If you’re looking for a super easy, incredibly delicious, and totally crispy way to cook pork chops, then this recipe is definitely for you. It’s a one-step breading procedure that’s similar to the Japanese Tonkatsu or Milanese, and it’s sure to become your go-to weeknight recipe!
How to Make Crispy Pork Chops
First, get your pan or skillet hot and ready. If you have a cast iron skillet, it’s best to use that for this recipe because they distribute heat evenly and are great for crispy fried pork chops.
You’ll want to start with a large amount of oil (about 1 to 1.5 cups). It should cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer.
Once the oil is hot, add the chops, but not too many at once. This will help ensure that the meat has plenty of room to cook without getting too brown or sticking.
When frying, you need to flip the chops so that they cook on both sides. This helps to keep the meat from clumping together and will also help to prevent a soggy bread coating.
Next, dredge the pork chops in a flour mixture that includes salt and pepper. After that, dip them in egg and then finally into a bread crumb mixture that includes Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. This mixture will help the crumbs stick to the pork chops and will help them stay crispy.
You can also coat the pork chops with olive oil, mayo, or Dijon mustard to get a really crisp exterior. Just remember to flip the pork chops frequently during frying, so that they get a nice golden brown on both sides.
Then, transfer the pork chops to a wire rack over paper towels to soak up excess oil. Once all of the chops are dredged, cook them in the air fryer for 12 to 13 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reaches 140 degrees F.
Once they’re done, they should be pretty tender and juicy. If you want them even juicier, you can cook them for an additional 4 to 5 minutes in the oven.
If you’re using a thicker cut of pork, it’s probably better to skip the oven step. It won’t take as long to cook, but the internal temperature will be less consistent and they might end up with a softer interior.
These fried pork chops can be served with your favorite side dishes or with a quick fruit salad or tossed in some quick-cooking vegetables like radishes and green beans. They’re a delicious meal that you can whip up in minutes and will be enjoyed by the whole family!