These crispy air fryer pork chops are center cut pork chops, boneless or bone in and about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, dipped in a garlic egg wash and pressed into a panko Parmesan crust. You air fry them at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with a little oil, until the thickest part reaches 145°F. Let them rest for 3 minutes. Total time is about 25 minutes, and the crust stays super crunchy while the inside stays juicy.
I will be telling you how to make seriously juicy pork chops right in the air fryer!
They have this beautiful, golden, panko Parmesan crust that is just super crunchy. On the inside, the meat stays perfectly juicy, tender, and bursting with so much flavor. You guys are going to completely fall in love with this easy air fryer recipe!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
- That Super Crunchy Crust: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a shatteringly crisp texture that you just cannot get enough of!
- Seriously Juicy Center: Air frying locks in the moisture, so you get a tender and flavorful bite every single time. No more dry and tough pork chops!
- Incredibly Easy: From prep to plate, it is a total breeze. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like a restaurant meal but takes minimal effort!
If you love that crunchy panko crust, my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders use the same air fryer approach for another no deep frying dinner favorite.
What You Will Need
Special Equipment
- Air fryer
- Microplane or zester (or a garlic press)
- Whisk
- Instant read meat thermometer
- 2 shallow bowls (for the dredging station)
- Paper towels (for patting the pork chops dry)
- Pump style oil sprayer (optional, see tip below)
The Ingredients
- 4 center cut pork chops (boneless or bone in, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick)
- 2/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2/3 cup panko style breadcrumbs
- 1 and 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 and 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
Let Us Get Cooking
1. Preparing the Panko Parmesan Coating
You will want to start off by grating your fresh Parmesan cheese. If you do not have time to grate your own, no worries at all! You can totally just buy the grated kind from the store.
In a large shallow bowl, add your grated Parmesan cheese along with the panko style breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Grab a spoon and mix everything together just until it is all well combined. Once it is mixed well, just set it aside.
2. Whisking Up the Egg Wash
Now, in a separate shallow bowl, add your two large eggs along with a freshly grated garlic clove. If you do not have a zester to grate the garlic, you can totally use a garlic press because it will work just as well!
Grab your whisk and whisk everything vigorously together until the yolks, the whites, and the garlic are all fully combined. This should take about a minute.
3. Breading the Pork Chops
First, pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps the egg wash and the crust stick. Working one at a time, dip a pork chop into the egg mixture and flip it around to ensure the entire chop is completely covered. Pick it up, let any of that excess egg drip off, and quickly transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture.
Generously coat every single part of those pork chops. Press the breading firmly into the meat on all sides to ensure a thick and generous crust. That is what is going to give you that nice, beautiful, golden, and crunchy crust. Repeat with the remaining chops. Wash your hands after handling the raw pork, and throw away any leftover egg wash and breadcrumbs that touched it.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes.
5. Load the Basket
Once the air fryer is ready, lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with some cooking spray. Place your pork chops into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary so you do not overcrowd! Lightly coat the tops of the breaded chops with some extra cooking spray. This little trick will really help crisp them up and create that beautiful golden color!
Tip: many air fryer makers recommend a pump style oil sprayer instead of aerosol cans, which can damage nonstick baskets. Check your air fryer manual.
If you are air frying dinner often, my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are another juicy, crispy favorite that uses the same thermometer-first approach.
6. Time to Air Fry!
Cook the pork chops for about 6 to 7 minutes. Then, open the basket, flip them over, spritz the tops with a little more oil, and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of your chops. Note that the thicker the chop, the longer it takes, but keep an eye on them so they do not overcook! Bone in chops can take a few extra minutes, so check them with your thermometer.
7. Check Temperature
If you are ever unsure if your pork chops are fully cooked through, I highly recommend using an instant read meat thermometer. Just stick it into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone, and it should read exactly 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Pull the chops out as soon as they reach that temperature so they do not dry out.
8. Serving Up Your Delicious Pork Chops!
Let the pork chops rest for about 3 minutes before cutting into them so the juices settle. Once your pork chops are all finished resting, I highly recommend eating them right away to really get the most out of that delicious and crispy crust and that juicy and flavorful center.
Serve these beautifully plated chops with some savory gravy on top, a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and some air fried Brussels sprouts. The outer crust of these pork chops is so crunchy from that panko breading, and it is perfectly salted from the freshly grated Parmesan. The inside is simply divine! If you have an air fryer, go make this right now because it is so good!
