These Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy pork with a perfectly crispy coating. Made bite-sized for convenience, these pork chop bites are seasoned to perfection and air fried for a healthier version of a fried favorite. They make a great appetizer, snack, or main course, and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. Ready in no time, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless pork chops, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of choice (ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Bites

• Cut the boneless pork chops into 1-inch cubes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the pork cubes with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Season and Coat

• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Mix until well combined.
• Add the pork cubes to the flour mixture, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Bites

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the coated pork chop bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the pork bites at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Serve

• Remove the pork chop bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to leave space between the pork bites in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
• Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork bites have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures that the pork bites cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pork Bites: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Parmesan Crust: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for an extra savory and cheesy coating.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: Toss the cooked pork bites in a honey garlic sauce for a sweet and sticky variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe? A: It’s best to use boneless pork chops for easier cutting and even cooking. If you only have bone-in pork chops, trim the meat away from the bone before cutting into cubes.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover pork chop bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pork chop bites gluten-free.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with these pork chop bites? A: These pork bites are great with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.

These Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites are an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender pork with a crispy, flavorful coating. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. The air fryer makes them healthier than traditional fried pork while still delivering that satisfying crunch. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!