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Cozy & Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops – Easy Dinner Recipe

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These air fryer pork chops are incredibly juicy and tender on the inside with a golden, shatteringly crispy crust on the outside. A quick brine and double-layer coating make this easy weeknight dinner a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (approximately 600g total)
  • 2 cups cold water (480ml)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (18g)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12g)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (80g)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cold water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add pork chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Set up three shallow dishes: In the first, whisk together flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. In the second, beat eggs with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.
  3. Remove pork chops from brine and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Working one at a time, dredge each pork chop in flour mixture (shake off excess), dip in egg wash (let excess drip off), then press into breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Place on a clean plate.
  6. Lightly spray both sides of each coated pork chop with olive oil spray.
  7. Place pork chops in air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip, spray tops lightly with oil, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Remove from air fryer and let rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the brine—it keeps the pork juicy. Pat the chops very dry after brining for a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the chops rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting to keep the juices inside.

Nutrition

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