Crispy Homemade Pork Schnitzel: Golden, Juicy, and Easy to Make
Want to make it extra indulgent? A quick béchamel cheese sauce over the top transforms this crunchy cutlet into something truly decadent.
Ingredients
- 6 pork schnitzels or boneless pork loin chops
- ⅓ cup cake flour
- 250ml buttermilk
- 1½-2 Panko or dried breadcrumbs
- salt and black pepper to taste
- garlic powder, paprika and cayenne pepper to taste - optional
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prep the Pork
- Place each pork chop between two sheets of heavy plastic wrap or in a resealable freezer bag. Pound gently with the smooth side of a meat mallet until about ¼ inch thick. Trim excess fat if desired, and make small slits along the edge to prevent curling during cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls:Bowl 1: Combine flour with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.Bowl 2: Add the buttermilk.Bowl 3: Pour in the breadcrumbs.
Bread the Pork:
- One at a time, dredge the pork in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Fry the Schnitzel:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 1–2 schnitzels at a time, cooking for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or warm oven while finishing the rest.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with lemon wedges, potato salad, or crispy roast potatoes.Add a side of coleslaw or cucumber salad for a cool, refreshing contrast.For a richer option, top with a cheese sauce or creamy mushroom gravy.Pair with a German-style beer or crisp white wine.
Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel Variation
- If you’d like a lighter option without sacrificing crispiness, try making your pork schnitzel in the air fryer. It’s just as crunchy and tender, with significantly less oil—making it a great alternative for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Prepare the pork schnitzels as instructed: pound, trim, and dredge through the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumb mixtures.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork schnitzels with cooking oil or brush with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. This helps achieve that golden crisp exterior.
- Place schnitzels in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for pork.
- Let rest briefly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Air Fryer Success:
- Don’t skip the oil spray—even a light mist helps achieve a crunchy coating.Avoid stacking or overlapping schnitzels in the basket. Proper air circulation is key for even browning.Add a second layer of breadcrumbs if you like extra crunch—just press them in gently after the first coat.