Air fryer crispy breaded pork chops are the perfect combination of crunchy coating and juicy, tender meat. This recipe delivers golden, flavorful chops without the excess oil of traditional frying—ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but stays lighter.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How to Make Crispy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Prep the chops: Pat pork chops dry with kitchen paper.
- Season: Lightly season each chop with salt and pepper.
- Breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
- Coat the chops:
- Dredge pork chop in flour, shake off excess.
- Dip into egg wash.
- Coat in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to stick.
- Air fry: Spray chops with oil spray. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Internal temperature should reach 63°C / 145°F.
- Rest & serve: Let rest for 3–4 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
You Must Know
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—this ensures maximum crispiness.
- Thicker chops may need 1–2 minutes extra.
- For juicier results, brine pork chops in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking.
Topping Variations
- Herb kick: Add dried oregano, thyme, or parsley to breadcrumbs.
- Spicy: Mix in chilli flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Cheesy crust: Use extra Parmesan or even a bit of grated cheddar.
Make It a Meal
Pair with:
- Air fryer potato wedges or sweet potato fries
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
Pro Tips
- Always flip halfway for even cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest texture.
- Don’t skip the resting period—keeps pork juicy.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes—just add 2–3 minutes cooking time.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
Yes, bread them ahead of time and refrigerate (unfried) for up to 24 hours.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze breaded uncooked chops on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 200°C / 400°F for 16–18 minutes.
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Try our mouthwatering air fryer breaded pork chops recipe, featuring a crispy coating that perfectly complements the juicy and flavorful pork, making every bite a delightful combination of crunch and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pork
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, center cut pork chops about ½ inch thick
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
- Minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Whisk together the eggs until smooth in a shallow dish.
-
Add the bread crumbs, Panko, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a second shallow dish.
-
Dredge the pork chops first in the eggs and then in the bread crumbs to coat. Press the pork chops into the bread crumb mixture to make sure it fully adheres to the pork.
- Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray and arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the basket, leaving a bit of space between each piece for air to flow. You may need to work in batches.
- Spritz the pork liberally with oil spray and air fry at 390 degrees for 5 minutes. Flip the pork chops over and spray again with oil spray. Continue cooking for 5 minutes or until pork is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 150 degrees. Timing may vary depending on thickness of pork chops and air fryer model. For best results use a meat thermometer.
-
Repeat with remaining pork chops, if needed. Rewarm in air fryer for 2 minutes, as needed.
-
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
We love boneless center cut pork chops, but this recipe should work well with any type of pork chop. Adjust cook time as needed and use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.We’re using a combination of traditional bread crumbs and panko to create a more crisp texture. You can skip the panko if you don’t have it on hand or prefer the texture of traditional bread crumbs.
