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Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Pork Chops – Easy & Best Recipe

air fryer crispy parmesan pork chops - featured image

These air fryer crispy parmesan pork chops are a resurrection of a beloved deli classic, featuring a golden, shatteringly crisp parmesan-panko crust and juicy meat, all ready in under 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the deep fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with your fingers until evenly moistened (like damp sand).
  4. Press each pork chop firmly into the coating mixture, covering both sides. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place coated pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip carefully with tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Remove from air fryer and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the meat thermometer; 145°F is the target. Pat chops dry for coating to stick. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. If chops are thicker than 1 inch, add 3-4 minutes; if thinner, reduce by 2-3 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. For oven adaptation, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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