Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that fits into your keto lifestyle? These Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops are crispy, tender, and packed with savory goodness, making them the perfect option for a last-minute dinner.
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. The combination of Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and seasonings creates a crispy coating that elevates the tender pork chops to new heights.
Best of all, this meal requires minimal cleanup and delivers a delicious, healthy option that’s ideal for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying.
Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops Ingredients
The key to these crispy, flavorful pork chops starts with a perfectly beaten egg, creating a light and adhesive base for the savory coating. Almond flour adds a low-carb crunch, while Parmesan cheese delivers rich, umami flavor. Garlic powder and seasonings elevate the taste, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious depth. Finally, a spritz of avocado oil provides the perfect crisp without added heaviness, making these keto pork chops both light and satisfying.
Recipe Tips
- Proper Coating for Crispy Results
To achieve the crispiest crust, make sure each pork chop is thoroughly coated in the Parmesan and almond flour mixture. Press down gently to help the coating adhere better. This will ensure a perfectly crunchy exterior without any gaps or unevenness. - Optimal Cooking Time
The cook time for your pork chops may vary depending on their thickness and the model of your air fryer. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally, so keep a close eye on the pork chops during the last few minutes of cooking. - Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
For even cooking and optimal crispness, arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper airflow and may lead to unevenly cooked pork chops. If needed, cook the pork chops in batches to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops
- Roasted Vegetables
A side of roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or asparagus pairs wonderfully with these keto pork chops. The caramelized edges of the veggies complement the savory, crispy pork, adding flavor and texture to your meal. Simply season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. - Cauliflower Mash
For a creamy, low-carb side, cauliflower mash makes an ideal accompaniment. The smooth, buttery texture of the cauliflower mimics mashed potatoes but without the extra carbs. Season with garlic, butter, and a touch of Parmesan to enhance the flavors, and you’ve got a delicious, hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with the pork chops. - Avocado Salad
For a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and savory pork chops, an avocado salad works beautifully. Toss fresh avocado with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil and lime juice. The creamy avocado balances the crispy pork chops while providing a burst of freshness to your meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops will work well in this recipe. However, since bone-in cuts take longer to cook, you should increase the cooking time by about 2 minutes to ensure the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
2. Can I substitute the almond flour with another flour?
If you’re not following a keto diet, you can substitute almond flour with regular breadcrumbs or panko for a different texture and flavor. However, this will affect the carb count, making it less suitable for keto diets.
3. Can I make these pork chops ahead of time?
While these pork chops are best enjoyed immediately for the crispiest texture, you can prepare the pork chops by breading them earlier in the day and storing them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer.
4. Can I air fry frozen pork chops?
It’s best to thaw the pork chops before cooking them in the air fryer for even cooking. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer by adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops 1/2-inch thick
- 1 egg
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Begin by beating the egg in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring them together to create the breading mixture.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Dip each chop into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the Parmesan-flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange the coated pork chops in the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz with avocado oil cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the surface is golden brown. Flip the pork chops, spray again with cooking oil, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), confirming the pork is fully cooked.
