Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops are a tasty and healthier take on traditional breaded pork chops. Instead of deep-frying, the pork chops are cooked in an air fryer, which uses hot air circulation to create a crispy, golden crust with less oil. Coated in mayo and rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, I love how Air Fryer Pork Chops come out crispy on the outside while keeping the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
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Juicy, delicious pork chops are a weeknight staple in our house. And since we got our Ninja Air fryer, I have never cooked pork chops any other way. I have used the same recipe for Air fryer Chicken Breast and it turns out tender on the inside with a crispy exterior.
What Makes this Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops Recipe Special
Moist & Juicy. I chose to use both mayo and panko breadcrumbs for this breaded pork chops recipe because they create a perfect balance of juicy and crispy. The mayonnaise acts as a flavorful adhesive that keeps the panko breadcrumbs firmly in place, while also adding moisture to the pork, so it doesn’t dry out during cooking. I tried the same mayo and panko coating on Air fryer Chicken breast, and it turned out incredible—crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside.
Crispy Coating. Panko breadcrumbs, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, are known for their light, airy texture. They create a crunchy exterior when air-fried, adding a delicious contrast to the tender pork.
Simple Seasoning: You can keep the seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Air fryers are perfect for cooking pork chops because they cook them evenly and give them a crispy outer layer without the need for excessive oil. Air fry pork chops today and discover what all the fuss is about!
Ingredients
Please refer to the exact measurements and nutrition facts in the printable recipe card below.
- Pork chops: I used boneless pork chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick. However, this recipe works just as well with bone-in chops.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy texture of mayo helps the spices and herbs stick to the meat. Plus, the acid in the mayo helps tenderize the pork, making it juicy and tender. I also added 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mayo when creating the coating for the pork chops. This little bit of mustard also adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors, making each bite more interesting. Plus, the acidity in the mustard helps tenderize the meat slightly, which makes it even juicier, more flavorful pork chops.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Breading: I used Panko breadcrumbs along with grated Parmesan cheese. You can use seasoned Panko, regular breadcrumbs or Pork panko for low-carb pork chops.
- Spray oil to prevent them from sticking.
Instructions for Best Damn Breaded Pork Chops in Air fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer. Before cooking your pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. It helps the breading crisp up immediately and to create a delicious, golden crust. When the air fryer is already hot, it lets the panko crumbs to start browning right away, locking in the coating without becoming soggy or sliding off the pork chops.
2. Season. While your air fryer is preheating, season your pork chops. Picture 1 above. I used a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can experiment with different spices like paprika or cumin. Using your hands or a food-basting brush, coat/rub your seasoned pork chops with mayo/mustard mix. Then dip the pork chops in the Panko mix and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs. Pictures 2 and 3 above.
3. Spray Your Air Fryer Basket. Once your pork chops are fully seasoned, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the pork chops from sticking to the basket. You can also line the basket with parchment paper to make the cleaning process easier.
4. Air Fry Pork Chops. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray them one more time with cooking spray. Make sure they’re not touching each other. Cook the pork chops at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway. Use the meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
Serving Suggestions
Once your pork chops are cooked, take them out of the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For a complete meal, try pairing them with some of my favorite sides like Air fryer Baked potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, or Creamy refreshing Cucumber salad, or simply enjoy them on their own for a quick and easy meal.
How to Avoid Overcooked Pork Chops
Thickness matters: Make sure that your pork chops are of an even thickness. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The USDA and Pork.org recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from the heat when they reach about 140°F (60°C) and let them rest; the temperature will continue to rise as they sit.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on cooking times, especially when using an air fryer or other fast-cooking methods. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Tips and Variations
Choose the Thick Cut: Go for thicker pork chops, such as center-cut or bone-in, which are less likely to dry out during cooking and have more flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs. Or add siracha or hot sauce to the mayo mix.
Different Seasonings: Experiment with Italian herbs, Parmesan, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
Panko Substitutes: Use crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or gluten-free alternatives.
Leftovers
Store the leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked pork chops for up to 2 months.
Reheat: in the preheated air fryer at 380- 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes per side until warmed through and to bring back the crispy exterior.
More Succulent Air Fryer Meat Recipes
- Air Fried Pork Tenderloin
- Steak Bites
- Juicy and Tender Lamb Chops
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Succulent Baby Back Ribs
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Best Damn Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops boneless or bone-in. About 3/4 to 1-inch thick.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard I used spicy Dijon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer. Before cooking your pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about five minutes. Preheating the air fryer is essential because it ensures that your pork chops cook evenly and become crispy.While the air fryer is preheating, season your pork chops with a little oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. I used garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Picture 1.
- Then, in a shallow dish, whisk together mayo and mustard. Next, in a separate dish, mix together bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. I used Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each pork chop in the mayo/mustard mixture, ensuring that the chop is fully coated. Use the food-basting brush, if needed. Then coat evenly with the bread crumb mixture. Pictures 2 and 3.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure that they are not touching each other.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. To ensure pork chops are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
This was delicious, I did this for our evening meal today.
