Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Crushed pork rinds make a crispy, delicious, and keto-approved coating when frying thin boneless pork chops.

An easy 20-minute recipe, this is a dinner that everyone in the family is going to love!

Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I love pork chops. They are filling, flavorful, and very affordable. Simple baked pork chops are excellent, and that's my default recipe.

But when I'm willing to make just a little more effort in the kitchen, I treat my family to these very flavorful keto-fried pork chops. They are coated in pork rind "breadcrumbs," then fried in olive oil until wonderfully golden and crispy.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Expert tip
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Storing leftovers
  • related recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Pork rinds: I use plain pork rinds in this recipe.

Pork chops: Thin-cut (½-inch thick) and boneless.

Dijon mustard: It's creamier and less vinegary than yellow mustard.

Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty.

Garlic powder: Optional, but adds another layer of flavor.

Olive oil spray: I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you'd rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil spray instead.

Instructions

It's very easy to make keto-fried pork chops! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

Prepare the coating. Crush the pork rinds by hand or in a food processor. You can also buy them already crushed.

Coat in mustard. Coat the pork chops in Dijon mustard and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Dredge in pork rinds. Dredge the pork pieces in the crushed pork rinds and press to coat.

Cook. Fry in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat.

Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Expert tip

Unlike pork shoulder steaks, which are well-marbled, pork chops are very lean. They do have a tasty fat strip on their edge, but other than that, their meat is so lean that you should really take care not to overcook them or they could become quite dry and tough.

The same is true for pork tenderloin and pork medallions, by the way.

In the past, the CDC recommended cooking fresh pork well-done. Happily, the current recommendation is to cook it to medium (145°F with a rest time of three minutes).

I find that frying these chops over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side is perfect. But you'll need to adjust my instructions based on what's going on in your own kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of flour to fry pork chops?

I use pork rind breadcrumbs. They make a tasty keto coating. Since pork rinds are tastier than breadcrumbs, I actually find that these pork chops taste even better than breaded ones!

If you don't feel like crushing pork rinds, you can try usingpork rind breadcrumbs (available on Amazon). They are expensive but convenient.

Is pork rind breading as good as real breadcrumbs?

Yes and no. Yes, because it's REALLY tasty. No, because it's definitely not as crispy and it becomes soggy fairly quickly. I would say that it's one of those keto substitutions that are not quite as good as the original version but are still very, very good.

Why are my fried pork chops tough?

You probably cooked them for too long. Pork chops are very lean (except for that delightful fatty strip on their edge), and like most lean meats, one should take care not to overcook them, as they can quickly dry out and become chewy and stringy.

Does pork need to be cooked well-done?

No! Happily, the recommended internal temperature for fresh pork (except for ground pork) is 145°F with a rest time of three minutes. So that's medium, not well-done.

Variations

The best way to vary the basic recipe is to add more seasonings. Tasty options include onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme.

One more thing you can do is use a different fat for frying the pork chops. I'm a fan of olive oil, but you can also try avocado oil, bacon fat, or ghee.

Serving suggestions

This is a very versatile main course. You can truly serve it with any side dish you like. I often serve keto fried pork chops with roasted vegetables or with sauteed kale. They're also excellent with jicama fries. The simplest and easiest side to serve with them is arugula salad, as shown in the photos.

Storing leftovers

I don't recommend keeping leftovers. As they rest, accumulated juices can make the pork rind crust soggy, especially on the bottom.

Though I can say from experience that even when this happens, the pork chops are still very tasty!

When I do end up with leftovers despite my best intentions (Picky Eater daughter, I'm looking at you!! 😡), I keep them for a day or two in a sealed container in the fridge. I place them on layers of paper towels to absorb any moisture, and I replace the paper towels daily.

When it's time to reheat them, I do so in a 250F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. They're not as good as freshly cooked, but they are still very tasty.

Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)
  • Oven-Baked Pork Chops
  • Pork Rind Chicken Tenders
  • Pork Belly Strips
  • Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Recipe Card

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4.98 from 216 votes

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Keto-Fried Pork Chops

Crushed pork rinds make a crispy, delicious, and keto-approved coating for boneless pork chops.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 495kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 2 oz plain pork rinds
  • 8 thin-cut boneless pork chops ½-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  • Place the pork rinds in a 1-gallon Ziploc bag. Use a meat pounder or a rolling pin to crush them into tiny crumbs, similar to Panko. You can also crush the pork rinds in a food processor. Set the crushed pork rinds aside.

  • Use a pastry brush or your hands to coat both sides of the pork chops with mustard. Sprinkle them with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the crushed pork rinds on a plate. Dip one pork chop into the pork rinds and press to coat on both sides. Repeat with the remaining pork chops.

