If youโre ready to impress your friends and family with a dish thatโs both rustic and utterly satisfying, then youโll fall head-over-heels for these Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops. This beloved Southern classic takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something golden, crunchy, and unbelievably juicy. Every bite gives you that irresistible shattering crunch, a hit of savory flavor, and a pork chop so tender, youโll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way. Whether youโre searching for comfort food or planning an unforgettable family supper, this is the recipe to keep close at hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Itโs amazing how just a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so craveable! Each item here has a purpose โ together, they make sure your Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops turn out flavorful, juicy, and beautifully crisp every single time.
- Pork Chops: Choose bone-in, about 1-inch thick for that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your secret to a golden, crunchy coatingโit clings perfectly to the pork.
- Cornstarch: Just a little added to the flour delivers an extra-light and shatteringly crisp crust.
- Eggs: A simple egg wash helps all that lovely seasoned flour stick to the chops.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and even more juiciness to the pork.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Donโt be shyโgenerously seasoning the pork and flour makes every bite sing.
- Paprika: A sprinkle brings warmth, color, and a little smoky depth to your breading.
- Garlic Powder: For a gentle aromatic lift that compliments the savory pork.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral-tasting and perfect for shallow frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops
Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops
Start by patting your pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is an important stepโremoving excess moisture helps the coating adhere and crisp up later. If you like, you can also trim any excess fat, but leaving a little on the edges gives extra flavor and juiciness.
Step 2: Whip Up the Egg and Buttermilk Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk until smooth and well combined. This mixture helps create a sticky surface so the flour coating really hugs the pork. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of salt and pepper right into the egg mix.
Step 3: Dredge in Seasoned Flour
On a large plate, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributedโthis seasoned flour is your pathway to those famous crispy country fried pork chops. Dredge each chop in the flour, pressing gently to coat every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Dip, Dredge, and Double-Coat
Dip your floured pork chop into the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then back into the seasoned flour for a second coat, pressing again for maximum crunch potential. Double-dipping is the secret weapon for that rugged, rustic crust.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, gently lay in the pork chops (working in batches, if needed). Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes, until deeply golden and crispy. Move them to a wire rack over a baking sheet to rest and let excess oil drain. Resting also locks in those luscious pork juices.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Give your crispy country fried pork chops a few minutes to rest before serving. This tiny wait makes all the differenceโthe juices redistribute for tender, flavorful bites, and the crust stays crunchy instead of soggy.
How to Serve Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops
Garnishes
Your crispy country fried pork chops will shine with just a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or chives. For a little zing, a wedge of lemon or a spoonful of quick pan gravy brings everything together. A touch of flaky sea salt as a finishing flourish goes a long way, too.
Side Dishes
No Southern supper is complete without classic sides! Creamy mashed potatoes and country-style gravy are a must, but they also pair beautifully with tangy coleslaw, slow-cooked green beans, or buttery cornbread. The crunch of the pork chops next to old-school sides is pure comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chops and piling them over fluffy biscuits for a twist on chicken-fried steak, or lay them atop a crunchy slaw for an easy weeknight meal. For a little dinner party magic, cut your crispy country fried pork chops into strips and arrange in a platter with dipping sauces for everyone to share. Presentation can turn a hearty classic into a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If youโre lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your country fried pork chops will keep for up to three days. The crust may lose some crunch, but a quick reheat brings them right back to life.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual chops tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Theyโll keep beautifully for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for about 10โ12 minutes or until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy, and you want to relive that crunchy glory!
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well for crispy country fried pork chops too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; they may need a little less time in the pan to avoid overcooking.
Whatโs the best oil for frying?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works perfectly. You want something with a high smoke point so the coating crisps up without burning.
How can I make the crust even crispier?
That little bit of cornstarch in your flour makes a big difference in crispiness. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, and let the chops rest on a wire rack after frying so steam doesnโt make the coating soggy.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
You can, though they wonโt be quite as crispy. For a lighter version, spritz breaded chops with a little oil spray and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until golden and cooked throughโflipping halfway for the best color.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and youโll still capture all of the wonderful crunch of crispy country fried pork chops.
Final Thoughts
If youโre seeking the ultimate comfort meal thatโs guaranteed to delight, these Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops wonโt let you down. Donโt be surprised if this recipe becomes your new weeknight (or weekend!) favoriteโonce you taste that perfect crust and juicy, seasoned pork, youโll be hooked. Trust me, your kitchen needs this kind of old-fashioned magic. Enjoy every last crunchy bite!
PrintCrispy Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops are golden-brown, juicy, and packed with homestyle flavor. Perfectly seasoned, dredged, and pan-fried, they’re a comforting Southern classic that comes together quickly for a weeknight meal, yet is special enough for Sunday supper.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading Station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
For Frying:
- 1 cup vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works well)
To Serve (optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure each bite is flavorful and juicy.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk.
- Dredge the Pork Chops: Dip each pork chop first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350ยฐF/175ยฐC). The oil should be hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Fry the Pork Chops: Carefully add pork chops to the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked to an internal temperature of 145ยฐF/63ยฐC.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked pork chops to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- If desired, add a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra kick.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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