These Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites are juicy, crispy, and super easy to make! Perfect for a quick snack or a fun dinner side, they’re sure to please everyone around the table.
You’ll love how fast they cook in the air fryer—no endless waiting! I like to serve them with a dipping sauce for extra yum. Who doesn’t love a good crunch? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this recipe since they’re tender and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a different protein, chicken breast or turkey can work well too!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with crisping. You can swap it for avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point, or even use a light vegetable oil in a pinch.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These seasonings provide amazing flavor. If you love fresh ingredients, use minced garlic and finely chopped onions instead. Just be aware that fresh may cook differently.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use regular paprika or even chili powder for a different twist.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for a bit of heat. If you prefer milder flavors, skip it or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pork Chop Bites?
Getting the pork chops just right is key to a great dish. Here are some tips to ensure they come out juicy and crisp:
- Preheat your air fryer. This helps the pork cook evenly and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Keep the pieces in a single layer for best results. Air needs to circulate to give them that nice crunch.
- Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows the pork to brown on all sides and prevents sticking.
- Check for doneness. The pork should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If they’re not done, give them a couple more minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless pork chops, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing them, and then about 10-12 minutes cooking in the air fryer. A quick and tasty dish perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step is important to help achieve that crispy texture for your pork chop bites!
2. Season the Pork:
While the air fryer is heating, take a large bowl and add the bite-sized pork chop pieces. Pour in the olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Mix everything together well using a spoon or your hands, making sure all the pork pieces are evenly coated in the delicious spices.
3. Cook the Pork Chop Bites:
Now it’s time to cook! Carefully place the seasoned pork chop bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this helps them cook evenly. Close the fryer and let them cook for 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them crisp up evenly!
4. Check for Doneness:
After 10-12 minutes, check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C). If it’s not quite there, pop them back in for an additional 2-3 minutes. They’ll be ready when they are fully cooked and golden!
5. Let Them Rest & Serve:
Once cooked, take the pork chop bites out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finish. Serve your tasty air fryer pork chop bites warm, and enjoy them with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
While boneless pork chops are ideal for this recipe, you can use bone-in chops as well. Just be aware that bone-in chops may require a bit more cooking time. Follow the same instructions but keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work beautifully for cooking the pork chop bites!
Can I Make These Pork Chop Bites Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, consider increasing the cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. For an extra kick, serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha or spicy mustard.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture, or use a microwave for a quicker option, though it may not retain the crispiness.
