Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Air-fried pork Chops are one of the crispiest and juiciest dishes you can make in the air fryer. These tender, bone-in chops with a golden Parmesan crust are ready in less than 30 minutes! This is a very easy recipe made with simple and budget-friendly ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of contents
This great recipe totally changed the way I cook pork chops. Over the years, I’ve eaten some that were so tough, they were almost impossible to chew on. Actually, the worst was the greasy versions, which were loaded with butter and oil to cover up the dryness. Also, I hate being splattered with hot oil to achieve that golden-brown perfection. Hence, without the air fryer, I may have sworn off this dish forever!
I used to worry that pork chops will be dry when I make them. One thing about this delicious recipe is that the meat is very juicy and flavorful. The breading and oil protect the meat, as well as the bones, keeping it moist as it cooks. It also helps that they are one inch thick. Cooking them at a high temperature for a short period keeps them from drying out, too.
The coating makes a big difference in the flavor, made with Italian herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and freshly grated parmesan. However, if you don’t have an Air Fryer, try my crispy baked pork chops.
Why you will love this recipe
- They are moist and juicy: If you follow the directions, these pork chops will always turn out moist and juicy.
- Fast dinner: These easy air fryer dinner can be on the table in less than half an hour from start to finish.
- Healthy: Unlike the pan-fried version these are not soaked in oil, so they are much healthier but still delicious.
- They are affordable: You only need a handful of ingredients, so that you can feed everyone for less than $20.
What you’ll need to make air fryer pork chops
Special items:
- Air fryer – I use my Ninja air fryer to make these delicious chops.
- Mixing bowl – To mix the breading.
Main ingredients:
- Pork chops – I use bone-in pork chops about one inch thick for the juiciest meat.
- Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is light and mild to coat your chops without a greasy heaviness.
For the breading:
- Parmesan – Shred your parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Italian seasoning—I use my own homemade Italian seasoning, which includes marjoram, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and sage.
- Ground mustard – For an intense aroma and a hot, sharp taste like horseradish.
- Garlic powder – Adds a robust, rich, garlicky flavor.
- Onion powder – Gives your chops a taste between raw and cooked onions.
- Smoked paprika – For a bit of a smoky sweet taste.
- Salt – I recommend kosher salt to get a clean, refreshing flavor.
- Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is the best choice for this recipe.
How to make crispy breaded air fryer pork chops recipe?
- Prepare. First, measure out and combine the seasonings. Also, don’t forget to preheat the air fryer. After that, using paper towels pat dry the meat, and brush it with oil.
- Coat. Next, generously coat the meat with the seasonings mixture, if needed press it down with your hands a bit to stick to the meat.
- Cook. Afterward, place the meat in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. But, after 6 minutes flipping is necessary to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Serve. Next, let the meat rest for 5 minutes and after that serve with your preferred sides.
- Store: Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Similarly, reheat these air fry them for 3-4 minutes or microwave.
Expert tip
How do you keep pork chops from becoming dry?
When cooking pork chops, many people worry about them becoming dry. Especially when air frying them. But if you follow this recipe correctly, you should not have to worry about that. Also, I have some tips that can help you out. One of the most important tips I can give you is to use thicker cuts of pork. The thick cuts will stay juicier longer. The ones I get are about one inch thick.
Bone-in pork chops will also stay juicier longer. Boneless chops do not stay as juicy because they do not have the fat from around the bone. In addition, find pork chops that are well-marbled with fat. The fat will keep the meat from drying out and add extra flavor. Another way to keep them from becoming dry is to brine or marinate them. Saltwater or your favorite marinade will tenderize them and add juiciness.
Finally, the way you prep them makes a difference. In this recipe, I rub them with olive oil before coating them with a parmesan herb topping that will protect them from drying out. Then, cooking it quickly at a high temperature will ensure that the meat gets cooked right without getting overly done and dried out.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Spicy chops: Make these hot by adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading.
- Ranch chops: Instead of Italian dressing, use ranch seasoning for a different flavor.
- Herbs and spices: You can also add your favorite herbs and spices, such as turmeric, anise, sesame, saffron, cilantro, and cumin.
- Barbecue them: Everyone loves BBQ! You can add your favorite barbecue sauce to them before air frying them.
