These crispy air fryer pork chops are a breeze to make and super tasty! They come out golden brown and juicy, with a crunchy outside you’ll love.
Honestly, the air fryer does all the work while I relax. Perfect for busy evenings when I want something quick and delicious without a lot of fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite for flavor and juiciness. If you only have boneless chops, you can use those too! Just adjust the cooking time as they might cook faster.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they might not be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a cheesy flavor that pairs well with the pork. You can swap it for shredded mozzarella or omit it if you’re dairy-free.
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika are key for flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for some heat!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Pork Chops?
The secret to getting that crispy coating is all in the preparation! Here are the steps to follow:
- Make sure to dry your pork chops well with paper towels. Moisture leads to sogginess, and we want that crunch!
- When breading, press the breadcrumbs onto the pork so they stick well. This will give you a thicker layer of crunch.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Air frying at the right temperature for the right time helps achieve that golden crisp.
- Lastly, spray the breaded pork chops lightly with cooking spray. This promotes browning and crispiness while keeping it healthier.
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops – Easy & Quick
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 12-15 minutes to cook. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy crispy, juicy pork chops right from your air fryer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the pork chops an amazing flavor and crunch!
3. Make the Egg Wash:
In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the pork chops.
4. Dry the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step ensures they’re not soggy, which is key for that crispy finish.
5. Bread the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it on so it sticks well.
6. Spray with Oil:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
7. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overlap them; if needed, cook in batches. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
8. Check for Doneness:
Once the pork chops are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), they are done!
9. Let Them Rest:
Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This resting period helps keep them juicy.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, then serve hot. Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer pork chops!
FAQ about Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops, but be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they will likely cook faster—start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they’re less crunchy. You could also try crushed crackers or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Before Cooking?
Yes! Marinating adds great flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks and becomes crispy during cooking.
