Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Breaded pork chops are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The air fryer gets the breading crispier without frying, and the breading acts as a protective layer, locking in moisture. You can use a variety of seasonings and breading crumbs to customize the flavor to your liking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are bone-in or boneless, but on average, they take around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to bread pork chops for the air fryer

Breaded pork chops are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. The breading gets crispy, and the meat stays juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bread pork chops for the air fryer.

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the pork chops, you will need boneless, centre-cut pork chops, around 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. For the breading, you will need eggs, flour, breadcrumbs (Italian or regular), and panko. You can also add cornflake crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. For seasoning, you can use salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Now, for the breading process:

• Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls.
• In the first bowl, whisk together your flour with some of the seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper).
• In the second bowl, beat an egg with a splash of water.
• In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and panko, and the rest of your seasoning.
• Take a pork chop and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
• Finally, press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
• Repeat this process with the remaining pork chops.
• You can also double-coat the pork chops by repeating the process.
• Let the breaded pork chops sit for 10-20 minutes to help the breading adhere.

Your pork chops are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, and arrange the pork chops in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spritz the pork chops with oil and air fry at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air fryer breaded pork chops!

How long to cook breaded pork chops in the air fryer

Breaded pork chops are a great, tasty, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and the specific model of your air fryer, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 390–400 °F (198–204 °C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the pork chops by dipping them in a shallow dish of beaten egg and then coating them with breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs are well-pressed into the meat so they don't fall off during cooking. You can also add seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spritz the pork chops liberally with oil spray and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with a bit of space between each chop for the air to flow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork chops in batches.

For 1/2-inch-thick pork chops, air fry at 390 °F (198 °C) for 5 minutes on each side, spritzing with oil spray after flipping. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 150 °F (65 °C) for a juicy, tender texture. If you are using an instant-read thermometer, the target temperature is 145 °F (63 °C).

For thicker pork chops, add an extra minute to the cooking time for each side. For thinner chops, reduce the cooking time by a minute.

If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch of pork chops warm in the oven on the lowest setting while cooking the remaining chops.

What to serve with breaded pork chops

Breaded pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your breaded pork chops:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with breaded pork chops. They can be made creamy and fluffy, providing a perfect dip for the chops. They also go well with gravy, which can add extra flavour to your meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices to consider. They provide a nice contrast in texture and taste to the breaded chops.

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter, a salad can be a refreshing option to balance out the heartiness of the pork chops. Try a green salad, a kale salad, or a broccoli apple salad. You can also add some fruit, such as grilled peaches, to your salad for a sweet and savoury combination.

Casseroles

Casseroles are always a comforting option to serve as a side dish. Green bean casserole or potato casserole can be delicious choices to accompany your breaded pork chops.

Other Potato Dishes

If you're a potato lover, there are endless options to explore. Smashed sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, potatoes au gratin, or even just simple baked potatoes can be great sides. They provide a starchy base to your meal and go well with the breaded pork chops.

Other Ideas

• Gluten-free potatoes au gratin
• Mexican street corn casserole
• Instant Pot green beans
• Apple sauce
• Parsley potatoes
• Creamed spinach
• Risotto or orzo
• White rice with Japanese curry
• Sauteed sweet potato
• Red cabbage
• Stuffing
• Coleslaw

How to store and reheat leftover breaded pork chops

Breaded pork chops are a delicious meal, but what should you do with the leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat them.

Storing Leftover Breaded Pork Chops

Leftover breaded pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you don't plan on eating them within that time frame, they can be frozen for up to four months.

Reheating Breaded Pork Chops in the Oven

The oven is the best way to reheat breaded pork chops without drying them out. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chops in a glass baking dish, adding 1 tablespoon of liquid (water or broth) per pork chop. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven for about 30 minutes. This method ensures that the chops are heated through while retaining their moisture.

Reheating Breaded Pork Chops in the Microwave

If you're short on time, the microwave is an option for reheating. However, this method is not ideal as it can dry out the meat. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals until the meat is warmed through. Check the temperature with a food thermometer; the chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating Breaded Pork Chops on the Stovetop

The stovetop is a faster alternative to the oven and yields better results than the microwave. Use a skillet large enough to fit the pork chops, adding a small amount of water, broth, or oil. Place the chops in the skillet, cover, and simmer until heated through, flipping halfway through. If the liquid evaporates, add more as needed. The chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Breaded Pork Chops

Leftover breaded pork chops can be used in a variety of dishes. Try slicing or dicing the chops and adding them to sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, soups, tacos, or quesadillas. You can also shred the pork and use it in dishes like shepherd's pie, stuffed vegetables, or burrito bowls. Get creative and give your leftover breaded pork chops a delicious new life!

Tips for making the best air fryer breaded pork chops

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

Firstly, it's important to select the right pork chops for your air fryer. Boneless or bone-in chops will work, but they should be of an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for chops that are around 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick.

Breading Options

For the breading, you can use a combination of panko, regular breadcrumbs, and even crushed cornflake crumbs for extra crispness. If you want to keep things simple, just use fine, unseasoned breadcrumbs. Avoid using panko breadcrumbs on their own, as their coarser texture may not give you the desired crispy result.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. You can also experiment with different blends of dried herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor profile.

Preparing the Pork Chops

Before you start breading your pork chops, pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the breading stick better. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour or crushed croutons, one with beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then dip them first in the flour/crushed croutons, followed by the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the pork chops into the breadcrumbs to ensure the mixture sticks.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Spritz or spray the air fryer basket with oil, and arrange the pork chops in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Spritz the chops liberally with oil and air fry for 5 minutes, then flip them over and spritz again. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the pork is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145-150°F for juicy, tender chops.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer breaded pork chops go well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salads, and casseroles. For dipping, try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover breaded pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 390°F for about 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions