Say hello to your new weeknight hero — crispy Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzels!

These golden, crunchy schnitzels are everything we love about the classic Aussie favourite, but cooked faster, lighter and perfectly crisp thanks to the air fryer.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, customisable breadcrumbs, and my fool-proof crumb-setting trick, this recipe guarantees juicy chicken and the ultimate crunch every single time. Perfect for busy nights, fussy eaters and anyone who wants a delicious family-friendly dinner on the table fast!

Air fryer, chicken, midweek, easy, crumb, schnitzels, kid approved, dinner ideas, chicken dinner, family meals

dinner

Australian

Yield: 4

Author: Ange Zahn

Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzels

Quick, crispy and healthier Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzels. The easiest way to get crunchy, juicy schnitzels on the table fast.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 25 Min

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Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko, fresh, regular)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
Salt and pepper
½ cup plain flour
2 eggs

Instructions

Prep the Crumb Station:

Add flour to a plate and season with salt and pepper.
Whisk eggs in a bowl.
Place breadcrumbs on another plate and mix with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Prep the Chicken:

Butterfly each chicken breast to create 2 thin fillets. If you have a meat mallet, lightly tenderise.
Dip each piece in flour (shake off excess), then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press well to help the crumbs stick.
Place crumbed chicken on a plate and set aside. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
Lay chicken fillets in the basket, spray lightly with oil and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Serve: Enjoy with salad, homemade chips or wedges, lemon wedges and a drizzle of kewpie mayo.

Notes

TOP TIPS:

Set the crumbs: Refrigerate schnitzels for at least 1 hour for ultra-crispy results.
Panko mix: Use half panko, half fresh breadcrumbs for the crunchiest finish.
Season well: Breadcrumbs LOVE seasoning — don’t skip it!
Even thickness: Butterfly chicken so it cooks evenly.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if you need to.
Oil spray = crunch: A light mist of oil makes a big difference.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

436

Fat

8 g

Sat. Fat

2 g

Carbs

52 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

49 g

Sugar

4 g

Protein

36 g

Sodium

608 mg

Cholesterol

154 mg

The nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.

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