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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter

air fryer pork chops - featured image

These crispy air fryer pork chops with garlic herb butter are golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter that melts into every crevice. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results from your air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of each pork chop and rub in gently.
  4. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Mix together.
  5. Brush each seasoned pork chop lightly with olive oil on both sides. Press each chop into the panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring full coating. Shake off excess.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Arrange chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each. Cook in batches if needed.
  8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 5-6 minute mark.
  9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
  10. Transfer chops to a plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
  11. Place a generous dollop of garlic herb butter on each hot chop. Let it melt naturally before serving.

Notes

For best results, let pork chops sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Toast panko in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Double the garlic herb butter if desired.

Nutrition

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