These Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops are a quick and flavorful dish, coated in a zesty spice blend and perfectly air fried to crispy, golden perfection. The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika gives the pork chops a savory, slightly smoky flavor that’s perfect for any meal. Serve with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or salsa for a delicious, well-rounded dinner.
Looking for a flavorful and easy dinner? Try these Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops! Coated with a perfect blend of spices, these juicy pork chops are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them a quick and healthy meal for any night of the week.
With a zesty kick and minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
✅ Quick and Easy: This recipe cooks in the air fryer, saving time and effort while delivering juicy, flavorful pork chops.
✅ Full of Flavor: The zesty spice blend adds a bold kick, making every bite deliciously savory with just the right amount of heat.
✅ Healthy and Lean: Using the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, keeping the pork chops tender and juicy without the added fat.
✅ Versatile: Perfect for serving with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides, these pork chops are a great addition to any meal.
✅ Minimal Cleanup: Air frying makes for less mess and easier cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle.
Ingredients Needed
- Pork chops: for a tender, juicy base.
- Olive oil: to help the breadcrumbs adhere and crisp up.
- Breadcrumbs: for a crispy, golden coating.
- Chili powder: for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Garlic powder: for savory depth.
- Onion powder: to enhance the overall flavor.
- Paprika: for a mild smokiness and color.
- Cumin: for earthy, warm flavor.
- Oregano: to add a herby note.
- Salt: for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Black pepper: for a subtle heat.
- Lime juice: for a tangy, zesty finish.
- Egg: to help the breadcrumbs stick to the pork chops.
How To Make Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops
Step One: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and keep them moist.
Step Two: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
Step Three: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add a splash of lime juice. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Step Four: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated pork chops in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overlapping. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step Five: Once the pork chops are cooked, remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with a drizzle of lime juice and your favorite sides like rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
💡 Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops Recipe Tips:
- Rest After Cooking: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after air frying to let the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
- Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops: For the best results, use thick-cut pork chops. Thinner cuts may cook too quickly and dry out.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! The breadcrumb mixture should be generously coated with the spices to get the full flavor.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the pork chops with oil before air frying to ensure the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely and avoid sticking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption and the perfect level of juiciness.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they cool completely before refrigerating to preserve their freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked pork chops on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label with the date.
- Reheating: Reheat the pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. If using the microwave, the pork chops may lose their crispy texture but will still be delicious.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops
These Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with Mexican rice for a flavorful, hearty addition, or opt for refried beans to complement the savory pork. For a fresh, vibrant contrast, a side of guacamole and salsa is always a hit. Grilled vegetables or a crisp avocado salad with lime dressing also make great choices to round out the meal, adding a refreshing touch to balance the spices in the pork chops.
Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops Recipe Faqs
❓ Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but bone-in pork chops will give you juicier results and more flavor.
❓ Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also omit the jalapeños if desired.
❓ Can I make this recipe with other proteins? Yes, you can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time depending on the protein thickness.
❓ Do I need to marinate the pork chops before cooking? No, marination is not necessary. The seasoning mixture will give the pork chops plenty of flavor and a nice crispy coating in the air fryer.
❓ Can I make these pork chops ahead of time? You can prep the pork chops by coating them in the seasoning mixture and refrigerating them for a few hours before air frying for extra flavor.
❓ How do I know when the pork chops are cooked properly? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork chops.
❓ Can I cook multiple pork chops in the air fryer at once? Yes, but avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. For even cooking, it’s best to cook them in batches if necessary.
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- Easy Frozen Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer Recipe
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Air Fryer Mexican Pork Chops
Description
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, or boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the pork chops in the basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Serve with a drizzle of lime juice for extra flavor, and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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lisa jones
awesome
Teneke
Would be helpful if you would specify what temp the pork should be and alternate directions depending upon if chops are bone in or boneless.
michele
mine are boneless and not too thick…still 10 minutes on each side?
Laurie
I would do 5 minutes and check.
Mary riemenschneider
Thanks for this recipe it was great. My husband doesn’t like pork chops and he said “we could have that again” that’s the highest praise he gives food
linda walsh.
Try Pork shoulder steaks, they have more fat but much more juicier and more flavour.