If you look at the bare bones of the ketogenic diet regime, you’ll realize it’s plain and simple. With  macronutrient requirements broken down to 55% to 60% fat, 30% to 35% protein, and 5% to 10% carbohydrates, it’s all about consuming more meat and less carbs.

Most beginner keto dieters, however, find it restricting. But maybe that’s because they’re not getting creative enough with their recipes. There are plenty of ways you can spice up the keto diet.

If steaks or chicken are no longer getting you excited, here’s a dish so good you’ll be motivated to keep going on your keto diet journey. Introducing air fryer pork chops with  panko crumbs— easy to make, filled with tender juicy goodness, and best of all, keto-friendly, this is sure to make you fall back in love with keto. 

How to Cook Pork Chops with Panko Crumbs

This pork chop recipe will yield a good old tender and juicy chop enhanced with panko crumbs for a unique flavor and texture. It’s cooked in the air fryer for convenience, allowing you to whip it up anytime you’re craving a good keto meal. 

Prep Time: 2 hrs

Serving Size: 4 pork chops

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 large bay leaf
• 4 pork chops
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup of Southern Recipe Small Batch Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper Pork Rinds, crushed
• 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning blend
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1 sprig of fresh parsley
• Optional: 1 sprig of rosemary

Instructions

1. Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for 4 minutes or until boiling. Add kosher salt into water and stir until dissolved. Add 3 more cups of water to make a brine.
2. Place your rosemary sprig and bay leaf in a large ziplock bag. Then, pour in your brine and add the pork chops. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. After 2 hours, remove the pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. Discard the brine.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. While the air fryer is heating, break an egg into a bowl and beat it lightly. On a separate plate, combine crushed pork rind panko, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning blend, and black pepper. Dip the pork chops in the egg and then coat them with the panko mixture.
6. Place the pork chops in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. Start to air fry for 7 to 8 minutes per side for a total of 14 to 16 minutes. If your air fryer isn’t big enough to line the pork chops in a single layer, you can cook them in batches.
7. After you’ve finished air frying the chops, put them on a serving plate and garnish with parsley and rosemary sprigs if desired. Top with more crushed chicharrones!

How Do You Get Breading to Stick to Pork Chops?

Dipping the pork chops in egg will help create a sticky layer that allows the panko breading to stick to the pork chops. If you’re allergic to eggs or can’t consume them for other reasons, you use olive oil as a substitute. Other options include mustard or mayonnaise, depending on the flavor you’re looking to achieve. 

Once you dip your pork chops in egg or your chosen substitute, place them over the panko bread crumbs and press them in well for both sides. 

Side Dish Ideas to Serve With Pork Chops

You can eat air fryer pork chops with panko crumbs alone or elevate your meal by preparing a side dish. Here are some keto side dishes that will go well with your panko-coated chops: 

• Green salad or kale salad
• Vegetables (such as carrots or peas) 
• Butternut squash
• Brocolli and orzo
• Brussel sprouts

Conclusion

And there you have it! This recipe will transform your keto meals from bland to interesting. When grilled pork chops are no longer cutting it for you, try coating your chops with  panko breading and cooking with an air fryer to achieve a tender, juicy, and crispy chop you’re sure to enjoy. Spoiler alert: even non-keto dieters will love this!