Bread Cutlets:
- Dredge each cutlet first in flour shake off excess then dip in egg then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs pressing gently to adhere.
- Coat Cutlets:
- Lightly coat both sides of each breaded cutlet with cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange:
- Arrange cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket cook in batches if needed do not overcrowd.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry for 7 minutes. Flip cutlets spray again and air fry for another 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through internal temperature should reach 145°F 63°C for pork or veal.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.
Save This recipe reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathers around to enjoy crispy schnitzel served with fresh lemon and parsley.
Notes
Traditionally served with potato salad cucumber salad or fries.
Required Tools
Air fryer, meat mallet or rolling pin, shallow bowls for breading, tongs.
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Wheat gluten. May contain Soy if using certain cooking sprays. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Save If you want quick crispy schnitzel without the grease this air fryer version is perfect every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of meat is best for this dish?
Veal or pork cutlets, pounded thin, work best to achieve a tender and juicy result with a crisp crust.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to keep the crunch without gluten.
- → How do I get the schnitzel crispy without deep frying?
Air frying with a light coating of oil creates a crunchy crust while keeping the meat juicy, avoiding excess oil from deep frying.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking and a golden crust on the schnitzel.
- → How to prevent the schnitzel from becoming soggy?
Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket and flip halfway through for even crispness.