Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops Recipe

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 Minutes
Total Time: Under 25 Minutes
Intensity: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops & Breading:

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (approx. 1.5 lbs total)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is excellent here)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp pepper recommended)

• Olive oil or avocado oil spray

For Serving (Optional):

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Apple sauce

• Mashed potatoes or a simple green salad

Equipment

• Air Fryer

• 3 shallow bowls or plates

• Whisk

• Tongs

• Meat thermometer (highly recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a standard breading assembly line with three shallow dishes.

1. Dish One (Flour): Combine the all-purpose flour with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Dish Two (Egg Wash): Whisk the eggs and Dijon mustard (if using) together until smooth.

3. Dish Three (Panko): In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix well with a fork to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for the breading to adhere properly. Season both sides of the chops lightly with a little extra salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Pork Chops
Working with one chop at a time:

1. Dredge in Flour: Coat the chop thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Dip in Egg: Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off.

3. Press in Panko: Finally, press the chop firmly into the seasoned Panko mixture, ensuring an even, complete coating on all sides. Gently pat the breadcrumbs to help them adhere.

Place the breaded chop on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chops.

Pro Tip: For an extra-thick and crispy crust, you can double-dredge by repeating the egg and Panko steps once more.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures a crispy crust from the moment the chops go in. Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Lightly spray the tops of the pork chops with olive oil spray. This will help them brown beautifully.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. After flipping, you can give the other side a quick spray of oil.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Serve
The pork chops are done when the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. The most accurate way to check is with a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop.

Once cooked, remove the chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.

Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Recipe Notes & Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Preheat: For the crispiest results, a preheated air fryer is non-negotiable.

• Thickness Matters: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your pork chops. A 1-inch chop is ideal. If yours are thinner or thicker, adjust the time accordingly and rely on the meat thermometer.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Crowding the basket will steam the chops instead of crisping them. Cook in batches for the best texture.

• Get Creative with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the breading. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, Italian seasoning for an herbal note, or grated Parmesan cheese to the Panko for a cheesy, savory crust.

• Storage and Reheating: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving will make them soft.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is approximate and calculated using an online database. Values will vary based on ingredient brands, specific cuts of meat, and portion sizes.

Serving Size: 1 pork chop
Calories: 415
Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
  Cholesterol: 155mg
  Sodium: 450mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 38g

The Last Word on This Recipe:

This Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a solution. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health or convenience. In less time than it takes to order takeout, you can have a restaurant-quality, protein-packed dinner on the table that will have everyone asking for seconds. The contrast of the shatteringly crisp panko crust with the succulent, perfectly cooked pork inside is a textural dream. It’s a versatile, foolproof recipe that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So, fire up that air fryer and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you’ll make all week