Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe with Parmesan, paprika, and garlic. Juicy, tender, and ready in just 25 minutes!
Let me paint you a picture. It’s Friday night, the kind where you just want something comforting but also kinda fancy because hey, you made it to the end of the week. But, of course, I had nothing planned. Not unusual. I mean, I’ve had weeks where my dinner “plans” were basically rummaging through the fridge like a scavenger and pretending there’s a grand scheme. Spoiler: there’s not.
So, I stumbled upon a pack of boneless pork chops hiding in the back of the freezer. You know, the ones you buy because they’re on sale but then completely forget about? Yeah, those. And for some reason, I thought, “Why not throw them in the air fryer?” Seriously, the air fryer has become my version of duct tape—it fixes everything.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Anyway, I slapped together some seasonings—mostly whatever I grabbed first—and crossed my fingers. And oh my gosh, the result was… magic. Crispy, golden perfection on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. It was like the pork chops had a glow-up. My husband literally double-checked that I made them myself and didn’t just order takeout.
The best part? The air fryer did all the heavy lifting. No babysitting the stove, no greasy mess. Just me, a glass of wine, and pork chops that made me feel like I actually had it together. Honestly, this Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe has become my go-to whenever I need something easy but satisfying.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe?
What makes this Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe such a winner? Well, for starters:
-
Speed and Simplicity: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes. Perfect for those days when you’re hangry and patience is nowhere to be found.
-
Perfectly Crispy Texture: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that delightful crunch without having to deep fry. Hello, healthier options!
-
Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside: It’s like the dream pork chop combo, and the air fryer makes it effortless.
-
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy stuff. Parmesan, paprika, garlic… just the classics.
-
Customizable: Want it spicy? Add cayenne. Prefer it with herbs? Throw in some rosemary or thyme. You do you.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why each ingredient works its magic in this Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe:
-
Parmesan Cheese: Gives you that salty, cheesy crust that feels so indulgent. It’s like a pork chop’s way of dressing up for a night out.
-
Paprika: Adds warmth and just the right hint of smokiness. I’m a sucker for smoked paprika, but use whatever you’ve got.
-
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better, period. It adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
-
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps keep the chops tender.
-
Dried Parsley: Mostly for looks, let’s be real. But it also adds a subtle herby freshness.
-
Ground Black Pepper: Just enough to give it a little kick without being overwhelming.
-
Boneless Pork Chops: The main event! I use 5-ounce chops, but anything goes—just adjust the cook time.
-
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness.
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Chops?
Let’s break it down, step by step:
-
Preheat & Mix:
Heat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Mix Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper in a shallow dish. Make sure everything’s blended evenly—no rogue clumps. -
Season the Chops:
Rub each pork chop with olive oil like you’re giving it a mini massage. Then dredge them in the Parmesan mixture. Press it on there good—this is where all the flavor lives. -
Air Fry to Perfection:
Place two chops in the air fryer basket (or all if your air fryer is big enough). Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should come out golden, crispy, and smelling incredible. -
Rest & Serve:
Let the chops rest for about 5 minutes. It’s tempting to dive right in, but this keeps them juicy. Then, dig in!
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Here’s how to make them last:
-
Refrigerator: Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Try these:
-
Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
-
Herby Goodness: Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme for a cozy, earthy flavor.
-
Cheese Switch-Up: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan. Different cheese, different vibe.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Ditch the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast. It’s still cheesy and delicious.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops?
These Air Fryer Pork Chops are good on their own, but even better with:
-
Mashed Potatoes: Because creamy and crispy are a match made in heaven.
-
Steamed Veggies: Light, fresh, and perfect for balancing out the richness.
-
Crisp Salad: A little arugula with a lemon vinaigrette is chef’s kiss.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely! Just increase the cook time by a few minutes.
What temperature should pork chops be cooked to?
They should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Just swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or leave it out altogether.
And there you have it—crispy, juicy pork chops made easy. If you try this Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe, you’ve got to let me know. Was it a hit? Did you make any tweaks? Tell me everything!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 5-ounce boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Prepare a flat, shallow dish by combining Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, and ground black pepper. Ensure the mixture is evenly blended.
Seasoning the Pork Chops:
- Coat each boneless pork chop thoroughly with olive oil. Proceed to dredge both sides of each pork chop in the Parmesan mixture, ensuring even coverage. Place the seasoned chops on a plate.
Cooking:
- Place two pork chops in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispiness. Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
Repeat Process:
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining pork chops. Ensure they are rested for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving:
- Serve hot and enjoy. For added flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
