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Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Pork Schnitzel

Close-up of Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Pork Schnitzel, showing a perfectly cooked white interior and golden-brown, crunchy crust.

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Make genuinely crispy, Parmesan-crusted pork schnitzel using your air fryer. This recipe focuses on achieving a crunchy exterior without excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 thin pork cutlets (about 4 oz each)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Pound the pork cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour, salt, and pepper in the first dish. Mix the eggs in the second dish. Combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika in the third dish.
  3. Dredge each pork cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Press the cutlet firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides completely. Press the breading on to help it adhere.
  6. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded cutlets generously with cooking spray. This helps achieve the golden, crispy texture.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes.
  8. Place the schnitzels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
  9. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the top side lightly with cooking spray again before flipping.
  10. The schnitzel is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) and the crust is golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Drying the pork cutlets thoroughly before breading is key to preventing soggy crusts.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs for superior crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches ensures hot air circulates around each piece for even cooking.

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