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Chicken Schnitzel Air Fryer Cook Time at Esther Alexander

At Esther Alexander, we’re known for celebrating culinary delights that cater to every palate. One of our standout dishes is the Chicken Schnitzel, a classic that is beloved for its crispy coating and tender meat. With the advent of air fryers, we’ve found a healthier method to enjoy this delicacy without sacrificing flavour or texture. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ideal cook time for preparing Chicken Schnitzel in an air fryer, ensuring a delightful dining experience right in your own kitchen.

Why Choose Air Fryer Schnitzel?

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for many due to its ability to produce crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This not only makes for a healthier meal but also reduces grease splatter and clean-up time. When it comes to Chicken Schnitzel, the air fryer delivers a perfectly golden-brown crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.

Preparing Your Chicken Schnitzel

To create the perfect air-fried Chicken Schnitzel, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500g)
• Flour (for dredging)
• Eggs (2, beaten)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Herbs and spices (such as paprika or garlic powder) for added flavour
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

Method:

1. Flatten the Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1cm. This ensures some even cooking and helps expedite the cooking process.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer.

3. Dredging Station: Set up a dredging station with three plates:

   • One with flour
   • One with beaten eggs
   • One with breadcrumbs
4. Coating the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, ensuring it is well coated before shaking off the excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure the crumbs stick.

Air Fryer Cook Time

Now that your Chicken Schnitzel is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your schnitzel will get that gorgeous golden colour and crispy texture.

2. Cooking: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Lightly spray the schnitzels with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of oil on top for extra crispiness.

3. Cook Time: Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for approximately 10-12 minutes. At the halfway point (around 5-6 minutes), flip the schnitzels to ensure even cooking on both sides.

4. Check for Doneness: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is golden brown on the outside. If they are not quite done, you can add an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the schnitzels rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair them with your favourite sides, such as a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or a zesty coleslaw for a delightful meal.

Conclusion

At Esther Alexander, we believe that preparing delicious meals at home should be enjoyable and accessible. With this straightforward air fryer method, you can savour the classic flavours of Chicken Schnitzel without the hassle of traditional frying. Whether for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. So dust off that air fryer and get ready to indulge in crispy, satisfying Chicken Schnitzel tonight!