There’s just something about bite-sized crispy pork that makes dinner (or even a hearty snack!) way more fun and satisfying. These crispy air fryer pork chop bites are one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes when I want something quick, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, game-day appetizer, or just because you’re craving something savory, they always hit the spot. And let me tell you—when that golden crust forms perfectly in the air fryer without needing to deep fry? It feels like a tiny kitchen win every time.
What I really love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh pork chops, you can create something that looks impressive and tastes like it took way more effort than it did. Plus, clean-up is minimal (thank you, air fryer!). If you’re trying to get more creative with your air fryer or looking for ways to jazz up your pork dinners, this is a must-try recipe that’ll quickly earn a regular spot on your table.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pork Chops: Go for boneless pork chops for this recipe—they’re easier to cut into uniform bites and cook evenly in the air fryer. Aim for chops that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick so the bites stay juicy on the inside while crisping up on the outside.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the breading stick to the pork and gives that beautiful golden finish in the air fryer without needing deep frying.
Breadcrumbs: These provide the satisfying crunch. I usually use plain or panko breadcrumbs—panko will give you extra crispiness if that’s your thing!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory punch and enhances the crispy texture of the breading. It also helps the coating brown beautifully.
Garlic Powder: This pantry staple adds a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the pork. A little goes a long way here!
Paprika: Adds warmth and a bit of smokiness. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on what flavor you’re going for.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the pork and the coating. Freshly cracked black pepper is always a plus.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless pork chops (about ¾–1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
Step 1: Cut the Pork into Bites
Start by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel, then cut them into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the pork. This helps create a crispy crust from the start.
Step 3: Season and Coat
In a large bowl, toss the pork bites with olive oil to lightly coat. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Press each pork piece into the breadcrumb mixture, coating well on all sides.
Step 4: Air Fry in Batches
Place the pork bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them! You might need to cook in two batches. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork is golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pork bites rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo all work beautifully!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: If you’re a texture lover, panko breadcrumbs are the way to go. They create a lighter, crispier coating.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure your pork bites are the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating the air fryer makes a big difference in getting that initial sear and keeping the pork juicy inside.
- No Crowding: Always cook in a single layer so the air can circulate properly—crowding leads to soggy spots.
- Optional Marinade: If you have time, marinate the pork in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Boneless is best for bite-sized cuts, but you can use bone-in if you remove the bone first and cut the meat into chunks.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the pork and breading in advance. Store separately and air fry just before serving.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Honey mustard, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing are all great options.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your Parmesan and spices are gluten-free.