Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, this recipe for air fryer chicken schnitzel may be just the thing for you. The chicken is succulent, the crumb is perfectly crisp, and it cooks in no time in the air fryer. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

Chicken schnitzel is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be made in an air fryer. This healthy, low-fat alternative to traditional fried chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

This dish is made by coating chicken breast in breadcrumbs and then frying it in a small amount of oil in the air fryer. The result is a crispy and juicy chicken schnitzel that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

For some other quick and easy air fryer chicken recipes, try: air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken wings, or air fryer chicken thighs. 

Scroll down for the printable recipe card for this air fryer chicken schnitzel recipe, or read on for all the details! 

What do you need?

Chicken breast

I use boneless skinless chicken breast for the easiest prep. You can also use ready-prepared chicken steaks or schnitzel-sliced chicken breast if they are available at your grocery store.

Breadcrumbs

Use fine white breadcrumbs for a classic chicken schnitzel, or try panko crumbs for extra light and crispy breading. If you are going gluten free, try substituting pork rinds or almond meal.

Flour

Just use regular all-purpose flour, though bread flour (high-grade) will also work if that is all you have. You can also use gluten-free flour like almond flour if you prefer.

Egg

This helps to bind the crumb to the schnitzels. If you don’t have any eggs, you could use mayonnaise instead, substitute 3 teaspoons.

Seasoning

I like to use a little garlic powder, salt and pepper. However, you can substitute any spice blend or seasoning you like with chicken.

Olive oil

To get your chicken schnitzel really crispy it needs a little oil brushed on. I use light olive oil, but you can use another cooking oil with a high smoke point (like vegetable oil or avocado oil).

You can also use an oil sprayer if you prefer. However, choose the type that spritzes rather than an aerosol spray, and avoid using generic ‘cooking spray’, as these can both damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket.

How to make chicken schnitzel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prep schnitzels. Carefully slice the chicken breast in half. To do this, place your hand flat on top of the chicken breast and use a sharp knife to slice through the chicken breast horizontally to cut it into two steaks. 

Place the chicken steaks between slices of parchment, and roll them with a rolling pin until they are thin. Alternatively use a kitchen hammer/ meat mallet. 

Step 2: Add breading to chicken schnitzels. Place the flour in a large bowl. Place the bread crumbs in a separate shallow bowl.

Add chicken into the flour and toss to coat. Add the egg to the same bowl with the chicken, split the yolk, and toss to ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated.

This is a good time to preheat the air fryer (360°F /180°C).

Place each piece of chicken into the bowl with breadcrumbs, and turn to coat thoroughly. Transfer to a plate, and press the breadcrumb coating onto the chicken to help it stick.

Lightly brush the chicken schnitzels with oil, or give them a quick spritz with an oil sprayer. This step is optional and can be skipped if you are trying to cut oil, but it really helps with getting extra crispy chicken schnitzels.

Step 3: Air fry chicken schnitzels. Arrange chicken schnitzels in air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching.

You may need to cook the schnitzels in batches or use a layer accessory depending on the size of your air fryer.

Note: If your air fryer basket is prone to food sticking, you can give it a spritz of olive oil before placing the schnitzels in it.

Air fry chicken schnitzel until golden brown and cooked through. This will take approximately 10-12 minutes (see below for more info on cooking times).

If you don’t have an air fryer you can also pan fry these schnitzels with a drizzle of oil, or cook them in a regular oven (place on a lined baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes at 430°F/220°C). 

How long to air fry chicken schnitzel

The exact cook time will depend on how thick the schnitzels are and how powerful your air fryer is.

The best way to be sure that your schnitzel is cooked correctly is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. It should read 165°F/ 74°C or higher. Air fry schnitzels for additional 2-minute intervals until done, if required.

Serving ideas

This crispy chicken schnitzel makes a great weeknight dinner, and I love that it can be served so many ways. Here are some ideas to try:  

• Pair with a side of slaw and wedges for a tasty family dinner
• Serve in a bun with salad and ranch dressing or lemon herb mayo
• Pile on slices of bread with slaw or salad for the most delicious crispy chicken sandwiches
• Thinly slice, and serve in tacos with salad, salsa, cheese and sour cream.

Storing and reheating

Store any leftover chicken schnitzels in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.

You can reheat the schnitzels in the air fryer, air fry for 3-4 minutes until 165°F/ 74°C in the center. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave (in a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap vented at one corner), for 2-3 minutes on high.