These easy crispy air fryer pork chops are a tasty dinner choice! They’re juicy inside with a nice golden crunch outside, perfect for a weeknight meal.
I love how fast they cook in the air fryer—no need to watch a hot stove! Just season, air fry, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are perfect for this recipe as they cook evenly. If you can’t find boneless, bone-in chops also work well. Just adjust the cooking time for thicker cuts.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You could also crush plain crackers for a unique twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Seasonings: Feel free to mix up the spices! You can add Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper for some heat, or even lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Pork Chops?
The technique for achieving that crispy coating is all in the dredging process and cooking method. Here’s how to ensure your pork chops come out perfectly crispy.
- First, make sure each chop is evenly coated in flour. This helps the egg wash stick better.
- When you dip the chop in the egg wash, let any excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture firmly. This helps the coating adhere well during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Space between the chops allows hot air to circulate for an even, crispy finish.
- Flip halfway through the cooking to ensure both sides crisp up nicely. Check for a golden color before you remove them!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 12-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a 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 will ensure you get a nice crispy outside on those pork chops!
2. Set Up a Dredging Station:
Grab three shallow bowls and set them up for dredging. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better! Then, coat each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
4. Egg Wash Dip:
Next, dip the floured pork chop into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off before moving on to the breadcrumbs.
5. Coat in Breadcrumbs:
Press each pork chop firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat all sides completely. You want that nice crunch!
6. Prepare for Air Frying:
Place the coated pork chops on a plate and spray both sides lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them get perfectly crispy as they cook!
7. Air Frying:
Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if you have more chops, you can cook them in batches. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps them stay juicy! Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your tender, juicy pork chops with a crispy, flavorful crust made quickly and easily in the air fryer! Happy cooking! 🎉
FAQ about Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! Bone-in pork chops will take a bit longer to cook than boneless ones. Just be sure to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly—aim for around 15-20 minutes for bone-in chops to reach the safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be less crispy. Alternatively, you can crush plain crackers or use crushed cornflakes for a crunchy topping.
How Do 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 at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They will still turn out delicious and crispy!
