These crispy air fryer pork chops are quick and tasty, ready in just 20 minutes! With a golden crust and juicy inside, they make dinner a breeze.
Honestly, there’s something magical about cooking pork chops in the air fryer. They come out perfectly cooked, and you can enjoy them with your favorite sides—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless chops, both about 1 inch thick for even cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could substitute with turkey cutlets or chicken breasts, but cooking times will vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch, but if you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs will work too! You can also crush crackers or use finely ground cornflakes as a substitute for a fun twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Pecorino Romano is another great alternative if you want something a little sharper.
Spices: The spices can be adjusted based on your taste. For a little heat, add some cayenne pepper. If you love fresh herbs, feel free to replace the dried thyme with fresh thyme for an aromatic boost.
How Do I Get That Crispy Texture?
Achieving a crispy texture in the air fryer is all about the coating and the cooking method. Here’s how to make sure your pork chops come out perfectly crispy:
- Start by drying the pork chops well with paper towels. Moisture will prevent crisping!
- Coat the pork chops fully in the egg mixture first, ensuring every inch is covered. This helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Press the panko breadcrumb mixture onto the pork chops firmly. The better it sticks, the crispier it will be!
- Don’t skip the cooking spray. A light coating helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up during cooking.
- Cook in a single layer without overlapping. If your air fryer basket is small, do it in batches for the best results.
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes from start to finish. 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). This usually takes about 5 minutes and helps ensure your pork chops cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk. This will be your egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick!
3. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In another shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This flavorful mixture will create a delicious crust.
4. Bread the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and pat it dry with paper towels. First, dip the chop into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
5. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps with getting that golden, crispy texture!
6. Air Fry the Chops:
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chops over and cook them for another 8-10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
8. Rest the Pork Chops:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the pork chops with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer pork chops!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking and crispiness. If frozen, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost function. Pat them dry before breading.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed cornflakes. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly!
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 back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to regain that crispiness, or microwave them briefly if necessary.
Can I Add More Flavor to the Coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Adding Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor and add a kick!
