These crispy fried pork chops are tender and packed with flavor. Just coat them in a seasoned breading and fry until golden brown — simple and satisfying!
Frying these chops can feel like a mini celebration in the kitchen! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner. I usually serve them with mashed potatoes and veggies to create a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy. For a leaner option, you can use boneless pork loin chops. If you prefer some fat for more flavor, bone-in chops work well too.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can also work. You could even use crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers for a unique texture.
Buttermilk: This ingredient helps tenderize the chops, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Just let it sit for a few minutes to sour, and you’re good to go!
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add great flavor. You could customize the seasonings based on your taste; adding Italian seasoning or even some chili powder can give a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Coating on Pork Chops?
Getting that delicious, crispy coating is all about layering flavors and textures properly. Here are the steps to ensure success:
- First, soak the pork chops in buttermilk if you can. This not only tenderizes but adds moisture.
- When breading, make sure to shake off excess flour. This helps the egg mixture stick better without clumping.
- Press firmly into the breadcrumbs. The more you press, the better they stick, making your coating crunchier.
- Fry in hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the temperature steady, ensuring your chops fry instead of steam.
- Finally, placing them on paper towels after frying allows excess oil to drain without making them soggy.
With these tips, you’re set for crispy, flavorful fried pork chops that everyone will love!
Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 6 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional for tenderizing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-30 minutes for prep (depending on whether you marinate in buttermilk) and approximately 10-15 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can expect to have crispy, delicious pork chops ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork Chops:
If you’re using buttermilk, place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture. If you’re skipping the buttermilk, you can move right on to the next step.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully combined. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining salt and pepper. You should have three separate stations for easy coating!
3. Coat the Pork Chops:
If you marinated the pork chops, take them out of the buttermilk. First, gently coat each pork chop in the seasoned flour, being sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip them into the beaten eggs so they’re fully coated, and finally, press them into the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Make sure to press firmly for the crumbs to stick nicely and make them extra crispy!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a heavy skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking—about 350°F is ideal. To test if it’s ready, drop in a small piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately!
5. Fry the Pork Chops:
Carefully place a few pork chops in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. You can use a meat thermometer to check!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the chops to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite sides like steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious and balanced meal.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, juicy fried pork chops! You’re going to love them!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can work just as well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may take a little longer to cook through, so be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these pork chops gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs, such as crushed rice cereal or gluten-free panko. Just ensure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help keep the coating crispy!
Can I Use Alternative Oils for Frying?
While vegetable and canola oil are great for frying, you can also use oils with higher smoke points like peanut oil or avocado oil. Just make sure they’re suitable for frying to achieve that perfect crispiness!
