Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel is a delicious twist on the classic schnitzel. Using chicken thighs makes this dish juicy and flavorful, while the air fryer keeps it crispy without the need for excessive oil. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.

how to make Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Avocado oil cooking spray

Directions:

  1. Place chicken thighs, one at a time, between 2 sheets of parchment paper and flatten with a mallet.
  2. Combine bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten egg in a third shallow bowl. Dip chicken thighs first in flour, then in beaten egg. Finally, coat with seasoned bread crumbs.
  3. Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  4. Place breaded thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary. Mist with avocado oil and cook for 6 minutes. Flip each thigh, mist with oil, and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

how to serve Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Serve the Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel with a side of lemon wedges and a fresh salad. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes or a simple pasta dish. This meal is sure to impress family and friends.

how to store Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the schnitzel back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

tips to make Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

  • To ensure even cooking, try to flatten the chicken thighs as evenly as possible.
  • Experiment with different seasonings in the bread crumbs for additional flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker coating, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

variation (if any)

For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of seasoned ones. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the chicken thighs will result in a juicier schnitzel.

2. What can I use instead of avocado oil?
You can use olive oil or canola oil if you like.

3. Can I make this schnitzel ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions when you’re ready to cook.

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

A delicious twist on traditional schnitzel, featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked crispy in the air fryer, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat Juicy and flavorful
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Avocado oil cooking spray For misting the chicken

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place chicken thighs, one at a time, between 2 sheets of parchment paper and flatten with a mallet.
  2. Combine bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten egg in a third shallow bowl.
  3. Dip chicken thighs first in flour, then in beaten egg. Finally, coat with seasoned bread crumbs.
  4. Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cooking
  1. Place breaded thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary.
  2. Mist with avocado oil and cook for 6 minutes.
  3. Flip each thigh, mist with oil, and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, try to flatten the chicken thighs as evenly as possible. Experiment with different seasonings in the bread crumbs for additional flavor. For a thicker coating, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place schnitzel back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

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