Schnitzel is delicious anytime of year, but particularly popular in the fall around Oktoberfest. Usually, you’ll find chicken, pork, veal, and sometimes beef varieties. If you don’t want to do all the pounding and breading, I love Aldi pork schnitzel in the air fryer as an easy alternative!
Aldi does all the hard work for you with frozen schnitzel, which can be found in the Aldi Finds section for a few weeks a year (typically during Oktoberfest). I’ve seen them in chicken, pork, and beef varieties.
While the preparation directions call for deep frying or pan frying in oil to get that classic crispy exterior, I love using my air fryer instead! You’ll get a nice, browned crust with far less oil needed than any other method.
Even though I’m preparing the pork schnitzel, this works for the other varieties as well so you can make your favorites!
If you are interested at making your own homemade version, make sure to check out my crispy Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel recipe to get started!
Ingredients
24 ounce box frozen Aldi Deutsche Küche pork schnitzel
Olive oil spray
Ingredient Notes and Tips
A box contains 6 servings. You can cook as many or as few as you like at a time, so long as they fit in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket. Cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding
How to Cook Aldi Pork Schnitzel in an Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Remove desired number of frozen schnitzels from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Spritz the tops of the schnitzel with a fine mist of olive oil spray
Cook on the air fry setting for 6 minutes, then flip, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (or 165°F if you have the chicken variety)
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite German-inspired sides
What to Serve With Pork Schnitzel
Green salad
German potato salad
Spaetzle
Hasselback potatoes
Mashed potatoes
French fries
Red cabbage
Sauerkraut
Green beans
Asparagus
Roasted root vegetables
Mushroom gravy
Applesauce
Oktoberfest beers
Wiesen beers
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Pinot gris
There are lots of great sides and beverages to pair with Aldi’s pork schnitzel! Potatoes and vegetables are always a great option to balance out your meal, and there are many flavors that compliment the pork.
Can I Use Frozen Aldi Pork Schnitzel in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen Aldi pork schnitzel in the air fryer. It does not require advance defrosting, and may be cooked directly from frozen.
Make sure not to overcrowd to allow for air flow, and flip halfway through cooking to get the best crunch on the breading.
How Do I Prevent the Schnitzel From Becoming Dry?
To prevent your pork schnitzel from becoming dry in the air fryer, avoid overcooking by following recommended time and temperature settings and check in regularly near the end of the time.
If you notice your schnitzel drying out during cooking, you can brush it with a small amount of oil to help retain moisture.
Can I Cook Multiple Pieces at Once?
Yes, you can cook multiple pieces of Aldi pork schnitzel in the air fryer at the same time. However, make sure they are not overlapping to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
Any pieces that overlap will result in wet spots caused by moisture that isn’t able to escape during cooking, so it will create soggy breading.
What’s the Recommended Internal Temperature for Pork Schnitzel?
The recommended safe internal temperature for pork schnitzel is 145°F (63°C). It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to ensure that the schnitzel is thoroughly cooked without overcooking it.
This is the same for beef, but chicken schnitzel should be cooked to 165°F instead.
Can I Reheat Leftover Air Fried Schnitzel?
Yes, you can reheat leftover air-fried schnitzel. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and place the leftover schnitzel in the basket. Set it for around 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
This method helps maintain the schnitzel’s crispy texture.
Are There Any Gluten-Free Options Available?
Aldi currently does not offer pork schnitzel in a gluten free option. However, they often add new items to their rotation, so it could appear in the future.
If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure to read product labels for allergen information.
Recipe Pro Tips
My Aldi pork schnitzel was perfectly cooked with a crispy outside and juicy interior after 12 minutes total in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, and verified via instant read thermometer. Other brands and models may vary
If you don’t have an instant read thermometer, I’ve noticed that the meat juice will pool on top of the schnitzels. Make sure that they are clear instead of pink!
I can fit 4 frozen schnitzels at a time in my 8-qt Ninja air fryer. Other sizes of air fryer will vary
While I’ve noted in a lot of other frozen food recipes that oil isn’t needed, that isn’t the case here. Aldi pork schnitzels are not pre-cooked, but rather breaded and frozen raw. Thus, the oil usually found in pre-cooked items is not present here, and needs to be added to give you the crisping and browning
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pork schnitzel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not refreeze once it has been cooked from the frozen state once
To reheat leftover schnitzel, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that this method also works for leftovers from a restaurant, as well as homemade
I love schnitzel, but what I don’t love is the time it takes to pound it, bread it, and then still have to cook it. So, why not make things easier thanks to Aldi pork schnitzel in the air fryer?
This frozen option eliminates all that pesky prep work and allows you to cook directly from frozen, with your main course ready in less than 15 minutes. I mean, how can you go wrong?
That gives you plenty of time to work on your side dishes to complete your meal, while your air fryer crisps things up to perfection!
Aldi Frozen Pork Schnitzel Air Fryer Recipe
Cook Aldi frozen pork schnitzel in the air fryer for a crispy crust, juicy meat, and easy dinner in just 15 minutes! Pair with your favorite sides to make a meal.
24Ouncebox frozen Aldi Deutsche Küche pork schnitzel(or another flavor of your choosing)
Olive oil spray(or similar)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Remove desired number of frozen schnitzels from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket or rack in a single layer
24 Ounce box frozen Aldi Deutsche Küche pork schnitzel
Spritz the tops of the schnitzel with a fine mist of olive oil spray
Olive oil spray
Cook on the air fry setting for 6 minutes, then flip, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (or 165°F if you have the chicken variety)
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite German-inspired sides
Notes
A box contains 6 servings. You can cook as many or as few as you like at a time, so long as they fit in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket. I can fit 4 at a time in my 8-qt air fryer. Cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding
My Aldi pork schnitzel was perfectly cooked with a crispy outside and juicy interior after 12 minutes total in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, and verified via instant read thermometer. Other brands and models may vary
If you don’t have an instant read thermometer, I’ve noticed that the meat juice will pool on top of the schnitzels. Make sure that they are clear instead of pink!
While I’ve noted in a lot of other frozen food recipes that oil isn’t needed, that isn’t the case here. Aldi pork schnitzels are not pre-cooked, but rather breaded and frozen raw. Thus, the oil usually found in pre-cooked items is not present here, and needs to be added to give you the crisping and browning
Store leftover pork schnitzel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not refreeze once it has been cooked from the frozen state once
To reheat leftover schnitzel, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that this method also works for leftovers from a restaurant, as well as homemade (but actual time will vary based on the size of your schnitzels)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
