Air Fryer Pork Milanese with Arugula Salad

Air Fryer Pork Milanese is so easy to make and pairs great with the fresh arugula salad. It's a delicious dinner for two that's easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a date night.

Pork Milanese is a fancy name for pork chops that are breaded and traditionally fried. By using the air fryer, not only is it easier to make with less mess, but it's also healthier. You still get the delicious crunchy breading without the excess fat.

Instead of breadcrumbs, you can also coat pork chops in chopped nuts like these Pecan Crusted Pork Chops.

Ingredients for the Pork Milanese and Arugula Salad:

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make crispy Pork Milanese. The easy arugula salad is made with a dressing using only two ingredients (plus salt and pepper). Here's what you need:

For the Crispy Pork Chops

• Boneless Pork Chops - I typically use pork chops that are ¾-1 inch thick. You can use pork chops that are thicker or thinner and just adjust the cook time.
• All-Purpose Flour - for dredging the pork chops before breading
• Spices - Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
• Eggs - to dip the pork chops in so the breading sticks
• Breadcrumbs - you can use regular breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan Cheese - the stuff from the green can works great!

Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing

• Arugula
• Grape Tomatoes
• Shaved Parmesan
• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper

How to Make Pork Milanese in the Air Fryer

Making Pork Milanese is so easy! If you've made chicken parmesan, then the process is very similar. You just dip the pork chops in flour, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Then let the air fryer do the work! See the instructions below:

Make the Pork Milanese

1. Set up Breading Stations: Using three shallow bowls or three plates, prep the stations. In one, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then in the second, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. In the third, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Pork Chops: Pat dry the pork chops then bread. Start by coating the pork chops in the flour and shake off excess. Then dip in the egg wash so it is evenly coated. Finally, dredge in the breadcrumbs making sure all sides are coated.
3. Air Fry: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the breaded pork chops. Lightly spray the tops of the pork chops and air fry at 375 degrees F for about 10-13 minutes until they reach 145-150 degrees F. Allow the pork chops to rest for 3 minutes before serving. It's okay for the pork to be light pink in the middle.

Make the Arugula Salad

1. Make the Dressing: In the bowl that you're going to toss the salad, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the Salad: Add the arugula, halved tomatoes, and shaved parmesan and toss to combine with the dressing.

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven. A fan circulates the hot air at a quick speed which creates a crispy layer on foods without needing to fry in oil. I have this version from Phillips but there are many options on the market! I recommend choosing one with the right size for your family.

What is Pork Milanese?

Milanese is a method to prepare meat that can be used for pork, chicken, veal, etc. It means that the meat is dredged in eggs than seasoned breadcrumbs. Traditionally the chicken or pork Milanese is deep fried until crispy and crunchy.

What is the difference between Pork Milanese and Pork Schnitzel?

Milanese and Schnitzel in cooking are similar. Milanese originated from Italy while Schnitzel is German. Pork Milanese and Pork Schnitzel are similar in that they are both breaded and fried pieces of pork. Schnitzel is typically pounded very thin first. Milanese often has parmesan in the breading.

How do you know when pork is cooked?

Pork chops are cooked when the internal temperature is 145 degrees F. When it reaches this temperature they are considered medium rare and you can remove it from the pan and allow it to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Unlike chicken, pork can be slightly pink in the middle.

If you prefer your pork chops to be well done, then the temperature needed is 160 degrees F.

Leftovers, Storage, and Reheating

Pork Milanese is crispiest and best served right after making, but see below for tips on how to store and reheat leftovers.

Leftovers and Storage: Leftover crispy pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 4 days. The leftover salad will not keep well after it's been tossed with the dressing - if you're meal prepping the salad then wait to add the dressing until before serving.

Reheating: For best results, I recommend reheating the leftover pork chops in the air fryer or oven at 300F until warmed through and crispy again. If you microwave them, they will be soft and not very crispy, so it is not my preferred method.

Recipe Notes and Tips:

• Can you bread pork chops in advance? Yes, you can bread pork chops in advance! You can bread the pork chops up to the day before.
• Double the Recipe to Feed the Family - this recipe can easily be doubled to serve more! Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to air fry the pork chops in two batches.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets - You can easily make crispy chicken nuggets from scratch. The homemade honey mustard sauce is a to die for pairing!
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings - A classic game day snack! Crispy skin but tender on the inside.
• Air Fryer Honey Soy Glazed Carrots - easy enough to make for a weeknight meal. The glaze is so delicious. Sticky, sweet, and with a slight kick.

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