Crispy, juicy Breaded Pork Chops in Air Fryer made easy! This simple recipe delivers golden crunch without deep frying—perfect for a quick, delicious dinner.
I know the internet loves pork chops just as much as I do—my juicy oven-baked pork loin chops are hands-down one of my all-time most popular recipes. And honestly, it’s no surprise! Pork chops are budget-friendly, often on sale, quick to cook, and pair perfectly with just about any side dish you can think of. What’s not to love?!
These breaded pork chops come out perfectly golden, absolutely crispy, and definitely full of flavour. They’ve got that perfect crunchy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside combo that makes dinner feel a little extra special without any extra effort. No deep frying and no flour mess—just a quick trip through the air fryer and you’re good to go.
Like my shrimp oreganata or crispy chicken cutlets, I’m a big fan of coating just about anything in a golden, crunchy breading. It adds the perfect oomph—a little texture, a lot of flavour, and that satisfying bite that takes things to the next level. Whether it’s seafood, chicken, or pork, I swear a good breading makes everything better. And thanks to these breaded air fryer pork chops, I’ve got a new favourite in the rotation!
So whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or just craving something crispy and comforting, these breaded pork chops totally hit the spot. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and way less effort than they look. Minimal mess, max flavour. Simple as that.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER BREADED PORK CHOPS
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these air fryer breaded pork chops are a weeknight win! You don’t need flour to get that golden crust—just some seasoned panko, a bit of Parmesan, and a quick trip through the air fryer. It’s a healthier twist on a comfort food classic that doesn’t skimp on crunch or flavour. Perfect for a quick dinner the whole family will love. Here’s what you’re gonna need to make them in a little bit more detail:
- Pork Chops: I like using boneless chops for this recipe as they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Choose center-cut for the juiciest results.
- Panko: Gives these pork chops that light, crispy coating without deep frying. These are Japanese-style breadcrumbs which you can usually find at any regular grocery store. However, feel free to use regular breadcrumbs instead, if you prefer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a touch of salty, cheesy goodness that helps the crust crisp up beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Brings in that warm, garlicky flavour without overpowering the pork.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mellow, sweet-savory boost to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple way to add herby flavour—think oregano, basil, and thyme all in one. Feeling adventurous? Try making your own homemade italian seasoning from scratch!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavours—season both the pork chops and the breadcrumb mix for maximum flavour.
- Eggs: Acts as the binder to help the panko-Parmesan coating stick to the pork chops.
- Olive Oil: A quick spritz or brush of oil helps the coating crisp up golden brown in the air fryer—no need for deep frying.
HOW TO MAKE BREADED PORK CHOPS IN AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these easy breaded pork chops in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Pat the pork chops dry first. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to blot the pork chops before seasoning and breading. This helps the egg and panko stick better and prevents soggy results.
- Mix the breadcrumb coating thoroughly. Before breading, make sure the panko, Parmesan, and all the spices are evenly combined. Use a fork or your hands to toss everything together so every bite has a good balance of flavour and cheesy crunch.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly into the pork chops. Since there’s no flour in this recipe for breaded pork chops, it’s extra important to press the panko-Parmesan coating into the egg-washed pork chops. This helps it adhere well and gives you that satisfying crunch.
- Preheat the air fryer (if your model requires it). Don’t skip the preheat—start with a hot air fryer (400°F for 3–5 minutes) so the breading begins to crisp immediately. It makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Use oil spray (not cooking spray with propellants). Use pure olive oil or avocado oil spray to lightly coat the chops before and halfway through cooking. This helps the crust get golden and crispy without frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer tray or basket. Give each pork chop space to breathe! Cook in batches if needed. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots in the breading.
- Flip halfway through cooking if your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation. This helps both sides get evenly browned and crisp.
- Check internal temp for doneness. Use a meat thermometer—pork is done at 145°F. Overcooking can dry it out, especially in the air fryer.
- Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing/eating. Resting helps the juices redistribute, so your pork stays tender and juicy instead of leaking all over the plate when you cut into it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for cooking breaded items like pork chops, chicken cutlets, or even mozzarella sticks. It mimics the effect of deep frying using hot circulating air, giving you a crispy, golden coating without all the oil. For best results, use dry coatings like panko or breadcrumbs (as opposed to wet batters), and lightly spray the surface with oil to encourage browning and crunch. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket—air flow is key to getting that crispy, “fried” texture.
For crispy, golden breaded pork chops, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the panko coating crisp up beautifully without overcooking the pork inside. Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chops if your model requires it—starting with a hot basket ensures a better sear and crunch.
Boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick typically take 10–15 minutes in the air fryer. You’ll want to flip them halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides if your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation. The exact cook time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chops, so for best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a short resting period.
Yes, it’s safe for pork chops to be slightly pink in the middle, as long as they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The 145°F (63°C) guideline for cooking pork to a safe internal temperature is recommended by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health Canada. In both countries, cooking pork to this temperature, followed by a 3-minute rest period, ensures the meat is safe to eat while preserving its juiciness and tenderness. The pink colour is often due to the type of muscle in the pork and the way it’s cooked, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the meat is undercooked. Just make sure you’re using a meat thermometer for accuracy. If the pork chop hasn’t reached 145°F, continue cooking it until it does.
Cool your breaded pork chops to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap the pork chops tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen chops, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before following the reheating instructions below.
To reheat leftover breaded pork chops and keep them crispy, the air fryer is your best friend! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pork chops for about 5–7 minutes until they’re heated through and the crust has crisped up again. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.
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BREADED PORK CHOPS IN AIR FRYER
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Pork Chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 ½ cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or pure cooking spray)
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Season them generously (on both sides) with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each pork chop into the egg wash, making sure it's coated, then press it into the panko mixture, ensuring an even, generous coating of breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the breaded pork chops in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops with a light coat of oil to help them crisp up.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through if your model doesn't have 360° air circulation, until the pork chops are golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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