Description
Make thin, crunchy pork schnitzel in your air fryer with a savory Parmesan crust. This recipe delivers maximum crispiness without deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 thin pork cutlets (about 4 oz each)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray (oil-based)
Instructions
- Pound the pork cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish.
- In the second dish, whisk the egg and water together until combined.
- In the third dish, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press the cutlet firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, coating both sides completely. Press the coating on to help it adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray 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.
- Spray the tops of the cutlets generously with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through the cooking time. Spray the second side with cooking spray before flipping.
- The schnitzel is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the crispiest result, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.
- Pressing the coating firmly onto the pork helps prevent the Parmesan crust from falling off during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches promotes better air circulation and crisping.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: German/American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 95