Recreate the nostalgia of the boxed stuff, but make it better.
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Resting Time: 10 mins
Total: 37 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 4 pork chops
I grew up as a latchkey kid in the 80s and as part of the “helping out” chores, I took to cooking dinner for our family. My mom didn’t cook much, so all I had learned to prepare were meals that relied on convenience foods to make putting dinner on the table easy.
One of our family faves was Shake ‘N Bake, a highly seasoned breading mix that had the ability to make very boring pork chops or chicken taste “fried” when baked. It was much safer than deep- or pan-frying and the results were reliable: crispy coating, juicy meat, and loads of flavor without a lot of fuss.
Now when I have a craving for those crunchy chops, I take matters into my own hands and make my own coating instead of relying on the box. After many trials, I’ve found the winning combo of techniques and ingredients so I can relive one of my first kitchen triumphs in minutes. They are as tasty as the chops I remember, but also much juicier thanks to a culinary degree and years of restaurant work that taught me a thing or two about how to purchase and cook pork properly.
A Couple Chop-Buying Tips
Buy natural pork chops that haven’t been injected or “naturally enhanced” with a saline solution. When enhanced meat cooks, the fibers tighten and push out the excess moisture. That moisture will soak the crispy coating you just applied and you’ll wind up with soggy chops. As of 2014, the USDA requires companies to disclose whether meat has been “enhanced,” so read the label to be sure. Look for untreated pork at natural grocers.
For this recipe, the chops should be an even 3/4 to 1 inch thick with plenty of fat on the edges. This adds flavor and juiciness without compromising the breading.
Cooking the Chops to Perfection
Air frying the breaded pork chops cooks them quickly and evenly and makes them nicely crispy all over. Turning the chops with a 2-prong meat fork will keep you from disturbing the breading before it has set.
Don’t overcook the pork. It is no longer necessary to cook pork past 145 degrees. In fact, if you cook pork past 150 it will lose up to 30% of its moisture! (Boy I wish I could go back and tell my 13 year old self this tip). Check frequently by using an instant read thermometer and take the chops out of the air fryer when they just register 140 degrees. They will continue to cook while they rest for 10 minutes to reach a juicy medium with a blush of pink.
Rest the meat on a rack. The juices will redistribute as they rest, so let the chops sit on a cooling rack for 5 to 10 minutes (uncovered) to let air circulate around them. If you put the chops on a plate hot out of the oven the juices and steam will condense under the meat and make for soggy bottoms. It’s less of a problem with natural pork, but it can still happen, so rest the chops while you set the table. They will be perfectly warm after a 10 minute rest.
What happened to the bags in Shake ‘n Bake?
Shake ‘n Bake no longer includes a plastic bag in the box. The company says this is to reduce plastic waste. While it is fun to shake the meat and crumbs in a plastic bag, you can just as easily coat the chops on a plate. One more reason to make your own!
Tips for Making Air Fryer “Shake ‘N Bake” Pork Chops
- Use bone-in or boneless—This recipe can be made with either boneless or bone-in pork chops. Bone in pork chops from the center or rib section will have more dark meat and marbling. Be sure to buy thick (3/4 to 1-inch) pork chops for the best results.
- Preheat the air fryer with the basket inside—This will help prevent the breading from sticking.
- No double dipping!—Measure out the mayonnaise and put it in a small bowl, do not brush the raw pork with the basting brush and dip it back into the mayonnaise jar!
Make Ahead
The toasted cracker crumbs can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in the plastic bag in a cool dry place.
Ingredients
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4 natural (non-enhanced) pork rib chops or boneless pork chops (3/4 to 1-inch thick)
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2 1/2 heaping cups (about 4 1/2 ounces) Ritz Sour Cream and Onion Toasted Chips, or other flavored snack crackers
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1 teaspoon Johnny’s Seasoning, or other seasoned salt
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
Place 4 natural (non-enhanced) pork rib chops or boneless pork chops (3/4 to 1-inch thick) on the counter and let them sit at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 F with the basket inside.
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Put 2 1/2 heaping cups (about 4 1/2 ounces) Ritz Sour Cream and Onion Toasted Chips, or other flavored snack crackers on a baking tray and put in the air fryer while it is heating up. Air fry, stirring once and watching closely, until the chips are evenly deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Pour out onto a plate and cool for 5 minutes.
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Transfer the chips to a plastic bag or mini food processor and crush with a rolling pin or pulse until finely ground. Pour onto a plate or keep in the bag.
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Cut shallow vertical cuts about 1 inch apart in the fat cap on the edge of the chops to prevent them from buckling while they cook.
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Season the chops all over with 1 teaspoon Johnny’s Seasoning, or other seasoned salt (about 1/4 teaspoon per chop) and then brush evenly with 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
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Add the pork chops one at a time to the bag and shake to coat with the crumbs, pressing to adhere. Alternatively, roll the chops in the crumbs on a plate.
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Remove the air fryer basket from the appliance. Add the pork chops in a single layer, and return the basket to the air fryer. Air fry the pork chops for 5 minutes.
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Use a 2-prong meat fork to stab and flip the chops and continue to air fry until an instant -read thermometer registers 140 F when inserted into the center of the thickest part of the chops, about 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
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Immediately transfer the chops to a cooling rack and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve.
How To Store
Refrigerate the cooled pork chops in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Because pork is so lean, I don't recommend reheating these. Slice up leftovers and serve them cold (they’re excellent on sandwiches).
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
- You can vary the seasoned chips used—Just make sure to opt for a flavor you enjoy!
- Use other seasonings—You can substitute garlic salt, onion salt, or another flavored salt blend (store-bought or homemade) for the Johnny’s seasoning salt.