- Mexican night: To make a Mexican night, use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
- Asian chops: Leave out the parmesan, add Panko breadcrumbs and some ginger, and you have Asian chops.
- New Orleans: Add some Southern charm to these with this cajun seasoning.
- Lemon: Make a lemon version of these, by adding lemon zest and rosemary to the dry rub mixture.
- Gluten free: Use gluten free Panko bread crumbs.
Serving suggestions:
The magic of this air-fried pork chops recipe is that it already tastes delicious, but the simplicity of the seasonings means you can serve it with virtually any side dish.
Pair it with some greens for a well-rounded meal such as sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or your favorite salad. They’re also great with baked potatoes or sweet potato mash. Grains and pasta are a winning combination too!
- You could serve them with my deliciously creamy scalloped potatoes made with cream, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan.
- For a healthier side dish, a variety of roasted veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini would be excellent.
- Why not serve some bacon-wrapped green beans or asparagus to keep it pork-centered? My kids love these!
- For an appetizer or first course, try my strawberry balsamic pasta salad. The sweetness of the strawberries and balsamic vinegar pair nicely.
- My roasted asparagus and baked sweet potatoes all need less than 30 minutes of cook time with very little prep work – which means they’re ready when the meat is ready!
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cook my pork chops in the air fryer?
The pork chops I make in this recipe take 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. They are one inch thick and have a thick breading on them. If your chops are thinner or do not have a coating, you will need to cook them for a shorter period. I would cook them for five minutes and then flip them over. Then cook them for three more minutes and check the temperature. If they are 142 or more degrees F, take them out. They will finish cooking as they rest; you do not want them to exceed 145 degrees F.
Are you supposed to rinse pork chops before cooking them?
Although some chefs and cooking enthusiasts encourage rinsing pork chops before cooking them, this is not a good idea because the bacteria from the pork can contaminate other surfaces. Also, it is not necessary. If you are worried about it, you can marinate them in salt water or a marinade with vinegar or lemon juice and your favorite seasonings. This will not only make them juicier and more flavorful, but it will also remove any dirt and sliminess.
Why are my air fryer pork chops hard to chew?
More than likely, they were cooked too long. Because pork is a lean meat, it can quickly become overcooked, especially in an air fryer. That is why it is essential to know how thick your pork chops are and to follow the directions carefully. For my recipe, you should get chops about one inch thick, cover them in bread, and cook them for 12 minutes, no longer. In fact, after six minutes, flip them over, and then at 10 minutes, check the temperature. When they reach the internal temperature of 145-160 degrees F, remove them from the air fryer and put them on a plate covered with foil to rest.
How do you know when pork is done without a thermometer?
You could cut the pork chops to see what color the juices are. Your pork chops are done cooking if they are clear or just a tiny bit pink. If they are really pink or red, put them back in and let them cook a few minutes longer. You can also look at the meat. If it is white, it is done. But pink meat is not done. It can be a little bit pink due to the ingredients or the marinade, so use your best judgment.
Can you stack meat in the air fryer?
Avoid stacking meat in the Air Fryer, since the overlapping parts won’t be able to come into contact with the hot air. Actually, stacking them will lead to uneven doneness and texture. Always arrange them in a single layer, with a bit of space between each piece.
How to store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: If you have any leftovers, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: To freeze them, wrap them in plastic or foil and then in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Defrost: For the best flavor and texture, remember to place your frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for two to three minutes for crispy chops. Otherwise, you can reheat it in the microwave for one to two minutes.
More amazing air fryer dinners:
Recipe tips:
- For the best results, get one-inch bone-in pork chops with marbling.
- Do not let the pork chops touch when cooking. The air needs to circulate even when cooking.
- Check the temperature after 10 minutes. Remove chops when they reach 142 degrees F. They will continue to heat to 145 degrees F while they rest.
- If you use boneless pork chops or chops that are not as thick, check them after eight minutes.
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian dried herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat dry pork chops with paper towels, then brush both sides with oil.
- Combine all the Seasoning ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Coat both sides of the pork chops with the Parmesan mixture, pressing slightly to get it to stick.
- Place pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 12 minutes; flip pork chops after 6 minutes.
- The pork chops should be golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange them on a serving plate and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing or serving.
