1. Prepare the Pork Chop Bites
- Cut the Pork:
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork chops. Cut the pork chops into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Season the Pork:
- Place the pork chop cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. This will help the seasoning and breadcrumbs adhere to the pork.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Breadcrumbs:
- In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Coat the Pork:
- Take each pork chop cube and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated pork bites on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Air Fry the Pork Chop Bites
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the Pork Bites:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the pork chop bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the Pork Bites:
- Air fry the pork chop bites at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The pork bites are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
4. Serve the Pork Chop Bites
- Rest the Pork Bites:
- Once the pork chop bites are done, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and ensure a juicy bite.
- Serve:
- Serve the pork chop bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. They pair perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some crispy fries.
Tips for Success
- Even Sizing: Make sure the pork chop cubes are evenly sized to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the pork bites in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the bites from getting crispy.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps to cook the pork bites evenly on all sides.
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites are a quick and tasty dish that will satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a snack, appetizer, or main course, these pork bites are sure to be a hit!