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Lightened-Up Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favourite

Pork schnitzel is a beloved dish that hails from Central Europe, particularly popular in countries like Germany and Austria. Traditionally, this delightful meal is created using thin cuts of pork, seasoned, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. However, while schnitzel is delicious, it isn’t always the healthiest option. Enter the air fryer: a kitchen marvel that allows you to enjoy fried foods with significantly less oil. This article will guide you through making a lightened-up version of pork schnitzel using an air fryer, retaining the mouth-watering flavours while reducing the calorie count.

Ingredients

To prepare a healthier air fryer pork schnitzel, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 thin pork chops or pork loin steaks, preferably about 1cm thick
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably wholemeal or panko for added crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A squeeze of lemon (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Cooking spray or a dash of olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Begin by flattening the pork chops to ensure they cook evenly. Place the pork between two sheets of cling film or baking parchment and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they reach approximately 0.5cm in thickness. This process will also help tenderise the meat.

2. Season the Flour: In a shallow bowl, mix the plain flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning will infuse flavour into the meat.

3. Set Up Breading Stations: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This three-step breading process allows for a better coating.

4. Coat the Pork: Take each piece of flattened pork and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating, followed by the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the pork into the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is well covered. For an extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 180°C (350°F).

6. Air Fry the Schnitzels: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded schnitzels in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the schnitzels with cooking spray for that golden, crispy finish.

7. Cook: Air fry the schnitzels for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F).

8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the schnitzels from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Pair with a side of crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or even a light potato salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This lightened-up air fryer pork schnitzel is not only healthier but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The air fryer allows you to achieve that irresistible crunch without the added calories from frying in oil, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your waistline.

So, whether you’re a fan of this classic dish or trying it for the first time, this air-fried version promises to delight and satisfy while fitting seamlessly into a balanced diet. Enjoy the rich flavours and crispy texture of this reimagined schnitzel—and feel good about indulging!

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