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

Breaded pork chops are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that can be prepared in an air fryer with minimal prep and ready in about 20 minutes. The air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy, golden crust without the need for deep-frying, resulting in a healthier dish that is still tender and juicy. This recipe typically uses boneless or bone-in pork chops, seasoned with a variety of spices, dredged in an egg mixture, coated with breadcrumbs, and then air-fried to perfection.

Choosing the right pork chops

Type of Pork Chops

The type of pork chops you choose can impact the overall juiciness and cooking time of your dish. Boneless pork chops are a popular choice, as they are convenient to eat and typically cook faster. However, bone-in pork chops should not be overlooked. The bone helps retain moisture, resulting in juicier meat. If you opt for bone-in pork chops, thicker cuts, around 1 inch thick, are ideal for the air fryer as they allow for a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist.

Cut and Thickness

When it comes to the cut, centre-cut pork chops are a versatile option and work well with most recipes. As for thickness, aim for chops between 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. Thinner chops may cook faster but are more prone to overcooking, so be sure to monitor them closely. Thicker chops, on the other hand, may require a longer cooking time but tend to result in more tender and juicy meat.

Quality

Selecting high-quality pork chops is crucial. Look for chops with a pinkish colour and some marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the muscle. This fat helps keep the meat moist and adds flavour during cooking. Avoid chops with excessive amounts of fat or a dull, grey colour, as these may be past their prime.

Freshness

While you can use frozen pork chops, fresh chops are generally preferred for optimal flavour and texture. If you opt for fresh pork chops, ensure they are sourced from a reputable butcher or supermarket and check the "best before" date. Fresh pork chops should have a slightly pink hue and firm texture. Avoid chops with an off-putting odour or a slimy surface, as these indicate spoilage.

Quantity

Lastly, consider the number of pork chops you will need. This will depend on the number of people you are serving and their appetites. As a guide, allow for one pork chop per person, with a few extra if you anticipate larger appetites or want leftovers.

Preparing the breading

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients for the breading. The specific ingredients may vary depending on your preferred recipe, but some common ones include:

• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, panko, or regular)
• Cornflake crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Spices and seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with separate shallow bowls or dishes for each dry ingredient and the egg mixture.

For the egg mixture, whisk together the eggs with a splash of water, and add in some of the spices and seasonings of your choice.

In another shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), and any other dry ingredients. You can also add some spices and seasonings to this mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Pork Chops

Take each pork chop and coat it first in the flour (shaking off any excess), then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure that the pork chop is evenly and thoroughly coated at each step.

Step 4: Press the Breading

After coating the pork chop in the breadcrumb mixture, use your hands to press the crumbs onto the meat firmly. This step helps ensure that the breading adheres well to the pork chop and creates a nice, crispy crust during cooking.

Repeat this process for each pork chop until they are all evenly coated and ready for the air fryer!

Tips:

• If you are allergic to eggs or prefer not to use them, you can substitute olive oil, mayonnaise, or Dijon mustard as an alternative to help the breading stick.
• For gluten-free breaded pork chops, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique flavour profile.

Dredging the pork chops

• Set up your dredging station: You'll need three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together the eggs and a splash of water. For an extra flavour boost, you can also add some garlic powder and onion powder to the egg mixture. The third bowl will contain the breading. Combine your choice of breadcrumbs (Italian, panko, or both), Parmesan cheese, and any desired seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the pork chops: Take each pork chop and first dip it into the flour mixture. Ensure it's evenly coated, and then shake off any excess flour. Immediately transfer the floured pork chop into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly. Allow any excess egg to drip off, and then place the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the pork chop into the breadcrumbs to ensure a good coating. Repeat this process for each pork chop.
• Air fry to perfection: Once all your pork chops are coated, it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (depending on your model's highest setting). Arrange the breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Spray the tops of the pork chops with cooking spray or oil. Close the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes. Then, flip the pork chops, spray again, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Check for doneness: To ensure your pork chops are cooked just right, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F for pork. Let the meat rest for about 3 minutes before cutting into it, as this allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender chop.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and breadcrumbs to make these breaded pork chops your own! This technique of dredging and air frying will result in crispy, golden, and delicious pork chops every time.

Cooking the pork chops

Now that you have your pork chops prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. This process is incredibly easy and only takes a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 390-400°F. Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes, while others suggest putting your food in while the air fryer heats up. Check your air fryer's instructions to see what your model recommends.

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Place the pork chops in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Spray the tops of the pork chops with cooking spray or oil as well.

Step 3: Air fry the pork chops. Depending on the thickness of your pork chops and the temperature of your air fryer, the cooking time will vary. For 1/2-inch thick boneless pork chops, cook for around 8-12 minutes. For thicker chops, such as 1-inch or 2-inch chops, increase the cooking time to 12-20 minutes. It is recommended to flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Check the internal temperature. To ensure your pork chops are cooked properly, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F for pork.

Step 5: Rest the pork chops. Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3 minutes before cutting into them. This rest time allows the meat to continue cooking slightly and helps guarantee that it is safe to eat.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Your breaded pork chops are now ready to be served. Consider pairing them with your favourite side dishes, such as roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, or a baked potato.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender breaded pork chops made right in your air fryer.

Reheating and serving

Leftover breaded pork chops can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain their delicious crunch. Place them back in the air fryer at the highest temperature setting for 5-6 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, flipping them over, and spraying them with oil again for the last 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Reheating in the air fryer is much better than using a microwave, as it helps retain the crunch. You can also store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

These breaded pork chops are versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Some suggested sides include:

• Homemade mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
• Casseroles, such as green bean or potato casserole
• Any type of potato, including mashed, garlic French fries, or roasted sweet potatoes
• Salads or coleslaw
• Air fryer recipes like carrots, frozen broccoli, or bacon-wrapped green beans

You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.

Frequently asked questions