Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 (5 ounce) boneless, center-cut pork chops, 1-inch thick; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1.5 cups cheese and garlic croutons; 2 large eggs; cooking spray

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings.

4 boneless, center-cut pork chops (5 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 cups cheese and garlic croutons
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Season the pork chops with Cajun seasoning on both sides and place them on a plate.

Step 3: Pulse the croutons in a small food processor until finely crushed. Transfer the crouton crumbs into a shallow dish.

Step 4: In a separate shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.

Step 5: Working one pork chop at a time, dip each chop into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then press the chop into the crouton crumbs to coat both sides. Place the breaded chop on a plate. Repeat this process for the remaining chops.

Step 6: Lightly mist the breaded pork chops with cooking spray.

Step 7: Mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the breaded pork chops in a single layer. If necessary, cook the chops in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 8: Air fry the pork chops for 5 minutes. Flip the chops over, mist them again with cooking spray if needed, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: To ensure the pork chops are fully cooked, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The center should read 145F (63C).

Step 10: Serve the pork chops hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Try experimenting with different flavored croutons to add variety to the dish.
If cooking multiple batches, you can keep the first batch warm in the oven set to the lowest temperature while cooking the rest.
If you're using thicker chops, add an extra minute to the cooking time. For thinner chops, reduce the cooking time by 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	327
Total Fat	15g (19%)
Saturated Fat	5g (25%)
Cholesterol	189mg (63%)
Sodium	407mg (18%)
Total Carbohydrate	10g (4%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (3%)
Protein	35g (71%)
Calcium	38mg (3%)
Iron	2mg (9%)
Potassium	596mg (13%)

Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

History and Origins: The dish of breaded pork chops cooked in an air fryer is a modern twist on a classic comfort food. Pork chops have been a staple in many global cuisines for centuries, with early variations dating back to Ancient Rome where pork was considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The breaded version, often referred to as schnitzel or fried cutlets, became popular in many European countries, especially in Germany and Austria. The innovation of cooking these breaded pork chops in an air fryer is a recent development, designed to offer a healthier, quicker, and easier way to achieve the crispy texture traditionally obtained through deep frying.

Regional Variations:

Pork chops are a beloved dish across many countries, and the breaded variant has been particularly popular in Germany and Austria, where it is known as "Schnitzel." In the United States, breaded pork chops are often seasoned with a variety of spices, reflecting the diverse culinary influences of the country. The use of Cajun seasoning in this recipe adds a Southern American flair, which is a distinctive feature in many Southern dishes, incorporating bold, spicy flavors.

Differences from Similar Dishes:

Compared to traditional fried pork chops, which are deep-fried in oil, breaded air fryer pork chops are cooked using significantly less oil, offering a healthier alternative while still maintaining a crispy texture. Unlike schnitzels, which are often served with a rich gravy, air fryer pork chops are typically served without sauce, allowing the flavors of the seasoning and breading to shine through. The air fryer also ensures that the pork chops cook evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy interior, unlike some other methods where the meat can dry out.

Where It Is Typically Served:

Breaded air fryer pork chops are an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal. They can be served as part of a hearty meal with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Due to their simplicity and versatility, they are also commonly featured in casual gatherings, such as barbecues or dinner parties. The dish can be found in many homes as a popular weeknight go-to, and its ease of preparation has made it a favorite among air fryer enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts:

The air fryer, which was invented in 2010, revolutionized the way people prepare fried foods by significantly reducing the amount of oil required, making traditionally unhealthy dishes much healthier.
Using croutons as a breading ingredient for the pork chops is a clever way to repurpose leftover bread, reducing food waste while adding flavor and crunch to the dish.
Despite the name "air fryer," the appliance doesn't actually fry food with air. Instead, it uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying, which allows for crispy results without the need for large amounts of oil.
Pork is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world, and its versatility in different culinary traditionsfrom Chinese to American and beyondspeaks to its global popularity.

Conclusion: Breaded air fryer pork chops offer a deliciously crispy and tender alternative to traditional deep-fried chops, while maintaining the savory flavors that make pork so popular. Whether you're new to air frying or a seasoned expert, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a regular feature in your recipe rotation.

FAQ about Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

Leftover breaded pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy.

Yes, you can freeze breaded pork chops. Place the breaded chops on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side.

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the croutons with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the Cajun seasoning and any other spices you use are gluten-free as well.

If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Alternatively, use other seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or chili powder, depending on your taste preference.

Bone-in pork chops can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Bone-in chops typically take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving. You may need to cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

To keep the pork chops juicy, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you're using thicker chops, consider pounding them to an even thickness before breading to ensure even cooking.

To avoid dry pork chops, be sure to coat them well with oil or cooking spray before air frying. This helps to lock in moisture. If you find that your chops are getting dry, consider slightly reducing the cooking time or flipping them midway through the process.

You can prepare the breaded pork chops ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the breading set. Just air fry them when you're ready to eat.

These breaded pork chops pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.

If the breading isn't crisping up, it may not be coated enough with oil or cooking spray. Make sure to lightly mist the chops with oil before and during cooking. Also, ensure you're cooking at the right temperature (around 400°F/200°C) for the best crisping results.

