These easy crispy air fryer pork chops are a treat! Seasoned simply and cooked to perfection, they turn out juicy on the inside and nice and crunchy on the outside.
You’ll love how quick they cook up in the air fryer! I can enjoy a tasty meal without all the fuss. Plus, who can resist a crispy bite? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you want to use boneless, that’s fine too! Just adjust cooking time, as they cook faster.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a lovely crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they may not be as crispy. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
Parmesan Cheese: It adds rich flavor. Grana Padano or nutritional yeast can be good substitutes if you want a dairy-free option.
Spices: Feel free to customize spices based on your taste. For instance, try chili powder for some heat, or swap dried thyme with dried rosemary for a different herb flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy?
Keeping pork chops juicy is essential, and proper cooking is key. Here’s how:
- Pat the chops dry with paper towels before breading. This helps the coating stick better and lowers excess moisture.
- Make sure not to overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork. Pull them from the air fryer as soon as they hit that temperature.
- Let the cooked pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy and juicy pork chops every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, plus 3-5 minutes for resting after cooking. In about 25-30 minutes, you can have delicious, crispy pork chops ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the pork chops cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating!
3. Whisk the Eggs:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the pork chops.
4. Dry the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting that crispy coating!
5. Coat the Pork Chops:
Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
6. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray both sides of the coated pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them get extra crispy in the air fryer.
7. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
8. Cooking Time:
Cook the pork chops for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Rest the Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve hot. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of these air fryer pork chops!
These pork chops come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside—no deep-frying needed! Enjoy! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they will cook faster than bone-in chops, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work, though they might not be quite as crispy. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture or even almond flour for a low-carb option!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Before Cooking?
Yes! For extra flavor, feel free to marinate the pork chops for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade. Just make sure to pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
