Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Pork chops in the air fryer are a tender and delicious dinner that is easy to make, filling, and nutritious.

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

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.

Pork.org is a great place to find out more about all of the nutrition and good things in pork.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

• Air fryer broccoli from Love and Lemons
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Roasted asparagus

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.

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.