These crispy fried pork chops are a real treat! Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and cooked to golden perfection, they are juicy on the inside and super tasty.
I love pairing them with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Trust me, once you hear that crunch, you won’t be able to stop smiling! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless or bone-in pork chops work great. I usually prefer bone-in for added flavor, but boneless cooks faster and is easier to eat!
Buttermilk: It’s perfect for tenderizing meat, but you can mix regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar instead. It’s a good backup if you’re out of buttermilk.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They provide an amazing crunch. If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs work too, but your chops may be less crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes can also give a good texture!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. I often add a sprinkle of dried herbs or a bit of Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crunch?
To get those beautifully crispy fried pork chops, pay special attention to the coating process and frying technique.
- Pat the pork dry before marinating. This ensures the coating adheres well.
- Let the pork chops soak in buttermilk. It makes them juicy and flavorful!
- Coat them properly: flour first, then egg, and finally panko. Make sure each layer gets adhered well.
- Fry in hot oil but don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each chop enough space to fry evenly.
- Take note of cooking time; about 3-4 minutes per side will give a nice golden color.
Rest them after frying; this lets them maintain their juiciness inside while keeping the crust crispy. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4-6 pork chops, boneless or bone-in, about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 large eggs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus another 15-20 minutes for frying. It’s a quick and straightforward way to enjoy crispy fried pork chops that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better so you get that delicious crunch.
2. Marinate:
In a shallow bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Soak the pork chops in the buttermilk for 15-30 minutes. This step is important because it tenderizes the meat and adds extra moisture.
3. Prepare Dredging Stations:
Set up your dredging stations! In one shallow bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes coating the chops easy and organized!
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat the chop in the seasoned flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure a nice, even coating. Set the coated chops aside on a plate.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. A good test is to drop in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle right away!
6. Fry the Pork Chops:
Carefully add the breaded pork chops to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry each chop for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Drain and Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chops from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep them juicy!
8. Serve:
Enjoy your crispy fried pork chops with sides like steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes, or pair them with your favorite sides. Dig in and savor that crunchy goodness!
This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal that delivers on flavor and crunch. Enjoy your delicious pork chops!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! While boneless or bone-in pork chops are ideal, you can also use pork loin or even pork tenderloin cut into thick slices. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on thickness!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pork chops by marinating and breading them ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry, but I recommend frying them fresh for optimal crunch!
