These easy crispy fried pork chops are a treat! Tender meat perfectly coated in a crunchy, golden crust will have everyone asking for seconds.
Honestly, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch? I like to serve them with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic dinner. Yum! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are great for frying, but you can also use bone-in chops for more flavor. Just make sure they’re about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. It’s a handy trick that works well!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a super crunchy texture, but if you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs work too. Just remember, they may not be as crispy.
Spices: Feel free to customize the spices. I love adding a pinch of Italian seasoning for a twist! If you want a different kick, swap cayenne for some hot sauce in the buttermilk.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Crunch?
A big secret to getting that awesome crispy coating is in the breading process. Start by preparing your stations well. For best results, don’t rush through it!
- Pound the pork chops lightly to an even thickness.
- Coat each chop in buttermilk, then in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down a bit to ensure they’re fully coated.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough; this helps the crust crisp up instantly without soaking in oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed to maintain the oil temperature and achieve that perfect golden color!
Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-6 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch in a skillet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. You can have delicious crispy pork chops ready in approximately 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
If you’d like, start by tenderizing the pork chops. Lightly pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
In one shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure everything is mixed well so the pork chops are flavorful!
3. Bread the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and dip it into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Next, dunk it in the egg wash, and then roll it around in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so the crumbs stick nicely. Repeat with all pork chops!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a little bit of the breadcrumb mixture – it should sizzle immediately!
5. Fry the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, fry them in batches. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the crispy fried pork chops while they’re hot, alongside your favorite sides like steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Your crispy, flavorful pork chops will have that perfectly golden crust and tender juicy meat inside! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Fried Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for this recipe. If you have frozen chops, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for safe cooking. You can also thaw them quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will thicken up nicely!
How Do 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 preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help them regain their crispiness, or reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many great gluten-free flours and breadcrumbs available that work perfectly in this recipe!
