Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tender, Pork Schnitzel is the ultimate comfort food with a satisfying crunch in every bite. This German-inspired classic takes simple boneless pork chops and transforms them into something special by pounding them thin, coating them in a crisp, flavorful breadcrumb crust, and pan-frying them to perfection. It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes impressive, but is surprisingly simple to make at home—even if you’ve never made schnitzel before.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, pork schnitzel brings warmth and tradition to the table. The breading crisps up beautifully in hot oil, while the inside stays juicy and tender. Pair it with lemon wedges for a bright pop of acidity, and maybe a side of potato salad or spaetzle to round out the meal. Best of all, it cooks quickly, so you can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: Thin pork chops cook quickly and evenly, staying tender under the crunchy breading.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just pantry staples and fresh herbs make this dish shine.
• Beginner Friendly: If you’ve never breaded meat before, this recipe makes it easy.
• Fast Cook Time: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flexible Serving Options: Delicious with mashed potatoes, salad, or in a sandwich.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless pork chops, ½-inch thick
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Trim any excess fat from the pork chops. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each chop between two sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/4-inch thick. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In a wide shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs until fully beaten.
Step 3: Bread the Pork
Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Shake off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy skillet or cast iron pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge about half the thickness of each cutlet.
Step 5: Fry the Schnitzel
Carefully place one or two breaded pork chops into the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the schnitzels with chopped parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Tips:
• Don’t Skip the Pounding: This step is key to tender schnitzel—it ensures quick, even cooking.
• Breadcrumbs Matter: Panko gives a crispier finish, but regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at around 350°F for even browning.
• Make It Chicken: This recipe also works beautifully with thin chicken breasts.
• Crispier Finish: After frying, place schnitzel on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom from getting soggy.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftover schnitzel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Let schnitzels cool completely, then freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
• Oven: Reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for the crispiest result.
Pork Schnitzel is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for a cozy dinner or even a crowd-pleasing lunch. Once you make it at home, you might just find yourself skipping the restaurant version altogether. Enjoy!
