If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor, these Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Pork Chops are just the ticket. The air fryer gives the pork chops a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Coated with a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and herbs, this recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (approximately 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or traditional)
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dry sage)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the pork chops cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Breading
In a shallow dish, mix together:
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Sage
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, distributing the sage and spices evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Whisk the Egg
In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly. This will act as the adhesive for the breading, helping it stick to the pork chops.
4. Bread the Pork Chops
- Dip each pork chop into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides generously. Ensure the breading adheres well for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Shake off any excess breading gently.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded pork chops in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s space between them for air to circulate.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Check for doneness: The pork chops should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when done.
6. Rest and Serve
Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite. Serve them alongside your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.
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Tips and Tricks for the Best Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Choose the Right Pork Chops: For the juiciest results, opt for thicker, boneless pork chops—about 1 inch thick. They cook more evenly and are less likely to dry out in the air fryer.
- Even Breading for Maximum Crisp: To achieve an evenly crispy crust, make sure the pork chops are fully coated in the egg mixture before dipping them into the Parmesan and breadcrumb blend. Press the breading gently onto the chops to help it adhere better.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in less crispy chops. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the pork chops helps them cook more evenly and develop a crispier crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked pork that are juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Overcooking can lead to dry pork chops, so keep an eye on the temperature.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and tender bite.
- Customize the Herb Blend: While sage adds great flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs. You can also use fresh herbs for a brighter taste, but remember to adjust the quantity accordingly (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh).
- Add Extra Cheese for Flavor: For an extra cheesy crust, try incorporating some shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. This will give the chops an even richer flavor and texture.
- Spray Lightly with Oil: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or olive oil before air frying. This helps the crust turn golden brown without adding too much extra fat.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat leftovers without losing the crispy crust, pop the pork chops back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method revives the crunch much better than microwaving.
- Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a lower-carb option, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour—both work great for adding crunch.
- Double Dredging for Extra Crunch: If you love an extra-thick and crunchy crust, you can double-dredge the pork chops. Dip them in egg and breadcrumbs twice before air frying, just make sure to shake off excess each time.
