These crispy air fryer pork chops are a total winner! They’re quick to make and come out juicy with a crunchy coating that’s hard to resist.
I love that I can whip these up in no time and enjoy a tasty dinner without all the fuss. Serve them with your favorite sides for a delightful meal! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops for this recipe as they cook faster and remain juicy. If you prefer, bone-in chops can be used, but adjust cooking time for thickness. For a healthier option, go for lean cuts like loin chops.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter and crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, try using crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs, though it might not be as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds flavor and helps the coating crisp up. Grated or shredded will work, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute if you’re vegan.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika are key for flavor. Feel free to swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or add other spices like chili powder or Italian seasoning for a different twist!
How Can You Ensure Your Pork Chops Are Crispy?
To achieve that desired crunch, the preparation of the pork chops is key. Here are steps to follow for optimal crispiness:
- Preheat the air fryer properly — it helps the chops start cooking immediately.
- Pate the chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this allows the coating to stick better.
- Use enough oil—brush the chops lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs crisp up in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air to circulate around the chops for even cooking.
- Flip halfway through to ensure both sides get that golden, crispy finish.
Following these tips will help you serve up perfectly crispy air fryer pork chops every time!
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- For Dipping:
- 2 large eggs
- For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy delicious, crispy pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is important to get that crispy texture!
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well combined. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the pork chops.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds wonderful flavor and crunch!
4. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Use paper towels to pat the pork chops dry. This step helps ensure they get nice and crispy.
5. Brush with Oil:
Lightly brush each pork chop with olive oil or melted butter. This will aid in browning the coating beautifully.
6. Coat the Chops:
First, dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, letting any excess egg drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
7. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Place the coated pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them—if needed, cook in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Let Them Rest:
Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your quick and easy crispy air fryer pork chops paired with your favorite sides!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure they are completely thawed before you start. Thaw pork chops in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking and a loss of crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs can work but may not yield the same crunch. You can also use crushed cornflakes, which will provide a nice crunch, or even crushed potato chips for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their crispness, or you can warm them in the microwave, though this may soften the coating.
What Sides Pair Well with Air Fryer Pork Chops?
These crispy pork chops go wonderfully with a variety of sides! Try serving them with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even apple sauce for a classic touch. The options are endless!
