These Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops are juicy and crispy, perfect for a quick dinner. The air fryer makes them healthier without losing the crunchy goodness!
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just season, bread, and let the air fryer do its magic. Pair with some veggies, and you’ve got a yummy meal ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Choose bone-in for extra flavor! Boneless works too and cooks a bit faster. For a leaner option, consider turkey cutlets as a substitute.
Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch, but regular breadcrumbs are fine. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Seasonings: Customize the spices! Add chili powder for heat or Italian herbs for an extra kick. Fresh garlic can be a nice fresh addition too.
What’s the Best Way to Bread Pork Chops without a Mess?
Breading can feel messy, but here’s how to keep it organized! Set up a neat assembly line using three bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This tidy method prevents cross-contamination and keeps your hands less messy.
- Use one hand for wet (egg) and the other for dry (flour and breadcrumbs) to minimize cleanup.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the pork for better adherence.
- Don’t rush between bowls; make sure each chop gets an even coating for crispy results.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly breaded pork chops every time! Happy cooking!
Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Fresh greens or salad, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
Start by placing the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup will help streamline the breading process.
2. Bread the Pork Chops:
Take a pork chop and pat it dry with paper towels—this helps the breading stick. Dredge it in the flour, ensuring you cover the chop thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off before moving on to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently on the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well. Repeat this for all pork chops.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes, so it’s nice and hot for cooking.
4. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches.
5. Cook:
Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. They are done when they’re golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes to keep them juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you like. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of fresh greens or your favorite salad.
Enjoy your crispy, juicy breaded pork chops made effortlessly in the air fryer! It’s a lovely meal the whole family will appreciate!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops in This Recipe?
For best results, use thawed pork chops. If they’re frozen, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
How Can I Store Leftover Breaded Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave them briefly on low heat.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work fine. You can also use crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers for a different texture. Just ensure they are seasoned for added flavor!
Can I Make These Pork Chops Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free for safe consumption.
