Breaded pork chops are a delicious, easy dinner option that works for any night of the week. A crispy, crunchy coating hugs tender, juicy chops for a lovely contrast of flavors and textures in each bite. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook breaded pork chop in 3 different ways.
1. Oven Baked Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake the pork chops evenly and create a crispy crust.
Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading stick and ensure a crispy texture when baked. Season both sides of the pork chops with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the pork.
Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, beat the two eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. The breadcrumbs will form the crunchy exterior, while the Parmesan adds a deliciously savory flavor.
Coat the Pork Chops: Dip each seasoned pork chop into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, transfer the pork chop to the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick evenly on all sides.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the pork chops to help them crisp up during baking. Arrange the breaded pork chops on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Bake the Pork Chops: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C). The crust should be crispy and the pork should be tender and juicy on the inside.
Garnish and Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
2. Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by patting the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the breading adhere to the meat better. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper to your liking.
Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow dishes for breading.
In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the two eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute the Parmesan and seasoning through the breadcrumbs.
Dredge the Pork Chops:
Take each seasoned pork chop and coat it in the flour, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Next, dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Finally, press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is well-coated with breadcrumbs on both sides. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the pork chops cook evenly and get that nice crispy exterior.
Cook the Pork Chops:
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded pork chops with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to cook the pork chops in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The pork chops should be golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The breadcrumb coating should be crispy and crunchy.
Garnish & Serve
Once the pork chops are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve the air fryer breaded pork chops with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley if you like.
3. Pan-Fried Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick (around 1 1/2 pounds total)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for shallow frying
Instructions:
Prepare the Dredging Station
In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second dish, whisk the two large eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third shallow dish, combine the fresh breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the breadcrumbs.
Season the Pork Chops
Pat the bone-in pork chops dry with paper towels. Next, generously season both sides of the pork chops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Dredge the Pork Chops
One at a time, dredge each pork chop in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the pork chop in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat the process for all four pork chops.
Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, pour enough extra-virgin olive oil to shallow fry the pork chops, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, sprinkle a small amount of breadcrumbs into the oil. If they sizzle immediately, the oil is hot and ready for frying.
Cook the Pork Chops
Carefully place the breaded pork chops into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the crust while ensuring the pork chops cook through.
Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Now, you know how to cook breaded pork chops crispy and full of flavor. I hope that after reading this article, you can enjoy crisp, succulent breaded pork chops perfectly at home.
