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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter

crispy air fryer pork chops - featured image

These crispy air fryer pork chops are perfectly golden and juicy, topped with a melting garlic herb butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that tastes like a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt preferred)
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ยพ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced very finely)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ยฝ teaspoon dried)
  • ยผ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let them sit at room temperature while you set up the rest.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: first with all-purpose flour, second with whisked egg and water, third with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
  3. Dredge each pork chop in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into panko mixture, coating all sides. Place on a plate and repeat with remaining chops.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place pork chops in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray tops generously with oil. Air fry at 400ยฐF for 5 minutes, flip carefully, spray again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF.
  6. While pork chops cook, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
  7. Transfer cooked pork chops to a clean plate. Immediately dollop a generous spoonful of garlic herb butter on each chop. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip the flour coatingโ€”it helps the egg wash stick and keeps the meat juicy. Let coated chops rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145ยฐF. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350ยฐF for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pork chops, crispy pork chops, garlic herb butter, quick dinner, weeknight meal