These Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops are a total game changer! Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, they cook up quickly and taste amazing with your favorite sides.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make a delicious meal. Just season, air fry, and enjoy! I love serving mine with mashed potatoes or veggies, and they always disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe, as they’re tender and easy to cook. You can also use bone-in chops, but cooking time may vary. For a healthier option, try using chicken breasts instead!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will still work but the texture may be a bit denser. You can even crush crackers or cornflakes as a fun alternative!
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan helps with the crunch and flavor. If you want a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, but you’ll miss some of the crispiness. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Seasonings: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne can add some nice warmth. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste!
How Can You Achieve Crispy, Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
The secret to great crispy pork chops is in the breading and proper cooking technique. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- When coating, make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the pork chops firmly for a thick, even coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space allows the hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy finish. Cook in batches if needed.
- Insert a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be at least 145°F (63°C). This ensures your pork chops are juicy and safe to eat!
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and enhances the flavor.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy and flavorful pork chops that everyone will love!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 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
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation and around 12 to 15 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll spend about 20 minutes making these delicious pork chops, plus a little time for resting before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will help the pork chops cook evenly and get that nice crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture:
In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything well so all the breadcrumbs are nicely flavored.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and beat them until they are well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the pork chops.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and first dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure the chop is fully coated with the egg. Then, dredge the pork chop in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a nice, even coating. Repeat for all pork chops.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket because each chop needs space for the air to circulate. Don’t forget to lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
6. Cook the Pork Chops:
Cook the pork chops for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Your pork chops are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will help keep them juicy!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish your crispy pork chops with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve them hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your delicious and easy crispy air fryer pork chops! They make for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker thaw. This ensures even cooking and the crispiest texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work fine, but they may not yield the same crispiness. Alternatively, crushed crackers or cornflakes can provide a fun twist and great crunch!
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer again for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture, or warm them in the microwave if you prefer.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the pork chops ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, and they’ll still turn out crispy when you cook them in the air fryer!
