These easy crispy air fryer pork chops are a dream come true! Juicy and flavorful, they get a perfect crunch without all the oil. Quick to whip up, you’ll be amazed!
Honestly, I love how little time it takes to cook these. Just season, pop them in the air fryer, and boom—crispy perfection! And the clean-up? A breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick. If you prefer bone-in chops, that works too! You can also use chicken breasts or thighs for a similar recipe.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, you can crush regular breadcrumbs or even use crushed cornflakes for a nice crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor and helps the coating crisp up beautifully. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great substitute, adding a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Spices: The smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you want a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper. You can mix and match your favorite spices for a personal touch!
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy coating involves a few key steps! First, pat your pork chops dry; this helps the coating stick better. The egg mixture acts as glue, so don’t skip it!
- Use a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs. Press them onto the chops to ensure they stick.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! A light spray on the coated chops helps them crisp up and become golden brown in the air fryer.
- Make sure to air fry in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause steaming, not crisping!
Lastly, let them rest a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal option. Add in a few minutes for resting, and you’ll have juicy, crispy pork chops ready in under 30 minutes!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the pork chops cook evenly and get that delicious crispy exterior!
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This will be your binding mixture for the pork chops.
3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating:
In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, allowing the coating to stick better. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
5. Dredge in Breadcrumbs:
Next, dredge the pork chops in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks well to both sides of the pork chop.
6. Spray for Crisping:
Lightly spray each breaded pork chop with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them get extra crispy while cooking!
7. Air Fry the Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them; if necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy.
9. Garnish:
If desired, garnish your delicious pork chops with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve hot and enjoy your meal paired with your favorite sides!
Dig in and relish those juicy, crispy pork chops. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for optimal cooking and flavor. If you only have frozen pork chops, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost function. Pat them dry before coating to ensure the breadcrumbs stick properly.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch! Just note that the texture might be slightly different, but both will still add a nice coating to the pork chops.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through to keep the texture crispy.
Can I Make These Pork Chops in the Oven Instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and reach the right internal temperature.
