Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, let me tell you about my Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites! These little bites of juicy perfection have quickly become a family favorite in our house. They’re super easy to whip up, especially on those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I love how the air fryer gives them that crispy outside while keeping the inside all tender and flavorful. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to whatever you fancy!
The smell of these cooking fills the whole place, and you’ll be hard-pressed to not sneak one before they even hit the table. They make a great appetizer too, so if you’re having friends over, just double the recipe! I usually serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or alongside some fresh veggies for a complete meal. If you love quick and tasty bites, you might also enjoy my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—they’re another family hit! Can’t wait for you to try these!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites Recipe
- Juicy pork bites with a perfectly crispy exterior
- Flavor-packed with Montreal steak seasoning and smoked paprika
- Easy to prepare—just toss, air fry, and serve!
- Quick cooking time; ready in about 15 minutes
- Versatile—great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish
- Can easily customize with your favorite seasonings
- Less greasy than traditional frying—healthy indulgence!
These bite-sized pork chops are a fun twist on classic flavors and are perfect for game days or family dinners!
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and oh-so-easy, these Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites are just the ticket! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, they’re packed with flavor and take under 20 minutes to whip up.
What You’ll Need:
- Pork chops – 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces. I suggest using thicker chops for juicier bites.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. A nice extra virgin olive oil will give a wonderful flavor.
- Montreal steak seasoning – 1 tablespoon. This brings a fantastic savory kick that really complements the pork.
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon. I love using this for that lovely smoky flavor—completely transforms the dish!
- Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon for some sweetness and depth.
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon; it adds that irresistible aroma!
- Light brown sugar – 1 tablespoon (optional). This gives a slight sweetness; I recommend it for a nice caramelization.
- Salted butter – 2 tablespoons, melted. This adds richness right before serving.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish. It not only brightens the dish but adds a fresh touch!
The Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps achieve that perfect crispy texture!
- In a large bowl, combine the pork chop pieces with olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and light brown sugar if you’re using it. Toss everything together until the pork is well coated.
- Arrange the seasoned pork chop bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remember, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking. You might need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry the pork chop bites at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely all around.
- Once they’re golden brown and crispy outside, carefully transfer the pork chop bites to a serving plate. Drizzle or toss them with the melted salted butter for that extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot! These are great on their own or paired with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Enjoy every bite of your Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
While boneless pork chops are ideal for this recipe, you can use bone-in chops if that’s what you have. Just make sure to cut the meat off the bone and into bite-sized pieces, as the cooking time may vary slightly. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Montreal Steak Seasoning?
If you don’t have Montreal steak seasoning, you can make your own blend! Mix equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, any all-purpose seasoning or your favorite spice blend will work well!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pork Chop Bites?
Leftover pork chop bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, try incorporating cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference! Just don’t forget to taste and tweak it before cooking.
