Juicy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 30 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: mini chopper and meat thermometer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 11
Juicy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer are an indulgent yet lean main protein that turns out golden brown and crispy! Made with thin, boneless pork chops and coated in a flavorful, seasoned breading, they cook to perfection in about 15 minutes. Add this to your easy weeknight lineup for a family-friendly meal with your favorite sides and sauces!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Get a crispy, golden breading without the mess of deep frying! This is a tasty way to prepare pork chops with extra flavor while keeping it simple.
- This recipe is quick and easy. Prep a simple homemade breading, then add the pork chops to the air fryer to cook for about 15 minutes.
- The shorter cooking time in the air fryer helps the pork chops retain their juiciness and flavor, preventing them from drying out.
- Breaded pork chops are versatile and family-friendly (especially for the fried chicken or nugget aficionados!). They also pair well with a variety of sides.
- Enjoy this lean protein option that still feels indulgent! Serve with dipping sauces or with your favorite homestyle dishes.
- Add this recipe to your meal prep routine for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless pork chops – Use 4 thin-cut boneless pork chops (½ to ¾ inch) to cook quickly and evenly. For thicker chops, increase the cook time and keep an eye on them so that the breading does not burn.
- Eggs – Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and use the egg wash on the chops to help the breading stick. Buttermilk or mayo can also work as binders.
- Panko breadcrumbs and cornflakes – The combination of panko and cornflake cereal gives extra crunch to the breading. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free panko can be substituted, and check labels for an appropriate cornflake option.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan adds savory depth to the breading and extra texture that adheres well to the chops. During cooking, the Parmesan will melt slightly, melding with the other breading ingredients to make a crispy exterior.
- Seasonings – Use a simple combination of pantry seasonings to make a flavored breading. Add garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor, then finish with salt and black pepper. Adjust the spice level to taste!
- Avocado oil spray – A quality avocado oil spray prevents sticking and helps achieve crispness on the breading. Avocado oil is best for air frying because it has a high smoke point and won’t burn too quickly.
How To Make Breaded Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 ℉ and lightly spray the basket with avocado oil.
- In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Pulse panko, cornflakes, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a mini food processor until combined, and add the mixture to a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each pork chop first into the egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes, until the exterior is golden brown and the pork reaches 145 ℉ internally.
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- You can use frozen boneless pork chops, but thaw them first for best results. If they are still frozen, the breading won’t adhere well, and they won’t cook quickly enough to prevent the breading from burning.
- Use chops that are cut to the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Cook the pork chops in a single layer, and don’t overcrowd the basket. You will need to leave some space between each piece, so work in batches if needed.
- Flip when the last 2-3 minutes remain to ensure even browning and crispness without the breading sticking to the basket.
- For crisp breading, lightly spray both the basket and the tops of pork chops with oil.
- Be sure to check doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145 ℉.
- Allow the chops to rest for 3 minutes before serving to preserve the juiciness.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Bone-in pork chops will also work, but may need 2-3 additional minutes of cook time.
- If you need an egg substitute, use buttermilk, plain Greek yogurt, or mayo as a coating to help the breading stick.
- For other breadcrumb alternatives, use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or gluten-free panko.
- Vary the seasoning by swapping Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.
How To Serve Breaded Pork Chops
Breaded pork chops are an easy main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Add a scoop of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or add some roasted vegetables to the oven right before preparing. Serve with a bowl of coleslaw or a fresh salad.
The crispy breading on the pork chops is also very tasty with dipping sauces. Depending on your meal, you could serve a side of dairy-free ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or marinara for an extra pop of flavor on your plate.
If you want to try something a little different or repurpose leftovers, thinly slice the chops into strips and serve over a Caesar salad, or turn them into a sandwich with a toasted bun and toppings. Add some potato chips or Potato Salad for a simple lunch plate!
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
This pork chop recipe is not ideal for freezing, as the breading can lose its crispness after thawing.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness, or heat in the oven at 350 ℉ for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
The microwave also works in a pinch, but the breading may soften.
Juicy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- mini chopper
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops thin cut, ½ to ¾ inch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornflakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380 ℉ and lightly spray basket with avocado oil
- In one shallow bowl, beat eggs
- Pulse panko, cornflakes, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together in mini food processor until combined, and add mixture to a separate shallow bowl
- Dip each pork chop first into egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides
- Place pork chops in a single layer in air fryer basket (work in batches if needed), and lightly spray tops with avocado oil
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes, until exterior is golden brown and pork reaches 145 ℉ internally
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 350 ℉ for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Thaw frozen boneless pork chops before cooking for the best results.
- Use chops of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Cook in a single layer without overcrowding, leaving space between for airflow.
- Flip during the last 2-3 minutes for even browning.
- Lightly spray the basket and tops of chops with avocado oil for crisp breading.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 ℉.
