These juicy air fryer pork chops deliver restaurant-worthy results in just 17 minutes! With a perfect golden-brown crust outside and tender, flavorful meat inside, this recipe transforms ordinary chops into a protein-packed masterpiece. At only 288 calories per serving with 33g of protein, it’s a wholesome dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The air fryer works its magic to seal in moisture while creating that irresistible crispy exterior – no deep frying needed.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless cuts, ideal for even cooking
- Seasoning Mix: 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt, plus 1/4 tsp black pepper for perfect flavor
- Coating Station: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 2 tsp Italian seasoning for a crispy exterior
- Egg Wash: 1 large egg mixed with 1 tbsp water for better coating adhesion
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes until nice and hot
- Season: Generously coat pork chops with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper mixture
- Coating Setup: Mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in one bowl, whisk egg and water in another
- Breading Process: Dip each chop in egg wash, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumbs
- Air Frying: Place in a single layer, spray with cooking oil, and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Temperature Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 145-160°F for perfect doneness
Cooking Techniques
Air frying these pork chops creates a wonderfully crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. For the best results, make sure your pork chops are similar in thickness – this helps them cook evenly. When spraying with cooking oil, use a light touch to avoid making the breadcrumbs too wet. A quick tip: let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help them cook more evenly.
Variations and Substitutions
You can switch up the flavors by trying different seasonings in your breadcrumb mix! Try ranch seasoning instead of Italian, or add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works great too. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. If you’re out of eggs, you can use mayonnaise or mustard as your coating – just spread it thinly on the pork chops before dipping in breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy pork chops taste amazing with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Try serving them with applesauce for a classic pairing, or add a squeeze of lemon juice right before eating for extra zing. They’re also great sliced over rice or mashed potatoes with your favorite gravy. For a complete meal, add some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this helps keep the coating crispy. While you can freeze these pork chops, the breadcrumb coating might not stay as crispy when thawed. If you do freeze them, wrap each piece separately and use within 2 months.
Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Pork Chops and Seasonings
- 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 egg Large
- 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.
