Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops – Ready in just 12 minutes

These Crispy Breaded Air Fryer 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.

A serving plate filled with crispy air fryer pork chops which have been breaded and cooked to a perfect golden brown.

This air fryer pork chops recipe delivers chops that are moist, perfectly crisp, and delicious without the added fat or guilt of pan-frying – because they’re made in the Air Fryer!

Cooking pork chops in air fryer is quick and easy with the right sides, your whole meal will be ready in about 20-minutes. I serve these chops with steamed green beans, quick-cooking rice, and a tomato-cucumber salad for the perfect weeknight meal.

What ingredients and Special Tools are Needed for Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops?

  • Bone-in lean pork chops – The bone allows these chops to hold their shape in the fryer. Boneless may also be used.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – Panko adds a great crispy texture to air fryer foods. Regular dry bread crumbs or fresh breadcrumbs may also be used.
  • Herbs and Spices – These can be varied to your personal liking but this version tastes the most like the shake n bake recipe my family enjoys.

Special Tools & Equipment:

Air Fryer – I use a Power XL air fryer [paid link] but any air fryer with adjustable temperature and timer controls will certainly do the trick.

Digital Meat thermometer – This is my absolute go-to for making sure my food (cooked in the air fryer or not) is cooked to perfection. I use a Digital kitchen thermometer ( paid affiliate link) because they are much easier to read and much more accurate than classic meat thermometers.

Round Roasting Rack – I use an 8-inch roasting rack [paid link] (paid affiliate link) in my air fryer to create a second tier. I purchased it on Amazon.

Create the Bread Crumb Dredge.Create the Bread Crumb Dredge.
Create the wet Dredge.Create the wet Dredge.
Load the Air Fryer in 2 levels for even browning.Load the Air Fryer in 2 levels for even browning.

How to cook Pork Chops in the Air Fryer? 

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chops.
  2. Create a dredge station and coat chops with breading.
  3. Place pork chops into the Air Fryer basket. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
  4. Cook the chops, turning them halfway through the cooking time to crisp up both sides.
  5. The chops are done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and the center is no longer pink.
  6. Allow the chops to rest for 3-minutes before serving.
  7. See the Recipe card below for full instructions.
A horizontal photo of a plate of crispy breaded pork chops that have been cooked in the air fryer. They are surrounded by freshly steamed green beans.

Why this Recipe works

Air fryer pork chops are a popular choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal because they turn out tender and juicy with a crispy exterior, all without the need for excessive oil or deep frying.

  1. Even Cooking: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking on all sides of the pork chops. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking and results in a consistently cooked dish.
  2. Crispy Texture: The air fryer’s high heat quickly crisps up the surface of the pork chops. You can achieve a crunchy, golden-brown crust without submerging the meat in oil.
  3. Reduced Oil: Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This makes the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  4. Quick Cooking: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens. This means you can have dinner on the table in a fraction of the time.
  5. Versatility: You can customize the seasonings and marinades to suit your taste, making air fryer pork chops adaptable to various flavor profiles.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. Seasoning and Tasting as You Go:
    • Tip: Seasoning is crucial to enhancing the flavor of your dishes. When adding spices, salt, or other seasonings to your recipes, start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more seasoning later if needed, but it’s challenging to fix an overly salty or spicy dish.
    • Trick: Keep a small bowl of the dish’s main seasoning (like salt, pepper, or a spice blend) next to your cooking area. This makes it easy to sprinkle a bit more onto your food as you cook, allowing you to adjust the flavor gradually.
  2. Mise en Place (Everything in Its Place):
    • Tip: Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients, prep them, and have them ready to go. This includes chopping, measuring, and organizing everything you’ll need for the recipe. This step saves time and helps prevent mistakes during cooking.
    • Trick: Use small bowls or ramekins to hold pre-measured ingredients. This makes it easier to add them to your recipe as you go and keeps your workspace neat and organized.
  3. Temperature Control and Resting:
    • Tip: Learn to control cooking temperatures. Different dishes and ingredients require different heat levels. For example, searing meat at high heat for a short time creates a beautiful crust, while simmering sauces at a lower heat allows flavors to meld. Invest in a good quality thermometer to monitor cooking temperatures accurately.
    • Trick: Allow cooked meat to rest before cutting into it. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicier and more flavorful result. Tent the meat with foil to keep it warm during this resting period.

