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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe Easy Juicy Herb Crust Guide

crispy air fryer pork chops - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy air fryer pork chops with a juicy herb crust that locks in moisture and flavor, perfect for quick and delicious weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 pork chops dry with paper towels to remove moisture and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Mix well.
  3. Brush both sides of each pork chop lightly with olive or avocado oil.
  4. Press each oiled pork chop into the herb crust mix, coating both sides evenly. Gently press to ensure the crust sticks but do not overload.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Place pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before coating to ensure crust sticks well. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even crisping. Flip chops halfway through cooking. Let chops rest after cooking for juiciness. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. If no air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) on wire rack for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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