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Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 17, 2022

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Italian pork chops are a delicious and easy dinner idea. This recipe is perfect for the holidays or any weeknight meal. The air fryer cooking method ensures that you can enjoy this dish without any guilt! It’s as easy as 1-2-3, so if you’re looking for an impressive yet simple recipe, Italian Pork Chops are your answer.

Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops is an amazingly easy and delicious Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipe. If you have been looking for a great pork chop without any breading, this is perfect!

There has never been a better way to make pork chops than in the air fryer, and today, I’m giving you a super simple recipe guaranteed to make your pork chops exist!

I am all about easy dinners, and this one might be my new favorite. Pair it with a garden salad, and you have a great meal in under 20 minutes. Great for a midweek meal or a quick dinner or lunch!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipes, some of my personal favorites are AIR FRYER FROZEN PORK CHOPS, AIR FRYER PORK CHOPS, AIR FRYER PORK SCHNITZEL, and AIR FRYER EASY APRICOT PORK CHOPS.

What Are Italian Pork Chops

Italian-style pork chops are a flavorful dish typically seasoned with herbs and spices commonly used in Italian cuisine. The preparation may vary, but some common ingredients used to make Italian-style pork chops include garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These seasonings are often mixed with olive oil to create a marinade or rub for the pork chops before cooking.

The pork chops are usually pan-seared, air-fried, grilled, or baked until they’re cooked through and tender. They can be served with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

Overall, Italian-style pork chops offer a delicious way to enjoy pork with the distinct flavors of Italian cuisine.

Why You Will Love Air-Fried Italian Style Pork Chops

Air-Fried Italian Style Pork Chops are a healthier alternative to traditional fried pork chops, offering the same crispy exterior without the excess oil and calories.
With the perfect blend of Italian herbs and spices, these pork chops are bursting with flavor, tantalizing your taste buds with each bite.
The air-frying method ensures that the pork chops are cooked evenly and retain their juiciness, resulting in a succulent and tender texture that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious weekend treat, these Air-Fried Italian Style Pork Chops are sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a hassle-free and flavorful meal option.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops

Indulge in a mouthwatering culinary journey with Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops, where the enticing aroma of Italian herbs and spices fills your kitchen. Delightfully crispy yet tender, these pork chops offer a healthier twist to a classic dish, perfect for any occasion.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Pork Chops: Juicy, bone-in pork chops are the star of the show, providing a hearty and satisfying protein base for this flavorful dish. Opt for thick-cut chops to remain juicy and succulent after air frying.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the pork chops and promotes crispiness during the air frying process, ensuring they emerge golden brown and irresistible.
Italian Seasoning: A harmonious blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses the pork chops with authentic Italian flavors, elevating their taste to new heights.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds depth and richness to the seasoning mix, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pork chops with its aromatic essence.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential, salt and pepper are used to season the pork chops, balancing the flavors and enhancing their natural taste.

How To Make Italian Pork Chops In Air Fryer

To make Italian Pork Chops in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.

How To Make Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops

Season both sides of the pork chops generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pork chops and rub the seasonings into the meat.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Air Fry the Pork Chops: Cook the pork chops in the preheated air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the pork chops’ thickness and your air fryer’s specific model. To ensure they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).

Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Recipe Variations

Here are some recipe variations for Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops to suit different preferences:

Parmesan Crusted: After seasoning the pork chops with Italian herbs, coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese before air frying. This adds a crispy, cheesy crust to the pork chops, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Balsamic Glazed: Drizzle the seasoned pork chops with a balsamic glaze made from balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard before air frying. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes as the pork chops cook, adding depth and richness to the dish.
Mozzarella and Tomato Topping: Top the cooked pork chops with fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato slices during the last few minutes of air frying. Let the cheese melt and the tomatoes soften slightly for a delightful Caprese-inspired twist on Italian pork chops.
Herb-Marinated: Marinate the pork chops in olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a few hours or overnight before air frying. This infuses the pork chops with even more flavor and ensures they’re juicy and tender.
Spicy Italian: Add a kick of heat to your Italian pork chops by mixing some crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños into the seasoning blend. The spicy kick pairs beautifully with the savory Italian herbs, creating a flavor-packed dish with a bit of heat.

Feel free to get creative and customize these recipe variations to your liking, experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your perfect Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops!

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops turn out perfectly every time:

Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Opt for thick-cut pork chops rather than thin ones. Thicker chops are less likely to dry out during the air frying, resulting in juicier and more flavorful pork chops.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the pork chops. This helps to create a crispy exterior on the pork chops from the moment they hit the hot air inside the fryer.
Pat Dry the Pork Chops: Use paper towels to pat dry the pork chops before seasoning them. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes crispiness during air frying.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Be sure to generously season both sides of the pork chops with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Flip Halfway Through: Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and achieve a golden brown exterior.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For optimal results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should reach 145°F (63°C) to consume while remaining juicy and tender safely.
Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious and perfectly cooked Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops that will impress you!

Faq’s

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chops may cook faster than bone-in ones.

Do I need to flip the pork chops while air frying? Yes, it’s recommended to flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

How long do I cook the pork chops in the air fryer? Cooking time can vary depending on the pork chops’ thickness and your air fryer’s specific model. As a general guideline, cook bone-in pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can I marinate the pork chops before air frying? Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops in Italian herbs, olive oil, and garlic before air frying can enhance their flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.

Can I make these pork chops ahead of time? While pork chops are best enjoyed fresh, you can partially cook them in the air fryer and finish cooking them before serving. However, avoid thoroughly cooking them beforehand, as they may dry upon reheating.

What sides can I serve with Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops? These pork chops pair well with various side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or a simple salad. Choose your favorites to complete the meal!

Can I freeze leftover pork chops? Yes, you can freeze leftover pork chops for future use. Please place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; they should keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven until heated through.

Are Air Fryer Italian Pork Chops healthier than traditional fried pork chops? Yes, air frying requires minimal oil compared to conventional frying methods, making these pork chops a healthier option. They still achieve a crispy exterior while retaining moisture and flavor.

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