These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are juicy and crispy—just what you need for a tasty dinner! The cheesy crust gives them a lovely golden color and great flavor.
I love how the air fryer makes them crispy without a ton of oil. Plus, they cook up so fast that I can enjoy dinner without the hassle. Ready in no time and super yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are great for ease, but bone-in can add flavor. If you’re not a pork fan, try chicken breasts or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor, but pre-packaged works fine too. For a different taste, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute—you’ll get that nice salty kick.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crunchier crust, but regular breadcrumbs are okay. If gluten-free is a must, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios!
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powders are key for flavor. Feel free to swap them for fresh minced garlic or onion if you have them. You can also use any dried herbs you prefer!
How Do I Ensure Crispy and Flavorful Coating?
Getting that perfect crispy coating on your pork chops is all about the right technique. Here’s how to maximize crunch and flavor:
- First, dry the pork chops with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
- When coating, really press the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture onto the pork. This ensures it clings well during cooking.
- Drizzle with olive oil lightly—it helps with crispiness but doesn’t drown the chops. Just a little goes a long way!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave space for air to circulate for that nice even crisp.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Binding Agents:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious pork chops in around 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pork chops cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
2. Mixing the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. This will be the tasty coating that makes your pork chops extra crunchy!
3. Beating the Eggs:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well combined and a bit frothy. This will help the coating stick to the pork chops.
4. Coating the Pork Chops:
Start by dipping each pork chop into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. After that, transfer it to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this for all pork chops.
5. Air Frying the Chops:
Carefully place the coated pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you can’t fit them all at once, cook in batches. For that extra crisp, drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each chop.
6. Cooking to Perfection:
Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Resting and Serving:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork chops from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful!
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds fantastic flavor, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyere. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the taste slightly, so choose one you love!
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you want to swap out breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, oat flour, or almond flour work well as substitutes. If you’re going gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or options like crushed nuts or seeds for a crunchy coating!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pork chops and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture in advance. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness!
