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Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

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Pork chops in the air fryer are a tender and delicious hearty dinner that is easy to make. If you’re looking for a flavor-filled meal for your entire family, give these air fryer pork chops a try, I promise y’all will love them.

Juicy Pork Chops

Rice, mixed vegetables, and a breaded pork chop on a white and brown plate.

DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own. 

Nutrients in Pork for Your Family

We’ve had pork on our table every week for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my dad would bring home and cook pork tenderloin on a regular basis, and I looked forward to it each and every time.

The great thing about pork is that it is filled with a multitude of nutrients, including protein, niacin, and vitamin B6.

So, not only are you eating something delicious, you’re helping out your body. And some cuts of pork are leaner than chicken thighs.

Most cuts of pork are low in fat and have potassium and sodium, which work in combination with a healthy heart–so there are a lot of great things to be said about pork.

A pork chop with two bites on a white plate with rice and mixed veggies.

Pork Farming

Farming has always been important to me because we spent each summer on my grandparent’s farm in Tennessee. My grandparents worked hard, and as I get older, I appreciate farmers more than ever.

Farmers work hard to get pork to our tables each year, and right now, there are around 67,000 pork farmers in the United States alone.

In the past few decades, pork farmers have grown in their commitment to sustainable pig farming, keeping pigs healthy, and citizenship, among other things.

Farmers have donated over 5 million dollars to charitable causes, donated more than 3 million servings of pork (yummy), volunteered countless hours, and offer numerous scholarships for college students. Talk about paying it forward!

One of the things that consistently sticks out to me is how much pork farming impacts the younger generation in positive ways. Students are constantly learning new ways of farming and raising pigs by helping on farms, participating in 4H clubs, and volunteering.

Be sure to read more about how things have changed in pig farming over at Porkcares.org

A pork chop, cooked in an air fryer, on a white plate.

What Ingredients Do I Need for Cooking Pork Chops in an Air Fryer?

This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s one of my favorite ways to make pork chops.

  • Pork chops (with or without bone)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper
  • Buttermilk (or milk)
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Grated parmesan cheese

(Full printable recipe card and instructions for the easy air fryer pork chops are listed at the bottom of the post).

How To Make Air Fryer Pork Chops

Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl.

First, add the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise to a medium-sized bowl.

Pouring buttermilk into a blue bowl with dijon mustard and mayonnaise.

Next, pour the buttermilk into the bowl and mix the ingredients together.

You can use milk for this recipe, but I personally like the flavor and thickness of buttermilk. I also tend to think that the panko and parmesan cheese sticks better to the buttermilk.

Panko breadcrumbs in a yellow bowl.

In another medium-sized bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but I personally like panko breadcrumbs because they tend to be a little crispier when you cook them.

Panko, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in yellow bowl

Next, add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix the ingredients together with a fork or small whisk.

You can grate fresh parmesan cheese or grab it already grated in the containers from the grocery store. I like to buy the pre-grated cheese, although I do think fresh tastes fantastic, too.

Dipping a pork chop into the buttermilk mixture.

Dip your pork chop into the buttermilk mixture and flip it over to make sure it coats the entire pork chop.

This mixture should make enough for four pork chops. I happened to get some very large and thick pork chops for this recipe, but you can get smaller ones, boneless pork chops, or tenderloin, and it will all work well.

Coating the pork chop with breadcrumbs in a yellow bowl

Move the pork chop over to the bowl with the panko breadcrumbs and coat both sides and the edges.

Adding the pork chop to the air fryer.

Add the pork chops to the air fryer basket.

Some air fryers are larger than others, so you will be able to get more pieces inside the basket. Just make sure they are in a single layer.

But, I did buy a very large pork chop, so it’s hoggin’ all the room (pun intended).

Be sure to read the directions on your air fryer for temperature and time because the machines can vary.

I cooked this one for 15 minutes on each side at 360 degrees, and it came out perfectly. But, if you have a smaller or thinner piece of pork, you will air fry it for less time.

The great thing about air fryers is that they cook evenly, and you don’t end up with a soggy side – it’s all crispy and delicious.

Cooking a pork chop in the air fryer.

Turn the pork chops halfway through the air frying session and continue cooking.

Pork Chops Internal Cooking Temperature

When cooking pork, the internal temperature should reach between 145 degrees and 160 degrees to keep it from drying out. You can easily find the temperature by using a digital thermometer.

To use the meat thermometer, place it into the thickest part of the pork and wait a moment for the reading. Be sure not to let the thermometer touch the bone or the cooking tray, or you might get an inaccurate reading.

Once the pork chops reach the correct temperature, it’s time to eat!

Cut up breaded pork chops on a white plate.

Breaded pork chops in an air fryer are such a wonderful dinner choice and cook up so flavorfully. Plus, it’s such an easy and quick recipe, and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen cooking for a long time.

The air fryer pork chop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and might become one of your favorite air fryer recipes.

The Perfect Side Dishes to Go With Your Pork Chop Recipe

How To Defrost Pork Chops

The best way to defrost pork chops is in the refrigerator. I freeze a lot of meat, and I’ll take some out of the freezer and place it into the refrigerator 24 hours before I cook it.

If you’re in more of a hurry (or you forgot to move it to the fridge like I often forget to do), place the pork chops in a large airtight bag and place them in a bowl of cold water.

Change the water every half an hour or so until the pork chops are thawed out enough to cook.

Breaded air fryer pork chops on a white plate with white rice and mixed veggies.

Variety for Creating Different Pork Chop Recipes

You can easily switch out ingredients to give the recipe different flavors. Here are a few ideas:

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Your favorite seasoning rub
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Italian seasoning

Air Fryer Pork Chops

There’s nothing like using the magic of the air fryer to make a juicy, tender pork chop.

The recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a weekend gathering. It’s made with minimal prep and turns out delicious every time.

Be sure to get the recipe for crispy air fryer pork chops below.

Breaded air fryer pork chops on a white plate with white rice and mixed veggies.

Pork Chops In the Air Fryer

4.30 from 51 votes
Julie Pollitt
Pork chops in the air fryer are a tender and delicious dinner that is easy to make, filling, and nutritious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 526 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized bowl, add the dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and buttermilk and mix well. Set the bowl aside.
  • In another medium-sized bowl, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and mix together.
  • Dip the pork chop into the buttermilk mixture, making sure you cover the entire piece.
  • Next, dip the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, coating the entire piece.
  • Place the pork chops into the air fryer and air fry for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, on 360-degrees, making sure to turn the pork chops at least once.
  • When the temperature of the pork chop reaches between 145 and 160-degrees, they are ready to eat!

Video

Notes

Keep any leftover pork chops in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 49gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1272mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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4.30 from 51 votes (51 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. That looks so tender and delicious. I haven’t done many larger cuts of meat like this in the air fryer. I really should change that!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Thanks, Carlee! The air fryer is a fun appliance!

  2. Jack & Polly says:

    Looks so good, My stove is an LG and it is also is an air fryer will I cook them the same way? There are no cookbooks for stove air fryers …..help!!!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      How cool that your stove is also an air fryer! You should be able to do everything the same, but you might have to cook it a little longer. I would check it at the time, but be prepared to cook it longer in your oven. Hope you love it!

  3. Can you taste the mayo and the mustard? My husband doesnt like any of those two things.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Jennifer, I think you can taste them. For the mayo you could try sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. And, you can leave out the mustard, as it will still taste great. Hope that is a good solution!

  4. Can you use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? If so, does the cook time change?

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Mary, You can use boneless and the time would be the same. Enjoy!