Recipe Variations

  1. Stuffed Air Fryer Pork Chops:
    • Ingredients: Besides the pork chops, you’ll need ingredients like cream cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
    • Instructions: Cut a pocket into each pork chop, stuff it with a mixture of cream cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then follow the same air frying instructions as in the previous recipe. You’ll end up with flavorful and cheesy stuffed pork chops.
  2. Asian-inspired Air Fryer Pork Chops:
    • Ingredients: For an Asian twist, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add a touch of honey for sweetness.
    • Instructions: After marinating, air fry the pork chops as usual. Serve them with steamed jasmine rice and a drizzle of extra marinade or a soy-based dipping sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
  3. Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Pork Chops:
    • Ingredients: Combine fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with breadcrumbs to create a flavorful crust. You’ll also need eggs for coating.
    • Instructions: Dip each pork chop in beaten egg and then coat it in the herb and breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chops in the air fryer and cook until crispy and cooked through. The herb crust adds a delightful crunch and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with pork chops. Top them with gravy or a dollop of butter for extra richness.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roast a mix of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables are a great contrast to the pork.
  • Vegetable Rice: Serve your pork chops with a flavorful vegetable rice made with ingredients like rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Add herbs and spices for extra flavor.
  • Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw, either creamy or vinegar-based, provides a nice crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the pork.
  • Applesauce: Pork and applesauce are a classic pairing. The sweetness of applesauce complements the savory pork chops.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing Air Fryer Pork Chops:

  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked pork chops, allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. Place the chops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Proper Packaging: To prevent moisture loss and maintain the best quality, consider placing a piece of parchment paper [paid link] or wax paper between individual pork chops in the container before sealing.

Freezing Air Fryer Pork Chops:

If you want to freeze your air fryer pork chops for longer-term storage:

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the cooked pork chops to cool completely in the refrigerator before freezing. This helps maintain their texture and juiciness.
  2. Wrap and Seal: Individually wrap each pork chop tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there’s no exposure to air. Alternatively, you can vacuum-seal them for better long-term preservation.
  3. Label: Label each wrapped pork chop with the date of freezing to keep track of freshness.
  4. Freeze: Place the wrapped pork chops in a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Properly sealed pork chops can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

Reheating Air Fryer Pork Chops:

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated pork chops again, follow these reheating instructions:

Note: Thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Reheating in the Air Fryer (Recommended for Best Crispiness):

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully heated.

Reheating in the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish. Cover with foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Reheating in the Microwave (Not Recommended for Maintaining Crispiness):

  1. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature with a food thermometer. Continue until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be cautious not to overcook and dry out the chops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Air Fryer Pork Chops

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
A table setting with an air fried pork chop, steamed green beans, and rice on a white plate.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

  1. Chardonnay:
    • Why it works: Chardonnay’s buttery and full-bodied profile complements the richness of the pork chops. Its fruity notes and mild acidity enhance the overall dining experience.
    • Varietal notes: Look for a California or Burgundy Chardonnay with flavors of apple, pear, and subtle oak.
  2. Pinot Noir:
    • Why it works: Pinot Noir’s lighter body and red fruit notes, such as cherry and raspberry, provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of pork. Its acidity helps cut through any richness in the dish.
    • Varietal notes: Opt for a Pinot Noir from Oregon or California with bright fruit flavors and balanced acidity.
  3. Riesling:
    • Why it works: Riesling’s sweetness and acidity create a delightful contrast to the savory and slightly sweet aspects of the pork chops, especially if you’re serving them with a fruit-based sauce.
    • Varietal notes: Choose a German or Alsace Riesling with fruity and floral aromas and a touch of sweetness.

Cocktail Pairings:

  1. Whiskey Sour:
    • Why it works: The tartness of a Whiskey Sour made with fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup complements the savory flavors of the pork chops. The whiskey adds depth to the pairing.
    • Recipe: Mix 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain, and garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.
  2. Mojito:
    • Why it works: The refreshing mint and lime in a Mojito provide a vibrant and zesty contrast to the richness of the pork chops. It’s a perfect choice for a warm-weather meal.
    • Recipe: Muddle fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge with 2 oz white rum and 1 oz simple syrup. Add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
  3. Old Fashioned:
    • Why it works: The Old Fashioned‘s simplicity and the bittersweet notes of an orange twist and sugar cube complement the savory flavors of the pork. The whiskey base adds complexity.
    • Recipe: Muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Air Fryer Pork Chops 5692

Breaded Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
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.
5 from 22 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
resting time 3 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 351 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Digital meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 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:

  • 1 egg , beaten
  • 1/4 cup water

Ingredients for Dry Dredge Station:

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour , optional
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper , more or less to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

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

  1. 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:

  1. Italian flavor – Swap the parsley for oregano or Italian spice blend.
  2. French Provincial – Swap the parsley for Herbs de Provence.

