These juicy Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops bring classic comfort food to your table in just 17 minutes. Golden-brown, crispy coating wraps perfectly seasoned meat that stays tender and moist inside.
With only 288 calories per serving and 33g of protein, this healthier spin on traditional pork chops lets you enjoy a satisfying dinner without the guilt. The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible crunch while using minimal oil – making this recipe a weeknight winner for the whole family.
Ingredients Needed
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless pieces, ideal for air frying
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Coating Mix: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Egg Wash: 1 large egg mixed with 1 tbsp water
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat: Get your air fryer ready at 380°F for 5 minutes
- Season: Generously coat pork chops with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Prepare Stations: Mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in one bowl; whisk egg and water in another
- Coat: Dip each chop in egg wash first, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumbs
- Prep for Cooking: Give both sides a light spray with cooking oil
- Air Fry: Place in single layer and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check Doneness: Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145-160°F
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
For the best results with these air fryer pork chops, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly. When coating the chops, press the breadcrumbs gently to help them stick better. Don’t skip the cooking spray – it helps create that lovely golden-brown crust!
Easy Substitutions
Out of some ingredients? No problem! You can swap regular breadcrumbs with panko for extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix dried basil and oregano instead. Regular paprika works fine if you don’t have the smoked variety.
Side Dish Ideas
These crispy pork chops taste amazing with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Want something quick? Air fry some vegetables right after the pork chops are done – the timing works out perfectly! A side of applesauce or coleslaw adds a nice touch too.
Storage & Reheating
Keep leftover pork chops in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this keeps the outside crispy! Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the breading soggy.
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops boneless
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 380F/193C for 5 minutes.
- Season the pork chops with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning in a large shallow bowl. In another bowl, add the egg and water and whisk well.
- Dip each pork chop in the egg.
- Then dredge the pork chop through the breadcrumbs, coating completely. Lightly spray both sides of the pork chops well with cooking spray.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes
- Flip the pork chops halfway through the cook time, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145-160°F.
