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Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg (beaten)

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Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel — This easy-to-make, crispy schnitzel is great for enjoying air-fried chicken thighs. This recipe makes the perfect homemade breading for schnitzel that will rival any restaurant!

German Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel is an easy and delicious recipe perfect for any day of the week. The chicken thighs are pounded into thin, tender cutlets, breaded, and air fried up, resulting in a crispy crust and juicy center.

This is an excellent and kid-friendly meal and soon will be on your menu every night of the week. Since you can grab a package of chicken thighs on sale for less than $1.29, this is a budget-friendly meal.

This is a traditional make with pork, but today, I changed it up a bit and came up with this easy recipe that crisped up so nicely in the air fryer. My version of a huge air fryer chicken nugget!

What Is Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Traditionally prepared with pork or chicken, Schnitzel is a German word meaning a thin slice of fried meat.

This dish is typically prepared using a meat tenderizer; you can make it from veal, pork, chicken, mutton, beef, turkey, or even cheese. Every country seems to have its version; the Italians have Chicken Milanese, the Japanese have Tonkatsu, and chicken fried steak in other countries.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Here are the simple ingredients you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs for schnitzel provide a tender and juicy base that absorbs flavors well during cooking, resulting in a deliciously moist schnitzel.
Breadcrumbs: Coating the chicken thighs with breadcrumbs adds a crispy and crunchy texture to the schnitzel, creating a satisfying contrast with the tender chicken.
Salt: Seasoning the chicken thighs with salt enhances their natural flavor and helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a well-seasoned and tasty schnitzel.
Black Pepper: Adding black pepper to the breadcrumb coating provides a subtle kick of heat and flavor, complementing the savory taste of the chicken.
All-Purpose Flour: Dredging the chicken thighs in flour before dipping them in egg helps the breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken, producing a crispy and evenly coated schnitzel.
Egg: Beat the egg and use it as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken thighs, creating a crispy outer layer when cooked.
Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Using olive oil cooking spray to coat the schnitzel before air frying helps to achieve a crispy exterior while minimizing the amount of oil used, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

How to Make Chicken Thigh Schnitzel In Air Fryer

To make Chicken Thigh Schnitzel in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:

Line a cutting board with plastic wrap. Then, place your chicken thighs in a single layer on top of the plastic wrap and cover with plastic wrap. Pound the chicken thighs with a meat mallet until 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick.

Set up three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour. In the second bowl, add your eggs, beating them with a fork. Add the bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper to the third bowl.

Dredge the pounded chicken thigh into the flour, the egg, and the bread crumbs. Let the excess all off as you dredge them. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Place the breaded chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, single layer.

Spray your breaded chicken thighs generously with cooking spray. The entire coating should be sprayed; otherwise, you will get white spots. Set the temperature to 375 degrees F for 12 minutes. Flip halfway and respray the chicken thighs with cooking spray.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to make delicious Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel:

Even Thickness: For even cooking, pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness before breading. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents parts from being overcooked or undercooked.
Chill the Breaded Chicken: After breading the chicken thighs, place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before air frying. Chilling helps the breading adhere better to the chicken and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer Basket: Preheat the air fryer basket for a few minutes before adding the breaded chicken thighs. This helps to create a crispier exterior right from the start of cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
Use Cooking Spray Sparingly: While a light coating of cooking spray helps achieve a crispy exterior, be careful not to overdo it, as too much oil can lead to a greasy texture. A light spritz on each side of the chicken thighs is sufficient.
Monitor Cooking Time: Watch the chicken thighs as they cook, as air fryer temperatures and cooking times vary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Serve Immediately: Air fryer chicken thigh schnitzel is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the exterior is still crispy. If you need to keep them warm before serving, place them on a wire rack in a low-temperature oven to maintain their crispiness.

By following these pro tips, you can make perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel that’s sure to impress!

Faq’s

an I use bone-in chicken thighs for schnitzel? While boneless chicken thighs are typically used for schnitzel due to their ease of preparation and even cooking, you can use bone-in thighs if preferred. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking? To prevent the breading from falling off, ensure that the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. Additionally, chilling the breaded chicken in the refrigerator before cooking helps the breading adhere better.

Can I make schnitzel ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer? While schnitzel is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of its crispiness. Place the schnitzel in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

What can I serve with chicken thigh schnitzel? Chicken thigh schnitzel pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like honey mustard or tzatziki for added flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat for schnitzel in the air fryer? While chicken thighs are commonly used for schnitzel, you can also use other types of meat such as pork or veal. Follow the same breading and cooking process, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the meat.

Can I freeze breaded chicken thighs for later use? Yes, you can freeze breaded chicken thighs for later use. Place the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before air frying as usual.

How do I know when the schnitzel is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the breading should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

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