Air Fryer (or oven) Breaded Pork Chops

It’s been a while since I made breaded pork chops. I’m reminded of my Mom’s Shake ‘n Bake version. This is my scratch seasoning version. This recipe serves 2.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil pan spray

• 2 – Center cut pork chops, 1/2 inch thick, fat trimmed

• Kosher salt, Black pepper

• 1/2 cup flour

• Salt-free seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chile powder, cumin) is what I used

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp whole milk

• 1/2 cup Panko crums

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat air fryer (or oven) to 400F.

Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.

Set up 3 plates for breading station. Place flour in the first, season flour with salt-free seasoning, mix well. Beat egg with milk, place on 2nd plate. Season Panko crumbs with salt and pepper, place on 3rd plate.

Make sure chops are dry. Lightly coat with flour. Coat with egg and milk mixture. Dredge in Panko crumbs, pressing them onto chop so they stick. Spray sheet pan rack with pan spray. Spray chops on both sides with pan spray. Place chops on rack over sheet pan. If using the oven, place chops in oven on center rack. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, the turn over chops, bake an additional 10 minutes or until interior temperature of chops are 155F. If using an air fryer, spray air fryer basket with pan spray. Spray chops with pan spray. Place in preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. Turn chops over, spray again with pan spray. Cook an additional 5 minutes or until internal temperature is 155F. Season with salt and pepper. Your times may vary depending on your oven and thickness of chops.

Serve immediately or keep warm on a rack in oven at 225F. Dijon mustard is an excellent condiment for pork chops.

Notes, tips: You may use regular bread crumbs instead of Panko. Over cooking will definitely make pork chops tough and chewy. A tiny bit of pink is O.K. these days. Reseasoning with salt and pepper after cooking is essential for flavor. Seasoning the flour and breading generously is essential for any breaded dish. I don’t recommend slathering any breaded food with gravy or sauce as it will make your hard work soggy. Serve sauces on the side with crispy items.