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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe Easy Garlic Herb Parmesan Crust

crispy air fryer pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer pork chops with a flavorful garlic herb Parmesan crust that stays juicy and tender.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (68 oz / 170225 g each), trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
  2. Coat the pork chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Brush each chop lightly with olive oil on both sides. Press each side firmly into the Parmesan-herb mixture to create a thick, even coating. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Cook the pork chops: Place pork chops in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Rest the pork chops on a warm plate for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before coating to ensure crust sticks well. Flip pork chops halfway through cooking for even browning. If crust browns too fast, lower temperature by 10-15°F and cook longer. Spritz with olive oil halfway through cooking for extra crispiness. Leftover crust can be sprinkled on roasted potatoes or vegetables. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour. For dairy-free, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pork chops, crispy pork chops, garlic herb pork chops, Parmesan crust, easy dinner, quick pork chops, air fryer recipe