Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

A family pleasing and delicious Keto parmesan crusted pork chops recipe with a cheesy “breading” to keep it low carb.

These crispy crunchy pork chops get their bite from a secret ingredient that is probably in your low carb pantry. 

Pork Rinds! 

I finally took the pork rinds as breading plunge and I am so glad I did. That’s right, pork rinds make up the base of the coating for these juicy pork chops.

I can’t really pinpoint exactly why I was so apprehensive at the thought of using pork rinds. 

My husband worships pork rinds (pretty sure he would eat them as a side with a bowl of cereal kind of love). I don’t hate them as much as he loves them, but I would not say I really like them on their own.

So if you are in the same boat as me, don’t let the pork rinds scare you! I promise it does not taste like you bathed your pork chop in rinds. In fact, you can’t even tell they are pork rinds.

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Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

So now that you know the secret ingredient for these yummy keto parmesan crusted pork chops, we can get started.

The recipe comes together quickly so you can make it after a day of work and still get dinner on the table to your family in a reasonable hour. And speaking of family, my picky little four year old ate this like a champ.

She prefers her pork chop dipped in a little ketchup, fine by me as long as she is eating something!

Ingredients:

I adapted this pork chop meal to be keto friendly from our favorite pork chop recipe that I found on Just a Pinch. Since the recipe uses really simple ingredients, I usually have everything that is needed on hand.

One of my biggest money saving tips is to have a good arsenal of “go to” meals that you typically have on hand and that are quick and easy to prepare like family friendly Keto Meatballs or 15 Minute Keto Cheese Enchiladas.

It will help you to resist ordering a pizza on a busy night if you know that you can make something quick and healthy for your family like these keto parmesan crusted pork chops. (and a side note, when did ordering pizza get so outrageous??)

Here is all that you need to make these chops:

4 Boneless Pork chops

Tbsp Olive Oil

Parmesan Cheese

Pork Rinds

Black Pepper

Garlic Powder

Preparation:

To prep these keto parmesan crusted pork chops, you first want to prep your secret ingredient. I used my high powered blender to crush the pork rinds into a fine powder.

You can also just crush the pork rinds up in a bag using a mallet or spoon.

The pork rinds clump together just a little once they are blended but don’t worry. Once you mix it with the parmesan cheese, it should mix nicely.

Pro Tip: If getting out your blender makes you want to run, skip that step and use these convenient Pork Rind Panko Crumbs that are ready to use!  

I had to do a couple of rounds in the blender to get the cup of pork rinds. If you are a little under, it should be fine. It is a pretty forgiving “breadcrumb” mixture.

Next, mix the parmesan cheese (use the kind in the green can it works best), ground pork rinds, pepper and garlic powder to a medium bowl.

Pour a bit of olive oil onto a plate. I just eyeball it but you need a tablespoon or two.

Dip each pork chop into the olive oil and then coat each side with the crumb mixture. I use my hands and press as much of the cheesy, pork rind crumb into the pork chops as I can get to stay attached.

Oven Instructions:

Gently place each breaded chop onto a lined and sprayed baking sheet.

*Note: A sweet reader reminded me that if you bake this on a broiler pan, you will avoid a soggy bottom and both sides will crisp up.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. If you are cooking a thinner chop, cook for less time. The coating will brown and crisp up when ready.

Air Fryer Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Place chops into the basket and cook until browned and crispy. 

For 1 inch thick chops, they should be done in 30 minutes. If your chops are thin, you may want to check them after 20 or 25 minutes. Mine cooked a lot quicker in the air fryer than in the oven!

And they are so crispy and delicious after being in the air fryer. 

I usually serve this with some Mac And Cheese Zoodles or a side salad. If you want to see how Trim Healthy Mama has helped me lose 22 lbs postpartum, read about that here.

If you need more Keto or THM S recipes, check out my most popular recipe Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken with Cauli Rice.