Fried pork chops are a classic dish that many people enjoy. However, frying them traditionally can be messy and unhealthy due to the amount of oil involved. That’s where an air fryer comes in – it can give you that crispy, golden exterior without the excess oil.
Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious meal. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a perfectly cooked pork chop with a crispy crust.
Here is a simple and foolproof recipe for cooking fried pork chops in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the flour on another shallow dish, and the beaten eggs in a third shallow dish.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, then dip each chop into the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chop into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
These air-fried pork chops are juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Serve them with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Preparation for cooking fried pork chops in air fryer
Before you start cooking fried pork chops in the air fryer, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure the best results. Follow these preparation tips to make sure your pork chops turn out delicious and tender:
- Select the right pork chops: Choose thick-cut bone-in pork chops for optimal juiciness and flavor. Look for chops that are about 1 inch thick.
- Brine the pork chops: To enhance the flavor and increase the juiciness of the pork chops, brine them for at least 30 minutes. Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water, then submerge the pork chops in the brine. Cover and refrigerate while they brine.
- Preheat the air fryer: Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures that the pork chops cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- Pat dry the pork chops: Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and promotes browning.
- Season the pork chops: Rub the pork chops with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Make sure to season both sides of the chops.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious fried pork chops in your air fryer. Now that your chops are ready, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.
Gather the necessary ingredients
Before you begin cooking fried pork chops in an air fryer, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- Pork chops: Choose thick-cut bone-in pork chops for best results.
- Seasoning: Use your favorite seasoning blend or a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Olive oil: A small amount of olive oil will help to ensure the pork chops cook evenly and develop a crispy coating.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture to the pork chops.
- Egg: You will need beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the pork chops.
- Optional toppings: Consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you will be ready to start cooking your delicious fried pork chops in the air fryer!
Seasoning the pork chops
Before cooking your fried pork chops in the air fryer, it’s important to season them properly to enhance their flavor. Here are the steps to seasoning your pork chops:
-
Gather your ingredients
To season the pork chops, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 pork chops
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Combine the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Mix the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
-
Season the pork chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the pork chops, pressing gently to adhere the seasoning to the meat.
Once you have seasoned the pork chops, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. The seasoning will infuse the pork chops with delicious flavors, making them even more enjoyable to eat.
Create a flavorful dry rub
One of the keys to making delicious air fryer pork chops is to season them with a flavorful dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat to add flavor. Here’s how you can create a delicious dry rub for your pork chops:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Using your fingers, mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops, pressing the rub into the meat.
- Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
By creating a flavorful dry rub for your air fryer pork chops, you can enhance their taste and make them even more delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Cooking the pork chops in the air fryer
Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook delicious pork chops. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, giving it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Here is how you can cook fried pork chops in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the pork chops to ensure a good coating.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
- Place the breaded pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Spray the top of the pork chops with olive oil cooking spray to help them brown and become crispy.
- Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the fried pork chops hot with your favorite side dishes.
Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy crispy and delicious fried pork chops without the need for excessive oil. It’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor and texture. Give it a try and enjoy a tasty meal!
Preheat the air fryer
Before you start cooking your fried pork chops in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature and allows for even cooking. Follow these steps to preheat your air fryer:
- Place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface and make sure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation.
- Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Set the cooking time to 5 minutes and press the start button.
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for the specified time. The air fryer will beep or notify you when it’s ready.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork chops by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Note: The preheating time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer.
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed for cooking fried pork chops in an air fryer?
The ingredients needed for cooking fried pork chops in an air fryer are pork chops, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or spices you prefer.
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this recipe. They will cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
How long should I cook the pork chops in the air fryer?
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops. A good starting point is to cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes per side. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Can I use a different coating instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use a different coating instead of breadcrumbs. Some alternatives include crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
Can I marinate the pork chops before cooking them in the air fryer?
Yes, you can marinate the pork chops before cooking them in the air fryer. Marinating them for a few hours or overnight will help infuse them with more flavor. Just make sure to pat them dry before coating and cooking.