📝 About This Recipe
A beloved staple across Latin America and Italy, the Milanesa is the ultimate comfort food—traditionally deep-fried but reimagined here for the air fryer without losing that iconic golden shatter. This recipe uses thin, tenderized beef steaks coated in a seasoned herb-and-garlic breading that locks in moisture while creating a crisp, greaseless exterior. It’s a lighter, modern take on a classic that delivers all the nostalgic flavor with half the cleanup and effort.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef
- 1.5 pounds Top Round or Eye of Round steaks (sliced very thin, about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
The Breading Station
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 pieces Large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (whisked into the eggs for depth)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 1 cup Plain breadcrumbs (traditional fine texture)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (adds extra air-fryer crunch)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika (for color and warmth)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (very finely chopped)
For Air Frying
- 2-3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil spray (high-quality spray for browning)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Prepare the beef by placing the steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound them until they are an even 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.
-
2
Season both sides of the pounded steaks generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
-
3
Set up a three-dish dredging station. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs with the Dijon mustard and minced garlic. In the third, combine the plain breadcrumbs, panko, oregano, paprika, and fresh parsley.
-
4
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures the crust sets immediately.
-
5
Take one piece of beef and coat it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. It should have a very thin, dusty coating.
-
6
Dip the floured beef into the egg mixture, ensuring every inch is moistened, then let the excess drip off.
-
7
Press the beef firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Flip and press again to ensure a thick, even coating. Pat the crumbs down with your palms to make sure they stick.
-
8
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded steaks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap (you may need to cook in batches).
-
9
Generously spray the tops of the steaks with the olive oil spray. This is the secret to achieving a golden-brown color in an air fryer.
-
10
Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Open the basket, carefully flip the steaks using tongs, and spray the other side with olive oil.
-
11
Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the exterior is deeply golden and the beef is cooked through but still tender.
-
12
Remove the Milanesas from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always pound the meat to a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness. Mixing Panko with traditional breadcrumbs gives you the best of both worlds: full coverage and extra crunch. Don't skip the oil spray; breadcrumbs need a little fat to brown and crisp up properly in the circulating air. Avoid overcrowding the basket; air needs to circulate around all sides of the meat for that 'fried' texture. If the beef is very lean, add a teaspoon of oil to the egg wash to help keep the meat moist.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top; the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. Pair with a classic Argentine tomato and onion salad (Ensalada Criolla) for a refreshing contrast. Serve alongside 'Papas Fritas' (french fries) or a creamy mashed potato for the ultimate comfort meal. For a 'Milanesa a la Napolitana,' top the cooked beef with ham, tomato sauce, and mozzarella, then air fry for 2 more minutes until melted. A cold lager or a glass of Malbec pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the beef.