Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Pork Schnitzel
A crisp, golden pork schnitzel that’s simple to make and just right for cooking in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of olive oil)
Method
- Place the pork chops between sheets of cling film and pound them to 1/4 inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat each pork chop in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally cover with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it on firmly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Arrange the schnitzels in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Leave the schnitzels to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer circulates hot air around the schnitzel, creating a crispy crust through rapid moisture evaporation and Maillard reactions, while keeping the interior juicy.
Equipment notes
Assumes a 3.5-litre basket. In dual-zone fryers, use the larger zone for even cooking. Adjust timing if using a smaller basket.
Common pitfalls
- Breadcrumbs not adhering well? Ensure pork is dry before dredging and press firmly into crumbs.
- Schnitzel not browning evenly? Rotate the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even air circulation.
- Edges burning by minute 6? Reduce temperature by 10°C; your air fryer might run hot.
- Undercooked centre? Increase thickness to 1/2 inch and extend cooking time by 3 minutes.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute panko for breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Use chicken breast instead of pork for a leaner option; adjust cooking time to 6-10 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a richer flavour.
- Replace smoked paprika with cayenne for a spicier kick.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