Comments

Rosemarie Yandoli-Smith

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This is the first air fryer recipe that I have found that I really like!! I recently purchased an Emeril Lagasse power air fryer, and generally speaking have found it lacking. Every time I followed one of their protein recipes, I found the protein to be undercooked and rubbery. That did not happen w this recipe. That being said I did make some adjustments. I lengthened the cooking time to 25 minutes. 15 mins side one and 10 mins for side two. Regarding the croutons I felt that a bit labor intensive so instead I used panko bread crumbs combined w a 1/4c of Parmesan and 1tsp of garlic powder. And I only needed one egg to coat 4 chops. The time may just be my Emeril air fryer but it worked perfectly. It also defaults to 400* for air fry setting so I left it at that. But the basics of this are great, and I will definitely do it again!

Shari Armstrong

11/11/2019 10:33:11 PM

I just got an air fryer yesterday and needed to try it out (beyond just some frozen taquitos) :). This was quite easily the best pork chops I've made, super moist! I used panko bread crumbs with garlic salt and onion powder instead of the croutons and Cajun seasonings (didn't have those).

Mary

10/19/2022 12:09:49 PM

I make these all the time use to in the pan but wanted healthier. Thin the pork chop by using a meat tenderizing tool add your spices, I add salt & pepper & onion powder & garlic powder and smoked paprika before pounding. Pound down to about 1/2 inch then continue with the recipe. I've done it also as the recipe calls for but still used a meat Tenderizing Tool to make it about 1/2 and air fry for 4-5 minutes per side.

Corey Gosnell

07/14/2020 01:16:42 AM

So I used boneless thick cut chops, probably about 1.5-2" thick. I also subbed pork rinds for breading. In the Emeril 360 XL, I ran at 390°F, the chops were nowhere cooked after 11 minutes, so I added another 12, internal temp was mid 150s (to my satisfaction). They were nice and juicy, and were eaten so quickly I didn't get a picture.

ZEKE

09/23/2019 11:23:18 PM

yes I did.. in bottom of air fryer I put a sheet of foil shine side up then in the basket added some green bean s (fresh) had them in bowl with olive oil add smashed fresh garlic... next set my rack above grn. bean's cook as directed ( my air fryer is a Nuwave 6 qrt. Brio air fryer comes W/ extra rack) cooked everthing in 10 mln . made w/ mash spud's Oh yea used Old Bay season instead of cajun

WobblyThyme9763

05/08/2024 12:39:36 AM

I mixed a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning in with the bread crumbs In addition to sprinkling Cajun seasoning on the chops. I did two batches so I could figure out a good cooking time. A number of people mentioned cooking it for additional time. I cooked the first batch for a total of 18 minutes. They were delicious but slightly dry. I did the next batch for 16 minutes total. I think that a cooking time of 14-16 minutes would be to most people's taste, while still being cooked sufficiently.

Mike

10/17/2019 02:57:18 AM

A simple, yet very tasty recipe! I used thick cut chops (about 1.5 inches thick), and found that 11 minutes per side were necessary, to achieve an internal temp of 160 degrees. Crisp on the outside & juicy on the inside.

Frederick C Squires III

04/11/2023 02:30:26 AM

This came out Perfect! I placed Chops between paper towels for 15 mins. (Room temp.) and patted dry. Followed directions and inserted meat thermometer. I flipped it about 1/2 way through cooking time... Crispy exterior, moist interior, very flavorful ... Perfect!!!

Al

04/08/2020 02:53:14 PM

Came out tender, crispy and tasty. I used Italian seasoned bread crumbs and added garlic powder and some parmesan cheese and added the Cajun seasoning to the bread crumbs. I may try the crushed croutons next time if I have the time. I'm guessing it would come out even crispier. Remember as with any breaded air fryer recipe, make sure breading is well coated with oil.

Christie McAllister Lash

09/24/2019 10:19:56 PM

Pork chops were juicy and tasty. I didn't have croutons so I made a breading with the cajun seasoning, Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder & Parmesan cheese.

SoCal Cook

10/18/2020 05:51:28 PM

Very good. I’m new to using an air fryer but this recipe was easy and worked well. As others, I mixed my own dredge using whole wheat Panko, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese.

ET

05/18/2025 10:40:50 PM

Very good and easy to make. A hit!

Lorri Cole

03/23/2025 10:35:06 PM

Took bit longer but delicious and moist Definitely make again

Jason Edwards

02/04/2025 10:55:46 PM

Didn’t expect it to taste this amazing.

RubyRoll5866

01/06/2025 10:24:40 PM

This was so good and easy. I used a Mango Chipotle rub and 4 minutes each side for the thin pork chops. But one was much thicker than the others, and wasn't cooked through. Otherwise, awesome, and I don't even like pork chops.

DaringFlax1189

07/30/2024 09:53:35 PM

This recipe was fantastic! I cooked them for 5 min on one side and 10 min on the other. This left the internal temperature between 146 to 148 Fahrenheit. This left the pork chops flavorful and juicy.

Rebecca Adams

06/13/2024 09:02:27 PM

I can’t believe how easy it was.

HardyHam8067

04/22/2024 08:24:53 PM

I added fresh parmasean cheese to my breading.

Melissa96

03/21/2024 12:27:12 AM

My husband loves pork chops. Me not so much. So I'm always trying new recipes to find one that makes me love pork chops too. This is it. Made it exactly per the recipe and it was amazing. Flavorful, juicy porkchops and so easy. We all loved it and now I can make my husband pork chops all the time.

Sarah Bryant

01/17/2024 02:17:23 AM

Yum! Easy to make son of a snickerdoodle for cleaning!

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Mushroom-Steak Diane Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Recipe Tips

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Regional Variations:

Differences from Similar Dishes:

Where It Is Typically Served:

Interesting Facts:

FAQ about Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe