Golden Perfection: How To Make Crispy and Delicious Deep-Fried Pork Chops

Thick Southern fried pork chops, coated in cornmeal, deliver a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. A delicious blend of Southern soul food tradition and culinary expertise, these chops are a hearty and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Southern comfort.

Related Posts:

• Blackened Pork Chops
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Smoked Pork Chops

I like my deep-fried pork chops extra extra read all about it crispy, but still nice and juicy on the inside. These chops deliver on both.

Eating delicious Southern fried pork chops doesn't get any better than this. Satisfying your taste buds will be an adventure that you won't soon forget. The incomparable flavor that comes with each bite will make your kitchen the favorite place for friends and family to gather.

These aren’t your typical Southern fried pork chops; I brined these first to help tenderize and infuse them with flavor internally.

Rather, than dredge them in basic flour, I added some cornmeal as well. The cornmeal brings color and extra crunch. I’m nerdy about texture and crusts. Not only are these crispy, but the crust also doesn’t fall all apart when you bite into the chops.

I hate biting into fried fish, chicken, or in this case, pork chops and the entire crust shatters into pieces leaving you with bare naked meat.

Follow the detailed steps in this post to make the best pork chops! This will no doubt become one of your favorite pork chop recipes.

beats and eats (music to pair with fried pork chops)

I used to love fried pork chops as a kid, but stopped loving them when my Uncle fried them in fish grease triggering a major anaphylactic reaction. It took some time, lessons were learned (mark the fish grease can!), but I eventually found my way back.

The soulful and melancholic tones of Rose Royce's "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" complement the savory, crispy goodness of Southern fried pork chops. The contrast between the music's mood and the comforting taste of the pork chops creates a memorable and soul-stirring culinary combination.

ingredients to elevate flavor in this dish

• Bone-in pork chops - you can use boneless pork chops but they don't hit as good as bone-in.
• Buttermilk - is slightly acidic, and its enzymes help break down proteins in the meat. This results in tender and juicy pork chops, especially if they are left to marinate in buttermilk for a few hours before frying.
• Smoked Paprika - adds depth and complexity to the taste of the pork chops, providing a hint of smokiness that enhances the overall culinary experience.
• Cayenne Pepper - brings a moderate to hot level of spiciness, contributing a pleasant warmth to the pork chops.
• Garlic Powder - provides a concentrated garlic flavor without the texture of fresh garlic. This enhances the overall taste of the pork chops, giving them a robust and savory profile.
• Ground or Dried Thyme - has a unique, earthy, and slightly minty flavor that adds complexity to the seasoning of the pork chops. It enhances the overall taste profile with a subtle herbaceous quality.
• Ground or Dried Oregano - imparts a distinct herbal flavor and aromatic quality to the dish
• All-purpose Flour - All-purpose flour creates a crispy and golden-brown crust on the pork chops when fried. This adds a desirable texture that contrasts with the tender meat inside.
• Cornmeal - creates a crispy and crunchy coating beyond the typical flours used in most recipes
• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil

How To Make Southern Pork Chops

Brine The Pork Chops

Combine buttermilk and a ? of the spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well. Place pork chops in large sealable ziplock bag then add the brine. Refrigerate overnight.

Prepare the Pork Chops

Remove the chops from the fridge. Prepare a cooling rack (line a baking sheet with a wire rack. 

Remove chops from the bag and let rest on the rack.

Pre-heat deep fryer to 350F degrees.

Mix flour, cornmeal, and a third of the spice mix in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chops in the seasoned flour mixture and then carefully drop pork chop in the hot oil. Cook pork chops for 4-6 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops but you'll want to ensure the chops cook evenly.

Remove from the fryer and place cooked pork chops on the cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle the remaining spices on the fried pork chops. Serve cooked pork chops immediately with your favorite hot sauce. My hot sauce of choice for these bad boys is Valentina's.

For Pan Fried Pork Chops

Pan fry pork chops if you don't have a deep fryer. Heat oil on medium high heat and then fry 3-4 minutes per side. Just make sure you have a deep frying pan. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Why Use Cornmeal In This Recipe

My grandmother made her pork chops with all-purpose flour which is how most people do. They were tasty too, but for my preferences all-flour based fried pork chops don't hold their crunch that long. You almost have to eat them immediately. Given that I'm a texture nerd I decided to add some cornmeal to the flour to maintain crunch. The added taste benefit is welcomed as well.

What To Serve With Southern Fried Pork Chops

Southern fried pork chops are a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that go well with Southern fried pork chops. They help balance the richness of the pork and can also soak up any extra gravy or sauce.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a great side dish to serve with fried pork chops. You can also grill or roast the corn for extra flavor.
3. Collard Greens: Collard greens are a popular Southern side dish that pair well with fried pork chops. They have a slightly bitter flavor that helps cut through the richness of the pork.
4. Mac and Cheese: Rich and creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that complements the crispy texture of fried pork chops. You can also add in some bacon or ham for extra flavor.
5. Biscuits: Fluffy and buttery biscuits along with your favorite brown gravy are a staple in Southern cuisine and go well with fried pork chops. You can also serve them with honey or jam for added sweetness.
6. Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra is a popular Southern side dish that adds texture and flavor to a meal featuring fried pork chops.
7. Green Beans: Steamed, smothered, or sautéed green beans are a flavorful side dish that pair well with fried pork chops. You can also add in some bacon or garlic for extra flavor.

Cooking Considerations and Tips for Frying Pork Chops

Go with bone-in pork chops. There is more flavor and the bone helps protect the chops from overcooking.

Most Southern fried pork chop recipes call for thinner chops, but I actually prefer thicker ones since they’re harder to dry-out. However thicker can lead to undercooking if you’re not careful. This is why I prefer to fry at 350 degrees vs. 375. The lower temp lets you cook slower without sacrificing crunch. Feel free to use a meat mallet to thin the chops if you like.

No deep fryer, no problem, just use a cast iron skillet or whatever vessel you typically use for frying. You'll just have to flip the chops when cooking to ensure its cooled all the way through.

Be sure to allow chops to reach room temperature. This will make it easier to reach internal cooking temperature.

Frying time will depend on the thickness of the chops which is why I provide a range 4-6 minutes. If you prefer to make pan fried pork chops you will need to keep 3-4 minutes per side in a cast iron skillet.

Season the brine, dredge, and the finished chops to maximize flavor.

Pair these golden brown fried chops with mashed potatoes and stewed okra. Feel free to go old-school down South style and make a pork chop sandwich with your favorite hot sauce.

Use clean fresh frying oil!

Don't overcrowd the pan. Give each chop space to cook and crisp up. If necessary cook in batches. Cook a few first then follow with the remaining pork chops until you're done.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Frying Pork Chops

How Long Do You Deep Fry Pork Chops?

It depends on the thickness of the pork chops and the temperature you're frying at. You should expect to fry them 4-6 minutes at 350 degrees F if using a deep fryer. In a skillet you might plan for 3-4 minutes per side.

How Do You Keep Thin Pork Chops From Drying Out?

Use a brine to keep the chops tender and moist. For this recipe I used buttermilk but there are other wet brine solutions that work well.

Can I make southern fried pork chops in advance?

While the pork chops are best served hot and fresh, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. However, keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as when they are freshly fried.

What cut of pork should I use for southern fried pork chops?

Bone-in chops are traditionally used for southern fried pork chops as they tend to be more flavorful and juicier than boneless cuts. Look for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick and have some fat marbling throughout.

Can I make Southern fried pork chops in advance?

While the pork chops are best served hot and fresh, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. However, keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as when they are freshly fried.

Can You Freeze Leftover Pork Chops?

i prefer to store my leftovers in an airtight container and then enjoy them cold the next day. But that's just me. Yes, you can definitely freeze fried pork chops. However, it's important to note that freezing may affect the texture and quality of the pork chops. Here are some tips for freezing and reheating fried pork chops:

1. Let the leftover fried pork chops cool completely before freezing them. You can either freeze them whole or cut them into smaller pieces.
2. Wrap the fried pork chops tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and air exposure. Alternatively, you can place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

How Do You Reheat Frozen Pork Chops?

1. To reheat frozen fried pork chops, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to overcook them as this can make them dry.
2. Avoid microwaving frozen fried pork chops, as this can make them soggy and affect the texture.
3. Only freeze-cooked pork chops that have been stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of three to four days to ensure optimal safety and quality.

Other Pork Chop Recipes

Puerto Rican Influenced Grilled Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops

Sous Vide Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Steaks

Chicken Fried Pork Steaks

making this fried pork chop recipe

This is soul food! Ultimately there is nothing more finger-licking good than a Southern-style fried pork chop. This crunchy yet tender masterpiece can be enjoyed with your favorite side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes. Not to mention, this meal makes an excellent main dish for the dinner table.

If you make this deep-fried pork chops recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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