Make crispy, tender chicken with Chicken Schnitzel in the Air Fryer. This classic recipe is an easy twist on the traditional schnitzel but with the same great, juicy flavor!
If you are looking for a classic dish that uses chicken cutlets, this Chicken Schnitzel in the Air Fryer is the perfect choice. Chicken Schnitzel is very popular in Germany and Austria. This recipe combines ingredients such as flour and breadcrumbs with a sour cream and milk mixture, giving this juicy chicken breasts a wonderful flavor combination. This recipe is also easy to make gluten-free with a few simple swaps.
Chicken Schnitzel is typically deep-fried, but it’s an easy recipe to make in the air fryer without all the oil!
What ingredients do you need for Chicken Schnitzel in the Air Fryer?
- Chicken Breasts
- All-Purpose Flour
- Dry Mustard
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Black Pepper
- Sour Cream
- Milk
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Italian Seasoning
Keep in mind that this is an egg-free recipe, so no eggs are needed.
How do you make Gluten-Free Chicken Schnitzel?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
The all-purpose flour should be a 1:1 flour, meaning it has an even ratio with traditional flour. The best flour to use is King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, Bob’s Red Mill, or Cup 4 Cup.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel:
This recipe will be made using a separate shallow bowl for a variety of mixtures, then you will dip the chicken into each bowl. Be sure to read the recipe card instructions below very carefully and follow each step. Remember that the chicken should be placed in the air fryer in a single layer and not layered.
- Prep the Chicken Breast – The key to getting that crispy chicken is to fillet the chicken lengthwise, creating 4 chicken fillets from the 2 chicken breasts. Once this is complete, the chicken breasts will be poked with a fork or pounded to ensure that you have an even cooking time and prevent dryness.
- Do NOT Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket – If you can only fit 2 fillets at a time, cook the chicken in batches. When ready to serve the first batch, it can be warmed back up in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
- Panko Breadrumbs – Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. These can be found in gluten-free varieties as well.
- Use oil spray if needed – If the chicken schnitzel looks a little dry or floury, give it a good coat of olive oil spray or grapeseed oil spray; this will give the chicken a golden brown color.
- Monitor Closely – If you are cooking in batches, the air fryer will be hotter the second time around, so monitor the chicken closely. It is done when it has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
- Add Spice – If you would like your chicken spicy, add chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Schnitzel is best served with a side salad, rice, pasta, or vegetables. It is a great dish to garnish with lemon wedges or lime wedges.
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetable is a great option as a side dish, as is Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
How do you store leftover Chicken Schnitzel?
Once fully cooled, store the leftovers or remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, heat in the air fryer at 330 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.
Alternatively, it can also be heated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
This wonderful chicken schnitzel is a delicious breaded chicken that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The taste will please the entire family, even the picky ones. It will be a weeknight game-changer when making it in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless, 1 Pound)
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tsp Dry Mustard
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
- Unpack the chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel, and fillet them in half lengthwise to create 4 chicken fillets.
- Set the chicken on a plate and with 2 forks, poke the chicken multiple times.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, dry mustard, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- In a second shallow bowl, whisk the sour cream and milk together until combined.
- In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs and italian seasonings.
- Take one piece of chicken and coat with the flour mixture, shake off the excess.
- Place it in the sour cream mixture.
- Lastly, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the entire piece is coated. Place chicken on a plate and continue with the remaining pieces.
- Air Fry in the preheated air ryer at 390°F for 8-9 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. It's best to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This may need to be done in batches, depending on the size of the air fryer. The chicken can be coated with olive oil spray or grapeseed oil spray if it looks floury.
- Carefully remove and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristy says
We love making this juicy chicken at least once a week!