These breaded air fryer pork chops are juicy and crispy, making them a hit at dinner! With just a few simple ingredients, you get that fried flavor without all the oil.
Honestly, the air fryer does all the hard work while I enjoy my evening. I love serving these with a side of veggies for a tasty and easy meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this recipe as they cook evenly. You can use bone-in chops or even chicken breasts if you prefer a lighter option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crispy crust that regular breadcrumbs can’t match. If you’re out of panko, try using crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will differ.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds a nice flavor boost. If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano works. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast.
Spices: The garlic, onion powder, and paprika give great flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices like oregano or cumin for a twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Breaded Coating?
The breading technique is essential for crispy air fryer pork chops. Here’s a simple way to nail it:
- Set up your breading station: Keep your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs ready in separate dishes.
- Make sure the pork chops are dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better.
- Coat the pork chop in flour first, shaking off excess. This creates a base for the egg to stick.
- Make sure to fully coat in the egg wash before pressing into the breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure they adhere well.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the chops for even cooking and crisping.
Following these steps will help achieve that perfect golden crust that makes these pork chops so delicious!
How to Make Delicious Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the Breading:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Wet Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 12 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect to have your delicious pork chops ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make sure your pork chops cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow dishes for your breading process. In the first dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important to help the breading stick better!
4. Dredge the Pork Chops:
Start by dredging each pork chop in the seasoned flour, making sure to cover the whole chop and shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press each chop into the panko mixture, coating it evenly and firmly. This will create that delicious crispy crust!
5. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up beautifully while cooking.
6. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through. They’re done when they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy, juicy breaded pork chops with a fresh green salad or your favorite sides. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just as well; just be aware that they may take a minute or two longer to cook through due to the bone. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The results will still be delicious!
What Should I Do If My Pork Chops Are Thicker?
If your pork chops are thicker than 1 inch, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark and continue cooking as needed until they reach the proper internal temperature.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
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 regain that crispy texture!
