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Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel: A Modern Twist on a Classic Dish

The Wiener Schnitzel, a beloved dish with its roots steeped in Austrian tradition, is a culinary staple that has captured the hearts (and appetites) of people around the world. Traditionally made from thinly pounded veal, breadcrumb-coated, and fried until golden brown, this iconic dish is synonymous with comfort food. However, the advent of air fryers has introduced an innovative method of preparation, allowing us to enjoy this classic more healthily and conveniently. In this article, we explore how to create a delicious Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel that maintains the essence of the original while reducing excess fat.

The Air Fryer Revolution

Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years for their ability to achieve crispy results with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a delightful crunch without submerging the schnitzel in oil. This makes the air fryer a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the crispy coating and tender meat of Wiener Schnitzel without the guilt associated with deep frying.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel

To make Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel, you will need:

• 4 veal cutlets (or chicken/pork as alternatives)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (traditional or panko for extra crunch)
• Olive oil spray or a small amount of cooking oil
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation of the Cutlets:
   Start by tenderising the veal cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of cling film, and using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to about 0.5 cm thick. This not only helps to tenderise the meat but also allows for a quicker cooking time. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Breading Station:
   Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.

3. Coating the Schnitzels:
   Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating. Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are well coated. For extra crispiness, you may repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

4. Prepping for the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for around five minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

5. Cooking:
   Place the breaded cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the schnitzels with olive oil. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serving:
   Once cooked, remove the schnitzels from the air fryer and let them rest for a moment. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, alongside classic sides such as potato salad, cucumber salad, or chips.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel offers a wonderful way to indulge in a classic dish without the extra grease and calories of traditional frying. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior that will please even the most discerning palate. Whether for a family dinner or special occasion, this innovative twist on the traditional Wiener Schnitzel is sure to be a hit. So grab your air fryer, and enjoy a taste of Austria in the comfort of your own home!

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