Amazing Air Fryer Schnitzel – Chicken or Pork with Authentic German Flavor

A German-Inspired Favorite Perfect for RV Kitchens

When Lisa and I flew to Germany back in 2018 to visit my niece, we came home with more than photos and memories—we came home with a whole new appreciation for German cuisine. Schnitzel was one of the dishes we fell in love with immediately. You could find it everywhere, served with everything from Spätzle to potatoes, sometimes with lemon, sometimes with gravy, but always crispy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

Once we got back to the States, schnitzel became part of our regular rotation in the RV. And while the classic pan-fried version is fantastic, the air fryer has become our go-to. It delivers that same crunchy exterior without splattering oil or heating up the RV. Cleanup is easier, the process is faster, and the results couldn’t be more consistent.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. It works beautifully with either chicken or pork. And in true comfort-food fashion, Lisa and I like to finish ours with a spoonful of brown gravy—a small nod to some of the schnitzel plates we enjoyed in Germany. It’s optional, but it really brings everything together.

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Why We Love This Schnitzel

• Works with chicken or pork
• Crispy, golden crust without deep frying
• Perfect for RV kitchens
• Fast enough for busy weeknights
• Pairs beautifully with brown gravy
• Brings back the flavors of our Germany trip

Recommended Gear

• Meat mallet or heavy skillet
• Knives
• Shallow dredging pans
• Air fryer
• Silicone tongs
• Instant-read thermometer

Air Fryer Schnitzel (Chicken or Pork)

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken option: 4 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Pork option: 4 thin pork cutlets or boneless pork chops, pounded to 1/8-inch thickness
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups (or more) breadcrumbs, panko, or Italian
• Light cooking oil spray
• Brown gravy (store-bought or homemade), optional
• Chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Lemon wedges

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pound the chicken or pork to 1/8-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with Dijon, and one with panko.
4. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Dip into the egg mixture.
6. Press into the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
7. Lightly spray both sides with cooking oil.
8. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway.
9. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F or the pork reaches 145°F (rest the pork for 3 minutes).
10. Serve with parsley, lemon wedges, and a spoonful of brown gravy if desired.

How We Serve It

We usually drizzle a bit of warm brown gravy over the schnitzel—just enough to add richness without softening that crispy crust. It gives the dish a cozy, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sides we enjoy most.

What to Serve with Schnitzel

Our top pick is always Crash Potatoes—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and a perfect match for schnitzel.

Other great sides include:

• Warm store-bought sauerkraut
• Spätzle, a traditional German egg noodle or dumpling
• Fresh green salad
• Buttered noodles
• Roasted vegetables

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Schnitzel

• Pound evenly so everything cooks uniformly
• A light oil spray is key for browning
• Don’t crowd the air fryer
• Serve immediately for maximum crunch
• Lemon, parsley, and gravy create the perfect finish

Variations

Jägerschnitzel (Hunter-Style)
Top your schnitzel with a rich mushroom gravy instead of brown gravy. It’s savory, hearty, and one of the most traditional German schnitzel styles.

Schnitzel Holstein
Serve your schnitzel with a fried egg, capers, and anchovies. It’s a classic Northern German style and brings a salty, savory finish that pairs great with potatoes.

Turkey Schnitzel
Swap the chicken or pork for thin-sliced turkey cutlets. Same breading and cooking method, just a lighter flavor profile.

Spicy Schnitzel
Add paprika or cayenne to the flour or panko for a little heat. A great twist without changing the core recipe.

Herbed Schnitzel
Mix dried parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the panko for a more aromatic crust.

Gluten-Free Schnitzel
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The air fryer still gives great crunch.

No-Gravy Version
For a lighter plate, skip the gravy and finish with just lemon and parsley—simple and traditional.

Final Thoughts

This schnitzel takes us straight back to those comforting meals we enjoyed during our 2018 trip to Germany. Making it in the air fryer keeps it simple and RV-friendly while still delivering that crispy, golden crust we love. Whether you choose chicken or pork, this recipe brings big flavor with very little fuss. Pair it with Crash Potatoes and sauerkraut, and you’ve got a German-inspired dinner that feels right at home wherever the road takes you.

If you give this schnitzel a try, let us know how it turned out—we’d love to hear what you paired it with. And if you’re looking for more easy, road-friendly meals, be sure to check out our other RV recipes and sign up so you never miss a new one.

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