Air fryer pork chops are a game-changer for weeknight dinners. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside—without the need for a lot of oil. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make crispy pork chops in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Cooked in about 15 minutes, these pork chops are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Without the Oil: The air fryer creates a crispy coating without deep frying.
- Juicy and Flavorful: With a well-seasoned breading, the pork chops are juicy and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, but panko gives extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
1.1 Pound the Pork Chops:
- For even cooking, use a meat mallet to gently pound the pork chops to an even thickness, if needed. This helps them cook more evenly and stay tender.
1.2 Season the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Season both sides with a bit of salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
2.1 Prepare the Flour Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2.2 Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
2.3 Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Bread the Pork Chops:
3.1 Coat in Flour:
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3.2 Dip in Egg Wash:
- Dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
3.3 Coat with Breadcrumbs:
- Press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Press down slightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
4. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
4.1 Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4.2 Cook the Pork Chops:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4.3 Air Fry:
- Air fry the pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve:
5.1 Rest the Pork Chops:
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them tender.
5.2 Enjoy!
- Serve your crispy air fryer pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Pork Chops:
- Even Thickness: Ensuring the pork chops are of even thickness helps them cook more uniformly.
- Dry Surface: Patting the pork chops dry before breading helps the coating adhere better.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
Enjoy these Crispy Pork Chops as a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or crunch. The air fryer’s magic makes them a go-to recipe for a satisfying and hassle-free dinner!