These air fryer pork chops are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You’ll love how simple they are to make—with just a sprinkle of seasoning and a quick cook!
Honestly, these chops make me feel like a chef without all the fuss. I like to serve them with a side of veggies for a tasty meal. Enjoy that crunch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe. If you prefer bone-in, just remember they may take a bit longer to cook. You can also substitute with chicken breasts or thighs if you’re looking for a different protein!
Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work fine, but the texture won’t be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds flavor and helps the crust brown. If you don’t have parmesan, try using pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice touch of smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or garlic powder can still bring great flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for heat!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Achieving a crispy coating is key to these pork chops! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your panko mixture is well combined. This ensures even coverage over the pork chops.
- When coating, ensure the pork is fully dipped in the egg wash first. This helps the panko stick better.
- Spray or lightly brush the coated chops with oil or butter. This is essential for that crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; it’s better to cook in batches. Proper air circulation helps everything cook evenly!
Letting the pork chops rest after cooking enhances their juiciness, so don’t skip that step!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For Dipping:
- 2 large eggs
- For Crispiness:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy pork chops ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your pork chops will cook evenly and get that irresistible crispy texture right from the beginning!
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so the spices are evenly distributed in the crumbs.
3. Beat the Eggs
In another bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them until well beaten. This will act as the adhesive for your seasoning to stick to the pork chops.
4. Coat the Pork Chops
Take each pork chop and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, transfer the chop to the panko mixture and press gently to coat the chop evenly with the crumbs. Make sure the coating is nice and thick for the best crunch.
5. Brush for Extra Crispiness
Now, lightly brush both sides of the coated pork chops with olive oil or melted butter. This step is essential to achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy finish!
6. Air Fry the Chops
Place the coated pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them—if needed, cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
7. Check Doneness
Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Once they look golden and crispy, they’re good to go!
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Dig into your crispy air fryer pork chops and enjoy the delightful crunch with every bite. They pair beautifully with your favorite sides, whether it’s a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just fine, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I Freeze Cooked Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze cooked pork chops! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well With This Dish?
These crispy pork chops go great with a variety of dipping sauces! Consider serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy barbecue sauce for an added flavor kick.
