Best Damn Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

You got it — here’s the full recipe for Best Damn Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops, with that crispy, golden crust and juicy, flavorful inside. Includes a Q&A section to help troubleshoot or customize.
🐷 Best Damn Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
🍽️ Juicy, golden, and incredibly crispy — these air fryer pork chops are weeknight perfection with half the mess and calories of deep-frying.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
🥩 For the Pork Chops:
-
2–4 boneless pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
🧂 For the Breading:
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
-
1 large egg, beaten
-
¾ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but awesome)
🛢️ For Cooking:
-
Olive oil spray or any high-heat cooking spray
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Pork Chops
-
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
-
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
2. Set Up Breading Station
-
In three shallow bowls:
-
Bowl 1: Flour
-
Bowl 2: Beaten egg
-
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan (if using)
-
3. Bread the Pork Chops
-
Dredge each chop in flour, then dip into egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
-
Press down to make sure the coating sticks well.
4. Preheat Air Fryer
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chops
-
Lightly spray both sides of breaded pork chops with oil spray.
-
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd).
-
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy pork.
6. Rest & Serve
-
Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
-
Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, or even mac & cheese.
❓Q&A: Best Damn Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Yes! They take a bit longer — around 16–18 minutes depending on thickness. Always check internal temperature.
Q: What kind of breadcrumbs are best?
A: Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest results. Regular works too, or mix both for texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Almond flour can also work for dredging.
Q: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
A: Press the coating on firmly, and make sure to dry the pork well before seasoning. Don’t skip the flour step—it helps the egg and crumbs stick.
Q: Do I have to flip the pork chops?
A: Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.
Q: Can I skip the Parmesan?
A: Yes — it’s optional, but it adds a salty, umami boost. You can also use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Q: What if my chops are thicker/thinner?
A: Adjust cook time:
-
½ inch thick: 9–11 mins
-
1+ inch thick: 14–16 mins
Use a meat thermometer to be sure — 145°F is perfect.
Q: Can I prep these in advance?
A: Yes. Bread them, place on a baking sheet, and refrigerate uncovered for a few hours. Air fry just before eating.
Q: Leftovers — any tips?
A: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp back up. Avoid microwaving — it softens the crust.