Air Fryer Pork Chops FAQs:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 41gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 501mgPotassium: 737mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1218IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 10µgCalcium: 66mgFolate: 24µgIron: 3mgZinc: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

43 thoughts on “Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops – Ready in just 12 minutes”

  1. Delicious. I have a 4 qt. Air Fryer, and I did preheat it to 400° for 5 minutes before placing chops in the basket in 2 batches for 10 minutes per batch. Timing is everything when using an air fryer because it cooks so fast. Did place them in a 170° oven to keep warm while I finished the second batch. Came out crispy brown, moist, and so tender. Served them with fresh asparagus and seasoned pasta sprinkled with olive oil and parmesan cheese. Even my picky husband loved it. Will make again, for sure.

    Reply
  2. Tried this with flour, egg wash, and GF panko. It was excellent! I don’t usually leave comments or reviews but this is a keeper!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  3. I made these tonight using my ninja foodie grill air crisp function. First time I’ve used that function. These were phenomenal! Don’t think they tasted like Shake and Bake, they were better! Crisp, tender, and delicious. Well done!!,

    Reply
  4. My chops were a bit thicker so they took a couple of extra minutes. They were amazing though and nice and crispy.

    Reply
  5. Like Shake n Bake pork chops from my air fryer. Mine took a couple minutes longer than suggested cooking time but still perfectly tender and juicy!

    Reply
  6. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Absolutely delicious. Thanks for the recipe. It’s amazing.

    Reply
  7. Made these last night and they were amazing. Mine took slightly longer than 12 mins but could have been a little thicker cut than the recipe. Will def make again.

    Reply
  8. Yummmmm! We had this for dinner tonight. I did bone in and I cooked it for 2 to 3 extra minutes and it was delicious! Hey my 18-month-old would say pock cha over and over again because he wanted more of it!

    Reply
  9. Yummmmm! We had this for dinner tonight. I did bone in and I cooked it for 2 to 3 extra minutes and it was delicious! Hey my 18-month-old would say pock cha over and over again because he wanted more of it!

    Reply
  10. It says in recipe 1 egg beaten. But in #2 of directions it states egg white beaten. Which one is it to use beaten egg or egg white? Does it matter or will it change the color or taste of the pork?

    Reply
    • Hello Tami, I updated the instruction in step two to say beat the egg. It would not cause any harm to the recipe to only use whites. Thank you for taking the time to stop in and make a comment.

      Reply
  11. 5STARS 5STARS 5STARS!! I totally forgot to give this 5 stars but it’s 5 stars.

    Wow! I made these last night using about 1 inch thick boneless pork chops and they were amazing. I had to up the time a few minutes because I don’t have 380 on my Air Fryer so I went 375 for about 15 minutes and they were perfect after resting. Making a triple batch of that dry dredge to keep on hand to use on other stuff. Great recipe, thanks!!

    Reply
  12. Trying out a new air fryer lid, and I found this to be an easy recipe to follow, and the chops had a good flavor.

    Reply
    • Hi Morgan,
      Yes, you can. When I originally developed the recipe, I used boneless chops. The time is still about 10 minutes depending on thickness. The bine-in – we found to be more aesthetically pleasing for photos.

      Reply
    • Hi Larry – YES! I was eating mine thinking I can’t believe how soft and moist they turn out as compared to pan-frying. We used center-cut, bone-in pork chops and they were fabulous. I cooked them to 145 degrees F, the new internal temperature standard for pork issued by the USDA. Cooking them to 145F leaves them soft and tender as compared to the old 165F standard that left pork tough and dry. Hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Hi Larry – sorry for my late reply. YES! I was eating mine thinking I can’t believe how soft and moist they turn out as compared to pan-frying. We used center cut bone-in pork chops and they were fabulous. I cooked them to 145 degrees F, the new internal temperature standard for pork issued by the USDA. Cooking them to 145F leaves them soft and tender as compared to the old 165F standard that left pork tough and dry. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  13. Just wanted to say thanks for this recipe. I enjoyed it and would have never been able to figure out how to make it myself!

    Reply
  14. Can these chops be cooked in the air fryer oven with the same texture, taste and moistness? If so what temp and how long?

    Reply
  15. This was like shake n bake for the air fryer! Kids loved it and dinner was ready in a hurry. If u stand up your wire rack you can double decker them into all fitting. Try it!!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Ida. That’s just what I did – but also, if you didnt have a rack you can make a snake or balls of aluminum foil to set the second layer on as well. I’ve had success with testing this out for readers as well.

      Reply

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