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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the crunchy, golden goodness of a traditional chicken schnitzel. This classic dish, with its roots in Austrian and German cuisine, has made its way into kitchens around the world, beloved for its simplicity and irresistible flavour. In recent years, the air fryer has revolutionised the cooking experience, making it easier to achieve that coveted crispiness without the guilt of deep frying. In this article, we explore how to prepare a mouth-watering air fryer chicken schnitzel that is both delicious and healthier than its deep-fried counterpart.

What Makes Chicken Schnitzel So Irresistible?

Chicken schnitzel is essentially a breaded and fried chicken breast, known for its delicate texture and rich flavours. Traditionally, the chicken is pounded thin, coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then fried until golden brown. While this method provides a satisfyingly crispy exterior, it often involves considerable amounts of oil, making it less appealing for those watching their calorie intake.

This is where the air fryer comes into play. By circulating hot air around the chicken, the air fryer produces a crisp outer layer while significantly reducing the amount of oil needed. The result? A lighter version of chicken schnitzel that doesn’t sacrifice flavour or texture.

Ingredients

To make air fryer chicken schnitzel for four servings, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 200g panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray or a brush for greasing
• Lemon wedges, to serve
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film or baking parchment. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1 cm. This not only ensures quicker cooking but also results in a more tender schnitzel. Once flattened, season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In one dish, place the plain flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until well combined. In the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.

Step 3: Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F). Once hot, lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the chicken schnitzels for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Step 4: Serving

Once cooked, remove the schnitzels from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve your air fryer chicken schnitzel with lemon wedges for a zesty touch. You might also consider pairing it with a side of creamy potato salad, a fresh green salad, or even some homemade coleslaw for a delightful meal.

Tips for Perfect Schnitzel

1. Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs will give you that extra crunch, but you can also use traditional breadcrumbs if preferred.

2. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken and the breadcrumb mix. This is essential to bringing out the flavour.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, ensure there’s enough space between the schnitzels in the air fryer. Cooking in batches is perfectly fine if necessary.

4. Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika for a smoky flavour or Italian herbs for a fragrant twist.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken schnitzel is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern, healthier twist. By using the air fryer, you can achieve that signature crunch and robust flavour while cutting down on excess oil. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a new favourite in your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a try? You might just find that the air fryer is your new best friend in the kitchen!

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