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Air Fryer Crispy Pork Schnitzel Cutlets

Close-up of Air Fryer Crispy Pork Schnitzel Cutlets cut in half, showing the juicy white interior and golden breading.

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Make perfectly crispy pork schnitzel cutlets using your air fryer. This recipe details the best breading technique and cooking times for a golden, non-soggy result.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork loin cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Set up a standard breading station: Place flour, salt, and pepper on one shallow plate. Whisk the eggs and water together in a second plate. Place panko breadcrumbs on a third plate.
  3. Dredge each cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured cutlet completely into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  5. Press the cutlet firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides completely. Press the crumbs onto the meat to help them adhere.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  7. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
  8. Spray the tops of the cutlets generously with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip the cutlets, spray the second side lightly, and air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  10. Remove immediately and serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the breaded cutlets rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before air frying.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs; they absorb less moisture and crisp better than standard breadcrumbs.
  • If your cutlets are very thin (under 1/4 inch), reduce the total cooking time by 2 minutes.

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