These air fryer pork chops are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
Cooking them in the air fryer makes cleanup easy, and you can enjoy perfect pork chops without the hassle of frying. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless works well here. I like using bone-in for added flavor, but boneless is super convenient. If you’re watching your budget, look for pork loin chops; they’re often cheaper and still tasty.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, though the texture might be a bit less crispy. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice savory flavor. If you’d like a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor too. You can also use any hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano.
Spices: Spice it up with your preference! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but you can also try chili powder for a kick. Adjust the garlic and onion powder to your taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Getting that crispy crust is all about the technique. First, don’t skip the egg dip! This step helps the breadcrumbs stick. Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before dredging; moisture can make the coating soggy.
- Press the breadcrumb mix firmly onto the chops for an even coating.
- Oil or butter is key for that golden color, so don’t hold back!
- Arrange the chops in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking. If you crowd them, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Halfway through cooking, turn the pork chops for even browning.
Let them rest after cooking; this keeps the juices in. You’ll love the crunchy outside and juicy inside!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 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 (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. So, in just around 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying delicious crispy pork chops right from the air fryer!
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 helps ensure the pork chops cook evenly and get that crispy outside.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they are smooth. This will act as the adhesive for your crumb coating.
3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating:
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the coating stick better. Dip each pork chop into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off.
5. Coat the Pork Chops:
Next, dredge each pork chop in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently onto the chops to ensure they adhere well. You want a nice even coating across the whole chop.
6. Add Oil for Crispiness:
To achieve that golden and crispy crust, lightly brush or spray both sides of the coated pork chops with olive oil or melted butter.
7. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them to allow for even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
8. Check for Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). At this point, they should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep the juices sealed inside.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of color and flavor. Then, dig in and enjoy your crispy air fryer pork chops! They make a fantastic weeknight dinner.
FAQ for Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Thinner Pork Chops?
Absolutely! If your pork chops are thinner than 1 inch, reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check their internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can work, but your crust might be a little less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflake crumbs!
How to Store Leftover 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 set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Before Cooking?
Yes! Marinating the pork chops for a few hours or overnight can add extra flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry before coating with the egg and breadcrumbs to ensure the crust gets crispy.