What to Serve With This
- Savory gravy poured over the top for a classic comfort plate
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes, or my Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes for a crispy contrast
- Air fried Brussels sprouts, or my Roasted Root Vegetables for another easy veggie side
- A skillet of my Easy Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon for a savory, Southern style side
- Ranch dressing on the side for dipping
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover pork chops within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until hot all the way through, which also brings back the crispy crust
- Microwaving works, but it softens the crust
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FAQs
How long do you cook pork chops in an air fryer?
At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, 1 inch thick pork chops usually take about 12 to 15 minutes total. I like to cook them for 6 to 7 minutes, flip them, and then finish them off for another 5 to 8 minutes. Always use an instant read meat thermometer to make sure they are perfectly cooked without drying out!
What internal temperature should air fryer pork chops reach?
You want to pull your pork chops out of the air fryer the second the thickest part reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). According to food safety guidelines, pork is fully safe at this temperature after a 3 minute rest, and pulling it right at 145 degrees Fahrenheit guarantees the meat stays incredibly juicy and tender.
Why does the breading fall off my pork chops?
If your crust is sliding off, it is usually because the pork chops were too wet before you started, or the breadcrumbs were not pressed in firmly enough. Pat the chops dry first, and make sure you are not overcrowding the air fryer basket. If they are squished together, it creates steam that will soften up that beautiful crust!
Do I really need to spray oil on the breading?
Yes, absolutely! Even though we are air frying, a light spray of cooking oil on top of the panko is the secret to getting that golden brown crunch. Without it, the hot air will just bake the breadcrumbs, leaving them looking dry and a bit powdery. A little spritz goes a long way!
How long do bone in pork chops take in the air fryer?
Bone in chops often need a few extra minutes compared to boneless chops of the same thickness. Start checking around the 12 minute mark, and keep going in short intervals until the thickest part reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the thermometer away from the bone for an accurate reading, and go by the thermometer rather than the clock.
Can I use thin cut or thick cut pork chops?
Yes, but the timing changes. Thin chops cook faster and can dry out quickly, so start checking early. Thick cut chops take longer, and the crust can brown before the center is done, so check with your thermometer. I have not tested exact times for every thickness, so always let the thermometer be your guide.
Can I make air fryer pork chops for two?
Absolutely. Cut the coating ingredients in half, bread just two chops, and cook them the same way. With fewer chops in the basket, air flows more freely, so start checking for 145 degrees Fahrenheit a little early.
Is it okay if my pork chops are a little pink in the middle?
Yes. Pork cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and rested for 3 minutes is safe to eat, even if the center is slightly pink. Use your thermometer instead of judging by color alone.
Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Panko Parmesan Crust
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes340
kcal3
minutes28
minutesGet ready for the juiciest pork chops ever. This easy air fryer recipe features a beautiful, golden panko-Parmesan crust that is super crunchy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- Equipment Needed:
Air fryer
Microplane or zester
Instant-read meat thermometer
Whisk
- Ingredients:
4 center-cut pork chops (approximately 3/4 to 1-inch thick)
60g (2/3 cup) fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
40g (2/3 cup) panko-style breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
Cooking spray (olive or avocado oil)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the large eggs and the grated garlic clove for about 1 minute until fully mixed.
- Pat the pork chops dry. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture until entirely coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the bottom of the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded pork chops into the basket in a single layer (do not overlap). Lightly coat the tops of the chops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip the chops, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. Bone-in chops may need a few extra minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part, away from the bone, reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the air fryer, let rest for 3 minutes to lock in the juices, and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: A light misting of oil over the panko is required to activate the crisping process in the air fryer. Otherwise, your breading might look powdery and white. A pump style oil sprayer is gentler on nonstick baskets than aerosol cans.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let your pork chops rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This redistributes the juices so the meat stays tender.
- Overcrowding: Make sure you don’t crowd the air fryer basket. If the chops are touching, they will steam instead of crisping up. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Temperature Is Key: Pork dries out very quickly. Pulling the chops at 145°F, followed by a 3 minute rest, guarantees a juicy, tender, and safe center. A slightly pink center is normal at this temperature.
- Raw Pork Handling: Wash your hands after handling raw pork, and discard any leftover egg wash and breadcrumbs that touched it.
- Storage: Refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until hot throughout.
- Allergen Note: Contains egg, dairy (Parmesan), and wheat (panko).
