These crispy air fryer pork chops are quick and easy to make. With a golden, crunchy outside and juicy inside, they’ll surely impress everyone at the dinner table!
I love how the air fryer makes them perfectly crisp without all the oil. Just season, pop them in, and you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time. Who knew something so simple could be so good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops deliver great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops, but adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pork chops a nice coating. If you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or a gluten-free blend to achieve a similar effect.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a super crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be quite as crunchy. If you want a healthier option, try crushed cornflakes or ground oats.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add lots of flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for some heat!
How Can You Get the Coating Extra Crispy?
Getting a crispy coating on your pork chops is all about the technique. Here’s how to make it work:
- Make sure to pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. Moisture can keep the coating from getting crispy.
- Layer the coating properly: Flour, egg mixture, and finally panko. Each step helps the next stick better.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! A light mist helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully in the air fryer.
- Arrange the pork chops in a single layer without overlap in the air fryer. This promotes even cooking and crispiness.
Getting all these steps right ensures you’ll bite into juicy pork chops with a perfect crunchy outside every time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil mist
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. So, in just around 25-30 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy pork chops ready to serve. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
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 to ensure that your pork chops cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Breadings:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Then, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. You’re setting up a simple assembly line!
3. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture (this helps with crisping!). Now, dredge each chop in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, press each chop into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Make sure to cover all sides!
4. Prepare for Cooking:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or oil mist. This will help them get that nice golden crust. Then, arrange the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. This is important for even cooking!
5. Cooking Time:
Cook the pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time. They’re done when they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to keep them juicy!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer pork chops! They’re perfect served with your favorite sides or a fresh salad! 🍽️
FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes! Boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook slightly faster. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
What Should I Do If My Pork Chops Are Not Browning?
If your pork chops aren’t browning well, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Make sure you’re using enough cooking spray or oil mist on the breading, as this helps achieve a golden color. Additionally, ensure your air fryer is preheated properly for even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bread the pork chops ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing them in the air fryer for best results.
