BEST DAMN AIR FRYER BREADED PORK CHOPS

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional breaded pork chops. Instead of deep-frying, these pork chops are cooked in an air fryer, using hot air circulation to achieve a crispy, golden crust with minimal oil. Coated in mayo and rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, the result is a perfectly crispy exterior while the meat inside remains tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about ¾ to 1 inch thick)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (I used spicy Dijon)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for about five minutes. Preheating is important to ensure the pork chops cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
  • Prepare the Pork Chops: While the air fryer is preheating, season your pork chops with a bit of oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. I used garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  • Coat the Pork Chops: In a shallow dish, whisk together the mayo and mustard. In another dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic seasoning. Dip each pork chop into the mayo/mustard mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture for an even coating.
  • Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. To ensure the pork chops are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).

NOTES

  • Avoiding Overcooked Pork Chops:
    • Thickness Matters: Ensure your pork chops are an even thickness for consistent cooking and to avoid dryness.
    • Keep Them Moist: Don’t hesitate to use a bit of fat, like oil or mayo, to keep the pork chops juicy.
    • Proper Cooking Temperature: According to Pork.org, cook fresh-cut pork chops (boneless or bone-in) to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).