Save A modern take on the classic Austrian dish, this air fryer Wiener Schnitzel delivers tender, juicy veal cutlets coated in a golden, crispy crust—all in just 15 minutes and with less oil than traditional frying.
I first tried making Wiener Schnitzel in the air fryer to save time and mess, and the results were perfectly crispy cutlets every time.
Ingredients
- Meat: 4 veal cutlets (about 120 g / 4 oz each), pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- Breading: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for richer coating), 1½ cups (90 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For Air Frying: Olive oil spray or neutral oil spray
- To Serve: 1 lemon, sliced into wedges, Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare veal cutlets:
- Pat the veal cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station:
- Place flour in one shallow dish, beat eggs with milk in a second, and place breadcrumbs in a third.
- Bread the cutlets:
- Dredge each cutlet first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Apply oil:
- Lightly spray both sides of each breaded cutlet with oil spray.
- Arrange for air frying:
- Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry:
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6 minutes. Flip cutlets, spray again if needed, and air fry for another 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Save This recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone eagerly awaited the crispy Wiener Schnitzel fresh from the air fryer.
Required Tools
Air fryer, Meat mallet or rolling pin, Three shallow dishes, Tongs, Oil spray bottle
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Wheat (gluten). For gluten-free or egg-free diets, use appropriate substitutes and double-check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 350, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 36 g
Save Enjoy this quick and delicious Wiener Schnitzel that's perfect for busy weeknights yet still impresses at family dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust using the air fryer?
Coat the veal cutlets evenly with flour, beaten eggs, and fine dry breadcrumbs, then lightly spray with oil before air frying to promote a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Can I use other types of meat instead of veal?
Yes, pork or chicken cutlets can be substituted for veal, adjusting cooking times slightly as needed for doneness.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the cutlets in batches to ensure even crisping.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in the breading process to accommodate gluten-free diets without compromising texture.
- → What are good side dishes to pair with this?
Traditional sides like potato salad, cucumber salad, or fries complement the crispy cutlets well, adding freshness and balance.