Thank you.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. It is one of my top favorites too
I can see why it is a favourite, it’s a winner…I’m going to try it with chicken breast too.
Turned out great Nice and moist!
These pork chops need way more than 10 mins. cooking time. After 15 mins they were still too pink, so I did them for 5 more mins. They were about 3/4 inch thick. They also didn’t brown up, but they were tasty.
Thanks for your feedback. Air fryers may cook differently. This is why I always suggest using a meat thermometer and cooking pork chops until it reaches at least 145 °F and should be rested for a couple of minutes.
Hello, I just got an Air Fryer and new to the recipes. I tried yours and it was a “thumbs up” with my family. I modified it a bit by using Dijon Horseradish mustard and a dash of red pepper flakes. This added a little “kick” and served over my rustic mashed potatoes. Thanks for sharing
Thank you very much for your comment. I’m glad you liked the recipe. it’s one of my faves too. I will definitely gibe the Dijon horseradish mustard a try., Sounds delish
I have both basket type and rack…..most recipes seem to say basket. Are the two types interchangeable?
First time trying this, and it won’t be the last. They were delicious!!
Some of my family members do not like mustard. Is there an alternative to mustard?
you can use ketchup, horseradish, bbq sauce, siracha, spicy mayo, or ranch. Or you can omit using the mustard
This is so delicious! 😋 I was skeptical about adding mustard. But you don’t taste it, all the ingredients “meld” into a yummy crunchy coating. I cook mine a tad longer to get very crunchy for my taste. I have made this twice this week 🤣. I was never a big fan of Shake n’ Bake, this blows that away! So much better and you control the ingredients. THANK YOU! 🙂
Made this for tea tonight. Fantastic. Didn’t have garlic powder, but not a problem. I have a Phillips airfryer. Had to cook another 5mins. Will definitely make again. So simple to put together. Thank you for a great recipe ❤️❤️
Yummy! I’m glad you enjoyed. It’s one of my faves too.
Real fantastic visual appeal on this site, I’d rate it 10 10.
Tasty recipe. Family loved it. Nice and crispy outside as well as juicy inside. Thank you.
Thank you. So glad your family loved it. It’s one of my my fam faves too.
This was good… however as many of us that cook love to do, I made changes that suit the taste for those eating. I used a tbsp of evoo and 2 tbsp pork rub mix of dry herbs to coat the chops first, then covered in mayo and then the panko. My airfryer also seems to take longer and that’s been true in 90% of recipes I’ve tried, so I adjusted to cook 2 bone in chops for 20 mins (still at 380, although I preheated to 390 for 10 mins first) and flipped them halfway. I was scared they would ‘brown up’ so I had a spray bottle of evoo standing by to spritz them if needed throughout cooking but I didn’t need it. I was glad because I love the airfryer for many reasons but a big one is the healthier cooking and using less oil and such. But if yours don’t brown it’s a good idea. Also I noticed it’s the mayo as they cook that is browning the panko so be sure to not skimp on the mayo…it adds moisture to the pork to keep from drying out and browns your chops nicely, not to forget adding flavor. Make recipes your own!
Correction I thought they ***wouldn’t brown up***
I have several settings on my air fryer..It would be nice to know what setting to use in these recipes..air fryer,bake broil,roast etc
HI Susan. Air fry setting. I usually specify it but if it doesn’t say, with air fryer cooking, always assume, it’s an air fry setting, unless says otherwise. Good luck
I followed the recipe exactly, it came out fantastic. Thank you. Definitely a make-again recipe.
The breading dripped right off the bottom as it cooked pooling in the drip tray of the air fryer. Why?
If this happens, be sure to spray the air fryer basket with oil, then lightly spritz pork chops with oil spray
Excellent recipe! So juicy inside and crunchy on the outside. I’m definitely adding this to my dinner rotation.
Thank you for your feedback! Yay! Yummy
I had a lot of trouble with this recipe. 380 degrees doesn’t seem hot enough; my pork chop wasn’t crispy and it took 16 minutes. (I have a Cosori mini air fryer which is probably half the problem.) I probably won’t use this recipe again.
Hi Karen, In this case I will suggest trying to cook it at 400F. Be sure to also preheat your AF
I Gen X and I’ve been dying for crunchy air fryer meats since forever. This has become my absolute favorite recipe for air fryer pork chops. They come out tender and delightfully brown on the outside. I really appreciate this recipe.
Also, for a little switch up, every now and then I’ll use ranch dressing instead of the mayonnaise mixture. Now that’s a flavor that really pops. Give that a try!
Love hearing this! So glad the recipe is a favorite for you. And using ranch instead of mayo? That’s next-level genius! I’m definitely giving that a try! Thanks for sharing your delicious twist! 😋🔥
So good! Quick and easy. The family loved them. Will make again.