Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops are a tasty and healthier take on traditional breaded pork chops. Instead of deep-frying, the pork chops are cooked in an air fryer, which uses hot air circulation to create a crispy, golden crust with less oil. Coated in mayo and rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, I love how Air Fryer Pork Chops come out crispy on the outside while keeping the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Juicy, delicious pork chops are a weeknight staple in our house. And since we got our Ninja Air fryer, I have never cooked pork chops any other way. I have used the same recipe for Air fryer Chicken Breast and it turns out tender on the inside with a crispy exterior.
What Makes this Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops Recipe Special
Moist & Juicy. I chose to use both mayo and panko breadcrumbs for this breaded pork chops recipe because they create a perfect balance of juicy and crispy. The mayonnaise acts as a flavorful adhesive that keeps the panko breadcrumbs firmly in place, while also adding moisture to the pork, so it doesn’t dry out during cooking. I tried the same mayo and panko coating on Air fryer Chicken breast, and it turned out incredible—crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside.
Crispy Coating. Panko breadcrumbs, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, are known for their light, airy texture. They create a crunchy exterior when air-fried, adding a delicious contrast to the tender pork.
Simple Seasoning: You can keep the seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients
- Pork chops: I used boneless pork chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick. However, this recipe works just as well with bone-in chops.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy texture of mayo helps the spices and herbs stick to the meat. Plus, the acid in the mayo helps tenderize the pork, making it juicy and tender. I also added 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mayo when creating the coating for the pork chops. This little bit of mustard also adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors, making each bite more interesting. Plus, the acidity in the mustard helps tenderize the meat slightly, which makes it even juicier, more flavorful pork chops.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Breading: I used Panko breadcrumbs along with grated Parmesan cheese. You can use seasoned Panko, regular breadcrumbs or Pork panko for low-carb pork chops.
- Spray oil to prevent them from sticking.
Instructions for Best Damn Breaded Pork Chops in Air fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer. Before cooking your pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. It helps the breading crisp up immediately and to create a delicious, golden crust. When the air fryer is already hot, it lets the panko crumbs to start browning right away, locking in the coating without becoming soggy or sliding off the pork chops.
2. Season. While your air fryer is preheating, season your pork chops. Picture 1 above. I used a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can experiment with different spices like paprika or cumin. Using your hands or a food-basting brush, coat/rub your seasoned pork chops with mayo/mustard mix. Then dip the pork chops in the Panko mix and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs. Pictures 2 and 3 above.
3. Spray Your Air Fryer Basket. Once your pork chops are fully seasoned, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the pork chops from sticking to the basket. You can also line the basket with parchment paper to make the cleaning process easier.
4. Air Fry Pork Chops. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray them one more time with cooking spray. Make sure they’re not touching each other. Cook the pork chops at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway. Use the meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
How to Avoid Overcooked Pork Chops
Thickness matters: Make sure that your pork chops are of an even thickness. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The USDA and Pork.org recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from the heat when they reach about 140°F (60°C) and let them rest; the temperature will continue to rise as they sit.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on cooking times, especially when using an air fryer or other fast-cooking methods. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Tips and Variations
Choose the Thick Cut: Go for thicker pork chops, such as center-cut or bone-in, which are less likely to dry out during cooking and have more flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs. Or add siracha or hot sauce to the mayo mix.
Different Seasonings: Experiment with Italian herbs, Parmesan, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
Panko Substitutes: Use crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or gluten-free alternatives.
Leftovers
Store the leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked pork chops for up to 2 months.
Reheat: in the preheated air fryer at 380- 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes per side until warmed through and to bring back the crispy exterior.
