My keto chicken schnitzel puts a low carb spin on a classic Austrian favorite. It uses pork panko instead of traditional breadcrumbs to keep carbs low and flavor high. Each chicken cutlet has just 239 calories and only 0.4 grams of net carbs. This air fryer chicken schnitzel skips deep frying and delivers crispy results the whole family will love.
Yum, yum, yum! This was delicious!
– Tracy
What is schnitzel?
Schnitzel is a thin cut of meat that is breaded and fried until crisp. It is similar to chicken fried steak in the U.S. and milanesa in South America and Italy. The most famous version is Wiener schnitzel, which is made with veal, but chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetarian versions are also popular worldwide.
🛒 Keto Chicken Schnitzel Ingredients
- 3 thin chicken cutlets (skinless and boneless)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup pork panko
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
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For this recipe, I used very thin chicken cutlets that were about ¼-inch thick (0.64cm) and roughly 3 ounces (85g) each. To save time, I bought raw chicken breasts that were already cut and pounded to the correct size.
If you are starting with larger chicken breasts, you will need to pound them thin and trim them with a knife. Proper thickness helps ensure the cooking times work as intended.
The only ingredient you may not find at your local grocery store is pork panko, which you can purchase on Amazon. Pork panko is simply crushed pork rinds cooked in pork fat with salt. It is higher in fat and protein but lower in carbs than traditional breadcrumbs and flour.
You may need to slightly adjust cooking times depending on your air fryer.
🍗 How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
If your chicken cutlets aren’t ¼-inch thick (0.64cm) and about 3 ounces (85g) each, start by pounding and trimming them to size.
Whisk the eggs and mustard together in one bowl. In a second bowl, mix the pork panko, garlic powder, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Coat each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, then press it into the panko mixture until well covered.
Arrange the breaded cutlets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Use the top tray position if you have an air fryer oven. If needed, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry at 375F (190C) for 6-8 minutes without flipping. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy.
How to Tell When Chicken Schnitzel is Done Cooking
Use a meat thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches a minimum safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Keto Chicken Schnitzel (Air Fryer Recipe)
My keto chicken schnitzel puts a low carb spin on a classic Austrian favorite.
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Austrian, German
Servings 3
Calories 239 kcal
Please leave a comment below 😊
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If your chicken cutlets aren’t ¼-inch thick (0.64cm) and about 3 ounces (85g) each, start by pounding and trimming them to size.
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Whisk the eggs and mustard together in one bowl. In a second bowl, mix the pork panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Coat each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, then press it into the panko mixture until well covered.
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Arrange the breaded cutlets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Use the top tray position if you have an air fryer oven. If needed, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes without flipping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy.
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💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). This air fryer schnitzel skips the traditional oil frying step, which can help keep the finished dish from feeling overly heavy. There is no added butter or oil in this recipe, aside from the pork fat naturally found in the pork panko.
This recipe works well for those following low carb or keto style eating plans, whether for personal goals or medical nutrition needs. It offers the familiar breaded flavor many people enjoy, without the higher carb count of traditional coatings.
In addition to being low carb, this chicken schnitzel is naturally gluten free, making it a good option for those who avoid gluten.
The recipe is easy to adapt for families with different preferences. You can add starchy vegetables, rice, or buttered egg noodles on the side for anyone who prefers a higher carb meal.
Chicken schnitzel is also a satisfying, protein rich entrée. Chicken provides important nutrients such as niacin and vitamin B12.
Nutrition information is provided for one serving. Carbohydrates listed reflect net carbs, which are total carbs minus fiber.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 37.3gFat: 10.3gSaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 676.5mgVitamin C: 1.8% DVCalcium: 3.5% DVIron: 1.8% DV
Keywords air fryer chicken schnitzel, keto chicken schnitzel air fryer
🥗 What to Serve with Air Fryer Schnitzel
When it comes to side dishes for schnitzel, many of us think of the classic pairing of schnitzel and noodles. We enjoyed ours with a simple side of buttered noodles, which complements the crispy chicken perfectly. For a keto-friendly option, a salad loaded with non-starchy vegetables works beautifully.
During our visit to a restaurant in the Netherlands, schnitzel was served with a vegetable salad and fries. Low-carb options like jicama fries fit nicely alongside your schnitzel, or try classic french fries for a traditional touch.
FAQs
Why did my chicken schnitzel not brown in the air fryer?
If your schnitzel is not browning, avoid crowding the breaded chicken so air can circulate freely. Use the tray closest to the heating element if your air fryer has multiple rack positions. Try flipping the cutlets if the bottoms aren’t browning.
Can you make pork, veal, or beef schnitzel in the air fryer?
Yes, this recipe works with any meat. Make sure cutlets are pounded to an even thickness. You may need to adjust cooking times depending on the meat and your air fryer.
How long does air fryer chicken schnitzel last?
Schnitzel is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The panko coating may lose some crispness.
Can you freeze air fryer schnitzel?
Yes, freeze schnitzel in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to prevent the cutlets from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags.
Can you air fry frozen schnitzel?
Yes, place frozen schnitzel in a single layer on the air fryer tray. Cook at 375F (190C), flipping every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
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