These crispy air fryer pork chops are quick, juicy, and full of flavor! You’ll love how they get that golden crunch without deep frying.
Honestly, it feels like magic watching them cook! I pair mine with some veggies for a fun meal. Plus, clean-up is easy, which is always a win in my book! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I prefer boneless pork chops for this recipe since they cook quickly and stay tender. If you want, you can use bone-in chops, just extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko gives a fantastic crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs will work, but the final texture might be less crispy. Just add a few more spices to boost the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice depth of flavor. You can substitute it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Eggs and Milk: These help the breading stick. You can use a flaxseed meal mixture or applesauce as a vegan alternative, but the texture will differ slightly.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste! Italian seasoning or Cajun spice can offer a fun twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Pork Chops?
The secret to that satisfying crunch is all in the breading process! Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly crispy:
- Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better.
- Dip the pork chops in the egg mixture fully. Let the excess drip off, this reduces sogginess.
- Coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing down a bit so they adhere well. The more pressed, the crunchier!
- Lightly spray the breaded pork chops with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If they overlap, the steam might make them soggy.
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly crispy pork chops every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and approximately 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, plus an extra 3-5 minutes for resting. Altogether, you’ll have a tasty dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pork chops cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will create a delicious crunch!
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to your pork chops.
4. Dry the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting a great crust as moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly.
5. Bread the Pork Chops:
Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off. Now, dredge the pork chop in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
6. Spray with Oil:
Lightly spray both sides of the coated pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them brown and crisp up in the air fryer.
7. Air Fry the Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
8. Cook to Perfection:
Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Rest Before Serving:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This will keep them juicy!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Enjoy your crispy, juicy pork chops with your favorite sides!
This recipe creates delicious, crunchy-crusted pork chops with a tender inside using the air fryer. It’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?
Yes, you can! Bone-in pork chops will work, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs will work, but they may not yield the same crunch. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to enjoy these pork chops fresh, you can prep the breaded chops in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve!
