Welcome to my blog! Today, we’re making delicious and crispy breaded thin pork chops in the air fryer. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor and crunch. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 thin pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
3. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
4. Bread the Pork Chops:
- Dip each pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the pork chops into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides. Press firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
5. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
- Place the breaded pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
- Air fry the pork chops at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare or 70°C (160°F) for well done, and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy pork chops.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
Chef Bengee’s Tips:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the pork chops are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy breading.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember, the pork chops will continue to cook slightly even after they are removed from the air fryer.
- Customize the Breading: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some dried oregano for a different flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Resting Time: Letting the pork chops rest is crucial. This step ensures that the juices are reabsorbed, making your pork chops tender and juicy. Skipping this step can result in dry meat.
- Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy coating, lightly spray the breaded pork chops with olive oil spray before air frying. This helps to achieve a golden brown and crispy crust.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy breaded thin pork chops with your favorite sides! They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm grain like quinoa or rice.
Bon appétit!