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

Wiener Schnitzel, the quintessential Austrian dish, is known for its crispy, golden exterior and tender veal within. Traditionally fried in copious amounts of oil, this beloved classic can be quite indulgent. However, with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy this delectable meal with far less fat, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavour. In this article, we will guide you through creating homemade Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel that is just as delicious as its deep-fried counterpart.

Ingredients

To make Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 veal cutlets (approximately 150-200g each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Preparations

1. Preparing the Veal

Start by tenderising the veal cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of cling film or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the meat until it’s about 0.5cm thick. This not only makes the meat tender but also allows it to cook more evenly.

2. Seasoning

Once your cutlets are ready, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is essential for bringing out the inherent flavours of the veal.

3. Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:

• Flour: Place plain flour in the first dish.
• Eggs: In the second dish, beat the eggs until well mixed.
• Breadcrumbs: Fill the third dish with breadcrumbs.

4. Breading Process

Coat each seasoned veal cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it in the breadcrumbs. Ensure that the entire surface is well covered, which will help achieve that desirable crispy texture.

Air Frying

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the schnitzels will fry evenly and develop a perfect golden colour.

6. Cooking the Schnitzels

Spray the basket of the air fryer with a light mist of olive oil or use a brush to coat it lightly. Place the breaded veal cutlets in the basket without overcrowding them—work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the schnitzels with olive oil to enhance browning.

Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook the schnitzels for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you prefer an extra crunch, cook for a couple of additional minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzels are perfectly cooked, serve them immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The acidity of the lemon juice enhances the flavours beautifully and helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Pair your schnitzels with traditional sides such as potato salad, cucumber salad, or even a simple green salad. For a more modern twist, consider serving with sweet potato fries or a quinoa salad for a healthy complement.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Wiener Schnitzel offers a delightful way to enjoy this classic dish with a fraction of the fat. The results are still flavourful and satisfying, proving that you don’t have to compromise on taste for the sake of health. So next time you crave a comforting, crispy meal, reach for your air fryer and treat yourself to this modern yet timeless dish. Enjoy!