These breaded air fryer pork chops are juicy and crispy, making dinner feel special without the fuss! It’s a quick recipe that gives you that yummy crunch we all love.
Honestly, the air fryer works magic here! I can’t get enough of that golden coating. Pair them with veggies or mashed potatoes for a delightful meal. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are the star here and should be about 1-inch thick for even cooking. If you can only find bone-in chops, they’ll work too—just adjust cooking time. You can also use chicken breasts as a substitute!
Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If you don’t have any, plain ones mixed with spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder can create a similar taste. Panko breadcrumbs are also a great choice for extra crispiness!
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for low-calorie options, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Flour and Egg:
Tossing the chops in flour keeps the coating intact. If avoiding gluten, use gluten-free flour. Instead of egg, a milk and cornstarch mixture can also help your breading stick.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating in an Air Fryer?
Getting that crispy, golden exterior is all about technique! Here’s what to focus on:
- Layering: Coat the pork chops first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. This three-step process ensures the coating sticks well.
- Press Firmly: After coating with breadcrumbs, press them onto the pork chops. This helps them adhere better during cooking.
- Oil Spray: A light spray of oil on the breaded chops helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.
- Space Them Out: Cook the pork chops in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
Following these tips will help you serve perfectly crispy and juicy pork chops every time!
Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray or oil mist
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook, totaling about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the pork chops cook evenly.
2. Prepare Your Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour (lightly seasoned with salt and pepper), the second with the egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese if you’re using it.
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Dredge each pork chop in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides evenly. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly to help them stick.
5. Spray with Oil:
Lightly spray the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or a mist of oil. This will help achieve that nice, crispy crust.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
7. Cook the Pork Chops:
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the pork chops halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. They are done when the breading is golden brown and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside your favorite veggies or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your crispy, delicious pork chops!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work fine; just be aware that they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature.
What Can I Substitute for the Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, corn flakes, or panko for extra crunch. Alternatively, a mixture of oats and seasonings can also serve as a healthy substitute.
Can I Make These Pork Chops in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the pork chops in advance by breading them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge—no need to thaw!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the breading crispy.