Ingredients:

  • 4 (approx. 450g / 1 lb) Boneless Pork Loin Chops (thin-cut)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) Fine Sea Salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • ½ cup (60 g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp (5 g) Smoked Paprika or Garlic Powder
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Whole Milk or Water
  • 1½ cups (75 g) Panko Breadcrumbs (essential for air fryer crispiness)
  • Olive oil or Avocado Oil Spray (high-heat specific)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Pork: Pat the pork loin chops completely dry with kitchen paper. Place them one at a time between two sheets of cling film or parchment paper.
  2. Pound Evenly: Using a meat mallet, pound the cutlets until they are uniformly ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Aim for an even thickness to ensure simultaneous cooking.
  3. Season: Season both sides of the pounded cutlets lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes side-by-side. Dish 1: Combine the flour and smoked paprika. Dish 2: Whisk the eggs and milk until well combined. Dish 3: Spread the Panko breadcrumbs evenly.
  5. Dredge (Flour): Lightly coat one cutlet entirely in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip (Egg): Dip the floured cutlet into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
  7. Coat (Panko): Immediately press the cutlet firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the entire surface is thickly coated. Press gently to help the Panko adhere.
  8. Chill (Crucial Step): Place the finished cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This helps the breading 'set' and prevents it from flaking off during cooking.
  9. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  10. Spray & Load: Lightly spray the base of the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the Air Fryer Pork Cutlets inside, ensuring they do not overlap (cook in batches if necessary).
  11. Spray Tops: Liberally spray the top surface of the breaded cutlets with oil spray. This is vital for achieving a rich, golden-brown crust.
  12. Cook: Air fry for 6 minutes.
  13. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the cutlets, spray the second side again with oil, and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the exterior is deep golden brown and crisp.
  14. Check Doneness: Remove the cutlets when the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C).
  15. Rest and Serve: Allow the cutlets to rest for 3 minutes before serving.