These crispy air fryer pork chops are a quick and tasty meal! With just a few simple spices and a short cooking time, you’ll have juicy pork chops in no time.
I love how easy they are to make! Just season, pop them in the air fryer, and relax for a few minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when energy is low! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend boneless chops for optimal cooking. If you prefer bone-in, that works too! Just note, they may need a minute or two longer to cook through.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are fantastic for a crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work. Just keep in mind that they might not be as crunchy.
Parmesan Cheese: The cheese adds a nice flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for that cheesy finish!
Herbs: Fresh thyme is optional but adds a lovely touch. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried thyme can also be used. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Get the Perfect Breaded Coating?
Getting that golden, crispy coating requires a few key steps. First, make sure your egg wash is well mixed and fully coats the pork. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well!
- Brush your pork chops with oil or melted butter. This helps achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
- After dredging in breadcrumbs, press down gently to help them stick well. A solid coating makes all the difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space so the hot air can circulate around the chops, ensuring even cooking.
These techniques will guide you to that crispy perfection you’re looking for! Enjoy your air-fried meal! 🍴
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Ready in Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 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 olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes of prep time and about 12 minutes of cooking time. So in just about 17 minutes, you can enjoy crispy, delicious pork chops straight from your air fryer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should only take about 5 minutes, and it’s an important step to ensure your pork chops cook evenly and turn crispy.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, crack and whisk the 2 large eggs. This will act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the pork chops.
3. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds great flavor!
4. Brush the Pork Chops:
Take your boneless pork chops and lightly brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the coating stick and give you that crispy texture.
5. Dredge the Pork Chops:
Now, dip each pork chop first into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good layer of crumbs sticks.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
7. Air Fry to Perfection:
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pork chops to ensure they cook evenly. When they’re golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), they’re done!
8. Let Them Rest:
Carefully remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them juicy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like, then serve warm. These crispy pork chops are perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked pork chops — quick and easy right from the air fryer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Bone-in pork chops will work too. Just remember that they may take a little longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Without Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using crushed cornflakes or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. They’ll still provide a nice crunch!
How to Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for that crispy texture again.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. They also make a delicious sandwich the next day!
