Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel

Our air-fryer pork schnitzel offers the perfect blend of crispy and tender, giving this classic German dish a modern twist thanks to the use of an air fryer.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the breaded pork schnitzel, creating a perfectly golden crust while keeping the pork tender and juicy inside. Not only does cooking with an air fryer reduce the dish’s overall calories, it also cuts down on cook time and cleanup. The easy dill sauce adds a creamy component that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel

• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the first layer of the breading, helping the egg wash and bread crumbs adhere to the meat. It’s also used later in the recipe to thicken the dill sauce.
• Seasoned salt and pepper: These classic seasonings add flavor to the flour coating.
• Egg and milk: An egg wash is used to help bind the bread crumbs to the pork and create the characteristic crispy schnitzel coating.
• Dry bread crumbs: Dry bread crumbs form the crunchy outer layer of the schnitzel. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use your own homemade bread crumbs.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and warmth to the bread crumb coating.
• Pork sirloin cutlets: The foundation of the dish, these thin cuts of pork cook quickly and evenly.
• Cooking spray: Cooking spray ensures the schnitzel gets golden brown and crispy in the air fryer.
• Chicken broth: The base of the dill sauce, the chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds a quintessential tang to the dill sauce that pairs perfectly with the pork schnitzel.
• Dill weed: Just 1/4 teaspoon of dill adds a fresh and herby note to the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the breading station

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Set up three shallow bowls. In one, mix the flour, seasoned salt and pepper. In another, whisk the egg and milk. And in the third, mix the bread crumbs and paprika.

Editor’s Tip: For an extra crispy coating for your pork schnitzels, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.

Step 2: Prepare the pork cutlets

Pound the pork cutlets to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Dip each cutlet in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then dip the cutlet in the egg wash, and finally in the bread crumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere.

Editor’s Tip: Shake off any excess flour before dipping the cutlet into the egg wash, to prevent the breading from becoming too clumpy. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients to avoid breading your fingers along with the pork!

Step 3: Air-fry the schnitzel

Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in a greased air-fryer basket. Spritz them with cooking spray, and cook until they’re golden brown and crispy, four to five minutes on each side, spritzing with more cooking spray after turning them. Remove the pork to a serving plate and keep it warm.

Editor’s Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket, and cook in batches, if necessary, for even crisping.

Step 4: Prepare the dill sauce

While the schnitzel cooks, whisk the flour and chicken broth in a saucepan until smooth. Bring the pan to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for two minutes or until thickened. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and dill. Heat through, but do not allow the sauce to boil. Serve the sauce over the pork.

Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel Variations

• Use chicken instead: Swap the pork cutlets for thinly pounded chicken breasts for a chicken version of this air-fryer dish.
• Add some cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture for a cheesy boost.
• Give it an herb-infused crust: Mix dried thyme or rosemary into the bread crumb mixture for added flavor.

How to Store Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel

Store leftover schnitzel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the dill sauce separate to prevent the outer breading layer from turning soggy.

Can you freeze air-fryer pork schnitzel?

Yes, you can freeze cooked pork schnitzel. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do you reheat air-fryer pork schnitzel?

Reheat the schnitzel in the air fryer at 350° for three to four minutes, or until it’s warmed through, to maintain its crispy texture.

How long does air-fryer pork schnitzel last?

To maintain the crispiness of your leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350° for three to four minutes. You can also reheat leftovers in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel Tips

What’s the best cut of pork for air-fryer pork schnitzel?

The cuts of pork that work best for this air-fryer schnitzel pork recipe are sirloin cutlets or pork loin. You’ll want to use a cut of pork that’s lean, tender and cooks quickly.

Can you make air-fryer pork schnitzel without an air fryer?

You can skip the air fryer and use an oven to bake the schnitzel. Preheat the oven to 400° and bake the pork schnitzel for 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s crispy. Alternatively, you can also make this recipe on the stovetop—simply heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the schnitzel for two to three minutes on each side.

How do you keep air-fryer pork schnitzel crispy?

Don’t stack the schnitzel after it’s finished cooking in the air fryer. Instead, place them on a wire rack if you’re making multiple batches to allow air circulation and prevent them from steaming.

Can you make air-fryer pork schnitzel without bread crumbs?

Absolutely! You can use crushed pork rinds to amp up the pork flavor, or almond flour for a low-carb alternative to bread crumbs. You can also use panko bread crumbs for an extra crunchy dish. The texture of the finished pork schnitzel will be slightly different but still delicious.