These Crispy Breaded Pork Chops are golden brown, delicious, and ready in just 12 minutes with this easy air fryer recipe. The flavorful outer coating starts with panko bread crumbs for added texture along with herbs and spices you already have in the pantry.
4(4) Bone-in center-cut pork chops, about 24 oz (1/2" thick) [See Note 1]
non-fat cooking spray, like Pam cooking spray
Ingredients for Liquid Dredge Station:
1egg, beaten
1/4cupwater
Ingredients for Dry Dredge Station:
1cupPanko breadcrumbs
1/2cupAll-purpose flour, optional
4teaspoonspaprika
2teaspoonsdried parsley
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1/4 - 1/2teaspooncayenne pepper, more or less to taste
1/4teaspoondry mustard
1/2teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Prepare the chops: Trim all fat from chops. Rinse with water to remove any bone particles.
Prepare the Dredge Stations: In one shallow dish or baking pan, beat the egg with water. In another shallow bowl or baking pan, mix together Panko bread crumbs and spices.
If adding the OPTIONAL flour dredge, set up a third pan with the flour.
Coat the Chops: If using the optional flour step, first lightly coat the chop in flour. Shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere to the pork chop. If not using flour, skip to the next step.
Place chops in egg wash mixture and turn to wet both sides. Next, dip chops into crumb mixture turning to coat both sides.
Into the Fryer: Place chops in Air Fryer pan. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. If necessary, add a wire rack to create a second tier of pork chops (See photos). Insert drawer into fryer and close.
Cook the Chops: Set the temperature to 380 degrees F and the time for 12 minutes. Turn the chops halfway through the cooking time and lightly spray with cooking spray. Close the drawer and continue cooking. The chops are done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and the center is no longer pink.
Give it a Rest: Allow the chops to rest for 3-minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions: For an easy 20-minute meal, serve with steamed vegetables, quick-cooking rice, and a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
Storage: Leftovers may be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
For boneless chops, use the same temperature and an initial time of about 10 minutes, checking for doneness and adding additional time in 1 minute increments.
Flavor Variations:
Italian flavor - Swap the parsley for oregano or Italian spice blend.
French Provincial - Swap the parsley for Herbs de Provence.
Air Fryer Pork Chops FAQs:
How much is a portion? According to current dietary guidelines, a serving of cooked lean pork is 2-3 ounces per person. A typical pork chop is about 6 oz or two of the meat servings towards the daily allowance.
Can I cook more/less than the recipe indicates Can Pork Be Pink? The USDA recommended cooking temperature for pork is 145 degrees F (62.8 degrees C) which is safe to eat even if it is still a little pink in the center.
What's the best way to defrost Pork Chops?
Refrigerator Thawing – Planning ahead is the key to this method because of the lengthy time involved. Pork Chops will require a full day to thaw in the refrigerator. After thawing in the refrigerator, pork chops should remain safe for an additional 3 to 5 days before cooking.
Cold Water Thawing – This method is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention. Small packages of pork chops should thaw in an hour or less.
How to Store Leftovers? Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.