These easy crispy fried pork chops are a real treat! Coated in a crunchy breading, they are juicy on the inside and have a delightful crunch outside.
I love serving them with some mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Trust me, they disappear fast at my dinner table! 🐷🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and juiciness, but boneless works just as well for convenience. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using pork loin chops.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are perfect for that crispy texture! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they may not be as crunchy. You can also crush up plain potato chips for an interesting twist!
Cornflakes: This is optional but adds extra crunch. If you’re avoiding gluten, try crushed gluten-free cornflakes or even crushed nuts for a different texture.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika give great flavor! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. Italian seasoning or a dash of barbecue rub can also add a nice flavor kick.
How Do I Get the Coating to Stick Perfectly?
Getting that crunchy, golden coating on your pork chops is all about using the right technique. The process involves dredging, to ensure even coverage and adherence.
- Start with dry pork chops; this helps the flour stick better. Use paper towels to pat them dry.
- When coating: make sure to shake off excess flour so it doesn’t clump. The egg wash should fully coat the chops.
- Press the breading firmly onto the pork chops—this helps it stay put during frying.
- Let the breaded chops rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This time allows the coating to bond better and reduces falling off during cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy fried pork chops every time!
Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 6 pork chops, bone-in or boneless (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely crushed cornflakes (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for slight heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 35 minutes. With a bit of resting time for the breading, you’ll have delicious crispy pork chops ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and breading stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for great flavor!
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a flavorful, crispy coating!
3. Bread the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and first dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it well while shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs until fully covered. Finally, press the chop into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating on both sides. Press firmly to help the crumbs stick!
4. Let the Chops Rest:
Place the breaded pork chops onto a tray and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps the coating bind nicely to the chops. While the chops rest, you can prepare to fry them.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of breadcrumbs into the pan; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
6. Fry the Pork Chops:
Carefully add the pork chops to the hot oil, frying them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy fried pork chops hot, paired with your favorite sides such as steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious and balanced meal!
Enjoy your easy crispy fried pork chops with their crunchy crust and juicy, tender meat inside! Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In or Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes, both bone-in and boneless pork chops work great for this recipe! Bone-in chops tend to be juicier due to the added flavor from the bone, while boneless chops are easier to handle and can cook a bit faster.
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture may not be as crunchy. For an interesting alternative, try crushing plain potato chips or cornflakes to create a crispy coating instead!
How Can I Make These Pork Chops Spicier?
You can amp up the heat by increasing the cayenne pepper in the breading mixture or adding a bit of hot sauce to the egg wash. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet briefly or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their crispy coating. Enjoy your leftovers!
