Air-Fried Pork Cutlets: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making pork cutlets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, golden, and juicy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Requiring minimal oil, this method is healthier than traditional frying and delivers delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create perfect pork cutlets in your air fryer.

How to prepare the pork cutlets for breading

Preparing pork cutlets for breading is a simple process. First, you'll want to pound the pork chops to an even thickness of around 1/4 of an inch. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly in the air fryer. You can place the pork chop between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer mallet to pound it to the desired thickness.

Once you have your pork chops pounded to the correct thickness, it's time to season them. Sprinkle both sides of each pork chop with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like cayenne pepper if you want a little spice.

Now it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow dishes, such as cake pans or pie tins. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. The flour helps the egg stick to the meat, so don't skip this step! The second dish should contain beaten eggs, which will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat. Finally, the third dish should contain your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. If you like, you can also add some olive oil to the breadcrumbs to create a lighter texture and more even browning.

With your breading station set up, you can now start dredging the pork cutlets. First, coat both sides of the pork cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured pork into the egg wash, making sure it's evenly coated. Finally, dip the pork into the breadcrumbs, pressing the meat into the breadcrumbs to ensure a good coating. Repeat this process for each pork cutlet.

Once all your pork cutlets are breaded, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How to make the breading stick to the pork cutlets

To make the breading stick to your pork cutlets, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, season the pork cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Next, set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can add some olive oil to the breadcrumbs to create a lighter texture and even browning. Now, working with one cutlet at a time, coat both sides of the cutlet with flour, dip it in the egg wash, and then press it into the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the cutlets. The flour coating will help the egg wash stick, and the egg wash will ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat.

How long to cook the pork cutlets in the air fryer

The cooking time for pork cutlets in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the cutlet, the temperature setting, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes around 9 to 12 minutes to cook pork cutlets in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

For example, if you are cooking 1-inch thick pork chops at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, they will take about 12 minutes to cook. However, if the pork chops are 2 inches thick, they will need to be cooked for 20 minutes. It is important to turn the pork chops halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

When cooking pork cutlets in an air fryer, it is best to set the temperature between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature setting ensures that the coating becomes crispy and brown. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, pork cutlets will take about 8 to 10 minutes to cook.

Additionally, it is important to note that pork cutlets should not overlap in the air fryer basket. Cooking them in a single layer ensures even cooking and browning. If your air fryer basket cannot accommodate all the cutlets in a single layer, it is recommended to cook them in batches.

What temperature to cook the pork cutlets at

The optimal temperature for cooking pork cutlets in an air fryer is between 360˚F and 400˚F. At this temperature, the cutlets will cook through in 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness.

If you are using an air fryer with a lower maximum temperature, you can set it to its highest setting. However, if your air fryer goes above 400˚F, do not set it higher than 400˚F, as this may burn the cutlets and dry them out.

It is important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated before adding the pork cutlets. Additionally, the cutlets should be cooked in a single layer, with space around each one to allow the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.

For the best results, flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

What to serve with the pork cutlets

There are many side dishes that pair well with pork cutlets. Here are some ideas:

• Buttered noodles for an Eastern European flair
• Quick red cabbage sauerkraut for a German-inspired meal
• French fries for a classic diner feel
• Salads, such as a Cranberry Pecan Salad or an Autumn Apple Salad with tart green apples, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and dried cherries tossed in sweet vanilla yogurt
• Butternut squash, especially during the winter months
• Hash brown casserole, which pairs well with the honey garlic flavour of pork chops
• Brussels sprouts, such as a Brussels sprouts gratin, which can help balance out the sweetness of the pork
• Mushroom rice pilaf, a flavourful rice dish with fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and onions
• Roasted beet and kale salad, a healthy and satisfying option to balance out the heartiness of the pork
• Green beans, either on their own or in a mushroom medley
• Baked cream onions, a buttery and creamy onion side dish

These are just a few suggestions, but the options are endless!

Frequently asked questions