Breaded pork chops were a regular dinner in my kitchen long before air fryers were a thing, but once I tested them in the air fryer, I never went back. This version (Air Fryer Bread Pork Chops) has been made and remade in my own kitchen until the coating stayed crisp without drying out the pork, and the timing worked consistently across different air fryer models. If you’ve struggled with soggy breading or overcooked pork chops before, this method solves both.
Why These Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops Work
- The breading adheres better thanks to a quick prep step most recipes skip
- The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, creating a golden, crispy coating without deep frying
- Cooking to temperature instead of time keeps pork chops tender and juicy
- Simple seasonings enhance flavor without overpowering the pork
Pair with oven roasted green beans or Air Fryer Frozen Corn for an easy weeknight meal ready in about a half hour!
For more tasty pork dinners you’ll love, be sure to check out my Grandma's Stuffed Pork Loin, Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe, Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin, Delicious Cuban Pork Sandwich, Pork Street Tacos.
Ingredient Roll Call for Breaded Pork Chops in Air Fryer
- Parmesan Cheese. Fresh shredded and chopped parmesan adds a little salty, nutty flavor to the bread crumb mixture. If you don’t have fresh, pre-grated works in a pinch!
- Pork Chops. Thick, boneless pork chops are best for juicy pork chops, but bone-in pork chops work too for even more flavor. Just watch the cooking time, as bone-in can take a little bit longer.
- Egg. Helps the bread crumb mixture stick to the pork chops, giving you that dreamy crispy crust.
- Water. Whisked into the egg wash to loosen it up, so it coats the pork more evenly.
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Adds an extra pop of flavor to the pork chops before they get coated and crisped up.
- Italian Bread Crumbs. Brings herby, savory flavor to the breading - you can swap for plain if that's all you have, just add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Panko Bread Crumbs. These extra-crispy crumbs are the secret to a super crispy breaded pork chop. Panko breadcrumbs are bigger and lighter than regular bread crumbs.
Kitchen Must-Haves (Kitchen Tools)
- Air Fryer - I use the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Instant-read meat thermometer (strongly recommended)
"I'm sold, making pork chops in the Air Fryer has been game changing. Always so juicy!"
— TJ
Let's Make it: Breaded Pork Chops Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to get it ready for the pork chops. In a shallow dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
- Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels so the breading sticks better.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
- Press each pork chop into the bread crumb mixture, coat it well, then dip into the egg wash, covering both sides.
- Dredge the pork chop back into the bread crumb mixture for a second coating. Let them rest for 5 minutes so the breading stays in place during cooking.
- Place the breaded pork chops in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes to start forming a crispy crust.
- Flip the pork chops over and air fry for another 5-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a digital meat thermometer.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
- Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Mash
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Applesauce or Honey Mustard
- Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Yes, but keep an eye on them - thin pork chops cook faster and can dry out if overdone.
Either works! Boneless pork chops are quicker, but bone-in chops tend to be a little juicier and more flavorful.
No worries - you can use extra Italian bread crumbs, or even crushed Ritz crackers or pork rinds for a fun twist.
Fridge & Freezer Magic
Storage: Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep them wrapped in paper towels inside the container to help maintain that crispy exterior.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked breaded pork chops by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. This keeps the crispy breading from getting soggy (and trust me, it's worth the extra minute or two).
Make Ahead: You can bread the pork chops and keep them uncooked in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just pull them out about 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for even cooking.
Flavor Fixes and Swaps for Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
- Parmesan Cheese. If you don’t have fresh parmesan, grated from the can works too - or try a little shredded cheddar for a different twist!
- Pork Chops. Swap boneless pork chops for bone-in pork chops if you want extra flavor and don’t mind a little longer cooking time.
- Egg. No eggs? No problem - try using a little bit of buttermilk or even mayonnaise to help the bread crumbs stick.
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Regular salt and pepper will work in a pinch, or try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Italian Bread Crumbs. Plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning make a quick substitute.
- Panko Bread Crumbs. Crushed Ritz crackers, pork rinds, or even extra Italian bread crumbs can stand in if needed.
Recipe Secrets Revealed
Tips and tricks to make this recipe turn out perfect every time
- Preheat Your Air Fryer. Always start with a preheated air fryer! A hot air fryer basket gives you that instant crispy crust without overcooking the inside.
- Use a Meat Thermometer. Cooking pork is all about hitting the right internal temperature. Use an instant read thermometer and pull those chops at 145°F for juicy pork chops every single time.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket. Keep the pork chops in a single layer with a little space between them. This lets the hot air move around and makes sure you get that perfect crispy crunch.
- What to Serve With Breaded Pork Chops. These pork chops love hanging out with green beans, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh side salad. Quick, easy, and so satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If crispy breaded pork chops are on your dinner rotation, this air fryer method delivers consistent results without the mess or oil of frying. Once you try them this way, it’s hard to go back.
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Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops
- 2 Egg
- 2 Tablespoon Water
- 1 teaspoon Lawrey's Season Salt
- ¾ Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese - Shredded and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to get it ready for the pork chops. In a shallow dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
- Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels so the breading sticks better.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
- Press each pork chop into the bread crumb mixture, coat it well, then dip into the egg wash, covering both sides.
- Dredge the pork chop back into the bread crumb mixture for a second coating. Tip: Let them rest for 5 minutes so the breading stays in place during cooking.
- Place the breaded pork chops in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes to start forming a crispy crust.
- Flip the pork chops over and air fry for another 5-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a digital meat thermometer.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Notes
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep them wrapped in paper towels inside the container to help maintain that crispy exterior.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked breaded pork chops by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. This keeps the crispy breading from getting soggy (and trust me, it's worth the extra minute or two).
- Make Ahead: You can bread the pork chops and keep them uncooked in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just pull them out about 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for even cooking.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
hadji abderrahmane
Thank you, I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot
Devour Dinner
You are so welcome! Thanks for the review