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

Making breaded pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to cook. The air fryer's rapid air circulation ensures that the pork chops are cooked evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.

Choosing the right pork chops

Type of Pork Chops:

Select boneless or bone-in pork chops based on your preference. Boneless pork chops are commonly used in air fryer recipes, but you can also choose bone-in chops for a different flavour profile.

Thickness:

The thickness of the pork chops will impact the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend using pork chops that are about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. Thicker chops may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Quality:

Look for pork chops with a good amount of marbling, which is the fat distributed throughout the meat. This fat helps keep the chops moist and juicy during cooking. Choose chops with a bright pink colour and avoid any with discolouration or an off-putting odour.

Quantity:

Consider how many people you are serving and adjust the number of pork chops accordingly. Most recipes yield 4 servings, but you can always double the recipe if needed. It's also a good idea to have a few extra chops on hand in case of any hungry guests!

Preparation:

You can purchase pre-cut pork chops or buy a pork loin and cut the chops yourself. If you opt for the latter, make sure you have a sharp knife and a steady hand to ensure even and consistent chops.

Storage:

Freshness is key when selecting pork chops. Check the "sell-by" or "use-by" date on the package to ensure you are purchasing chops that are within their recommended timeframe. If you're not using the chops immediately, store them properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their quality.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right pork chops for your breaded air fryer creation! Remember to plan ahead, select quality chops, and adjust your cooking technique based on the type and thickness of the chops you choose.

Preparing the breading

Firstly, you will need to set up your breading station. This will typically involve 2 or 3 shallow dishes, depending on your preferred method. In the first dish, whisk together your eggs. You can also add a splash of water to the eggs, as well as some garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour. In the second dish, add your breadcrumbs. You can use Italian-style, panko, or traditional breadcrumbs, or a combination of these. For extra flavour and crunch, you can also add some crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your breadcrumbs. If you are using a three-dish method, the third dish will contain flour, which you can also season with salt and pepper, or garlic powder.

Now that your breading station is set up, it's time to start breading your pork chops. Firstly, season your pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides, and set aside. Then, take each pork chop and dip it first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off, and then immediately place the pork chop into the flour mixture (if using), coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour, and then place the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the pork chop is fully coated in breadcrumbs, and give it a little press to help the crumbs stick. Repeat this process for each pork chop.

Once your pork chops are breaded, you can place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the pork chops with cooking spray or oil, and then they are ready to be cooked!

Coating the pork chops

Firstly, prepare your dredging station. This will consist of three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of water. In the third bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Next, season your pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, one by one, place the pork chops into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour and immediately place the pork chops into the egg mixture, again coating them evenly. Let any excess egg drip off, and then place the pork chops into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure that the pork chops are evenly coated, and shake off any excess.

Finally, place the breaded pork chops into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Spritz the tops with cooking spray or oil, and they are ready to be cooked!

Cooking the pork chops

Now that you have your pork chops, it's time to cook them! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your breaded pork chops turn out perfectly in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading

• Grab two shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together your eggs. You can also add a splash of water to the eggs, as this will form an egg wash that will help the breading stick to the pork chops.
• In the second dish, add the dry ingredients for the breading. This typically includes breadcrumbs (Italian or plain), panko breadcrumbs, and any desired seasonings. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour.

Step 2: Bread the Pork Chops

• Take each pork chop and first dredge it in the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
• Next, press the pork chop into the bread crumb mixture. Make sure both sides of the pork chop are well coated. You can use your hands to press the crumbs onto the meat and ensure a good coating.

Step 3: Arrange Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

• Spritz your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the breaded pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. You may need to cook the pork chops in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Spritz the tops of the pork chops with more cooking spray or oil. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops

• Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking pork chops in the air fryer at temperatures between 380-400°F (190-200°C).
• Cook the pork chops for about 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. For thinner chops (around 1/2 inch thick), 8 minutes should be sufficient. For thicker chops (1 inch or more), cook for 10-12 minutes.
• Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• If your air fryer requires preheating, remember to factor that into your total cooking time. Some air fryers can preheat while the food is inside, so check your model's instructions.

Step 5: Check Doneness and Serve

• To ensure your pork chops are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for pork.
• Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender chop.
• Serve your breaded pork chops with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Reheating and serving

When you're ready to reheat, simply place them back in your air fryer. This is a much better option than using a microwave, as it will help retain the crunchy texture. Reheat at the highest temperature setting (usually around 390–400°F) for 5–6 minutes, or until they are heated through.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F, with a few drops of broth or water to prevent dryness, until the pork is heated through.

Breaded pork chops are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• 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, baked potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes
• Salads, such as a side salad or cole slaw
• Dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch

Frequently asked questions