This Easy Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops copycat delivers juicy, tender pork chops topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, just like the restaurant favorite. It’s a simple, comforting dinner that brings big flavor to the table without complicated steps.

Applebee’s Parmesan pork chops with crispy cheese crust on plate
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If you love Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops, this easy copycat recipe lets you bring that cozy, restaurant-style dinner straight to your own kitchen.

Juicy pork chops are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and cooked until golden on the outside and tender on the inside.

It’s the kind of no-fuss comfort food that feels a little special but still works for a weeknight meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes or green beans and dinner is handled without overthinking it.

Easy Applebee’s Parmesan pork chops with crispy golden Parmesan crust on plate

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • It delivers that Applebee’s-style Parmesan crust without leaving your kitchen
  • The pork chops stay juicy inside with a crispy, cheesy coating outside
  • Simple pantry ingredients mean no special grocery trip
  • Works great for busy weeknights or casual family dinners
  • Comfort food vibes that feel restaurant-worthy without the price tag

Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Easy Applebee's Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and seasons the pork evenly
  • Black pepper: Adds mild heat and classic savory flavor
  • All purpose flour: Creates the base layer for crispy breading
  • Eggs; Helps the breading stick firmly to the pork chops
  • Bread crumbs: Forms a crunchy coating once cooked
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, cheesy crust
  • Granulated sugar: Balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness
  • Garlic powder: Adds bold garlic flavor without extra moisture
  • Basil: Brings a light herbal note to the seasoning
  • Oregano: Adds earthy, slightly peppery flavor
  • Thyme: Provides warm, savory depth to the breading
  • Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps the coating crisp up

How To Make Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops

Season your pork chops with salt and black pepper.

Step One: Start by seasoning the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper, making sure the meat is evenly coated.

Breading station with flour eggs breadcrumbs and Parmesan

Step Two: Set up your breading station by placing the flour on a plate, whisking the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, and mixing the remaining flour with the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme, plus a pinch of salt and pepper on another plate.

Breading pork chops and placing into air fryer

Step Three: Coat each pork chop in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating sticks. Arrange the breaded pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.

Step Four: Air fry at 360 degrees F for 15 minutes, flipping the pork chops at the 8 minute mark and spraying again with olive oil. When the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, remove the pork chops from the air fryer, plate them up, and serve while hot.

Air frying breaded pork chops until golden cooked

Easy Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe Tips

  • Pat pork chops dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks and crisps evenly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in a single layer for the best results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly juicy chops.
  • Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
  • Swap herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to customize flavor to your taste.

Other Cooking Methods

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the breaded pork chops on a greased sheet pan for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F before serving.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil and pan-fry the breaded pork chops for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. This method gives a crispy exterior without using an air fryer.
  • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the breaded pork chops for 6–8 minutes per side, covering with a lid if needed. Turn carefully to keep the breadcrumb coating intact and confirm doneness with a thermometer.
  • Instant Pot (Saute + Pressure Cook): Brown the breaded pork chops in the Instant Pot using the sauté function for 3–4 minutes per side. Then pressure cook with a splash of chicken broth for 2–3 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
Crispy breaded Applebee’s-style Parmesan pork chops served on a plate with garnish

Storing Instructions

Store leftover Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.

Easy Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? Absolutely. Boneless chops will cook slightly faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make the pork chops extra crispy? Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before breading and lightly spray the coating with oil before air frying.

Can I prep these ahead of time? Yes, bread the pork chops and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage.

What sides go well with Applebee’s-style Parmesan Pork Chops? Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Air fryer Applebee’s style Parmesan crusted pork chops, golden and crispy, served on a plate with garnish.

More Easy Copycat Recipes

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Easy Applebee's Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe

Easy Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe

4.13 from 8 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Easy Applebee’s Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe – crispy, cheesy pork chops cooked in the air fryer, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 4 large bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 2 cm thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

  • Season both sides of each 4 large bone-in pork chops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour on a plate. Whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Mix remaining flour with 1/3 cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon basil 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper on another plate.
  • Coat each pork chop first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture. Place breaded pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray tops with olive oil.
  • Set air fryer temperature to 360 degrees F for 15 minutes. At 8 minutes, flip pork chops and spray again with olive oil. Check that internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  • Remove pork chops from air fryer, plate, and serve immediately. Pair with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Other Cooking Instructions:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the breaded pork chops on a greased sheet pan for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F before serving.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil and pan-fry the breaded pork chops for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. This method gives a crispy exterior without using an air fryer.
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the breaded pork chops for 6–8 minutes per side, covering with a lid if needed. Turn carefully to keep the breadcrumb coating intact and confirm doneness with a thermometer.
Instant Pot (Saute + Pressure Cook): Brown the breaded pork chops in the Instant Pot using the sauté function for 3–4 minutes per side. Then pressure cook with a splash of chicken broth for 2–3 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 44gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 217mgSodium: 928mgPotassium: 678mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 247IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 3mg

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