Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel with Panko Breading Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown coating with tender, juicy chicken breasts, all made healthier and easier using an air fryer. The chicken is delicately breaded with a flavorful panko mixture seasoned with garlic, paprika, and parsley, then cooked to perfection with a light spray of olive oil for a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Served with fresh lemon wedges, this schnitzel is perfect for a quick, delicious meal for two.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Pound chicken breast cutlets
Breading
- ¼ Cup all purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs (whisked)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp paprika
- ½ Tsp dried parsley
- ½ Tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ Tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
Other
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Trim the chicken breast cutlets if desired, then pound them until they are approximately ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Set Up Dredge: Arrange your dredging station by placing the flour in one bowl, whisking the eggs together with Dijon mustard in a second bowl, and mixing panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting available on your device) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Thoroughly coat each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the egg and Dijon mixture, and finally press into the seasoned panko mixture until completely covered.
- Place in Basket: Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook: Cook the chicken for 5 minutes at 375°F, then flip each piece, spray again with olive oil, and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Remove the schnitzel from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
- Adjust seasoning in the panko crumbs to taste, adding more garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Ensure chicken pieces don’t overlap in the air fryer basket for even crisping.
- Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F.
- Olive oil spray adds crispiness but can be substituted with any neutral oil spray.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness.