    You can also do as I do in the video and sprinkle all the pork chops with the "breadcrumbs" on one side, press to adhere, then turn them to the other side (place them on a new, clean plate) and repeat.

  • Coat a nonstick double burner griddle with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat, 2-3 minutes. Add the coated pork chops.

  • Cook the pork chops for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, flip them to the other side, and gently press on them with a clean spatula to flatten them against the pan. Cook them on the second side until they are golden-brown and cooked through, about 4 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Pork chops are very lean. They do have a tasty fat strip on their edge, but other than that, their meat is so lean that you should really take care not to overcook them or they could become quite dry and tough.

In the past, the CDC recommended cooking fresh pork well-done. Happily, the current recommendation is to cook it to medium (145°F with a rest time of three minutes).

I find that frying these chops over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side is perfect. But you'll need to adjust my instructions based on what's going on in your own kitchen.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2pork chops | Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 618mg

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Keto-Fried Pork Chops - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Are fried pork chops healthy for weight loss? ›

Pork chops are an easy-to-cook lean red meat. They offer important nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron that support everyday body functions and can be helpful in losing weight. Because pork chops are considered red meat, you should be mindful of how frequently you eat them.

Is it better to fry pork chops with or without flour? ›

Adding a flour coating isn't necessary

A flour coating also gives pork chops and other meats a delicious, crispy crust and an enhanced flavor. Despite these benefits, however, breading pork chops in flour before frying is not necessary.

Are pork chops OK to eat on keto? ›

These creamy garlic parmesan keto pork chops are a flavorful and healthy dinner option that is low-carb and keto-friendly. Pan-seared pork chops are smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Can you eat too many pork rinds on keto? ›

However, as with everything you eat, it is important to be mindful of how much you consume. Since pork rinds are relatively high in protein and calories, it is possible to overeat them to the point that the excess protein impairs ketosis and the extra calories are stored as fat.

Is Pork Chop healthier than chicken? ›

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn't contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second. But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference.

What is the healthiest pork chop? ›

If you're looking for the healthiest pork options, you want lean cuts -- tenderloin, loin chops and sirloin roast. Bacon and other fatty cuts are very high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol and not for everyday eating.

Why won't my flour stick to my pork chops? ›

When it comes to breading meat, most breading procedures are basically the same. But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken.

Is it better to pan fry pork chops in butter or oil? ›

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

How do you keep flour on pork chops when frying? ›

Coat and Then Refrigerate

The pork chops are first dipped in buttermilk and then coated in flour. Refrigerating them for 30 minutes once coated helps the flour stay on the chops once they are put in the oil. I like to use White Lily Self Rising Flour when frying, but you can you just an all-purpose flour instead.

What meat is not keto friendly? ›

Note: Some types of processed meats like ham, bacon, some deli meats, as well as some cured meats, may contain sugar or fillers which can pack on the carb count and render them non-Keto friendly.

Is Mayo good for keto? ›

Keto Mayo Nutrition Information

Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.

Why is pork considered perfect for a low carb diet? ›

The best meats for weight loss on keto include beef, pork, chicken, bison, and salmon. All of these meats are free of carbs, rich in protein, and versatile. Choosing leaner cuts may make it easier to burn excess stored body fat while on keto.

Can you eat too much cheese on keto? ›

(Just remember: Cheese isn't “unlimited” in a keto diet, as it still contains calories and carbs; it's also high in saturated fat, which is a less heart-healthy option than unsaturated fats, per the American Heart Association.)

Is popcorn okay for keto? ›

Net carbs are calculated by taking the total grams of carbohydrate in a food and subtracting the amount of fiber. In this case, popcorn contains 6 grams of carbs per 1 cup serving and 1.2 grams of fiber, bringing the net carbs per serving to 4.8 grams. Yes friends, popcorn is indeed a keto food.

Is cottage cheese good on keto? ›

According to nutritionists, cottage cheese is generally not as keto-friendly as other cheese varieties. Although it is high in protein, it doesn't contain as much fat and may have a high carb content.

Should you eat pork when trying to lose weight? ›

While often thought of as high in fat, lean pork is an excellent source of protein and B vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. It is lower in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 than beef but also lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which can support a health weight and metabolism.

Can I eat pork while losing weight? ›

70% of the fat in pork can be removed

And nearly 70% of the fat in pork is subcutaneous, so that it can easily be removed, making the meat very suitable for low calorie diets.

Is it OK to eat pork while on a diet? ›

Nutritionally, pork possesses a wide range of essential nutrients like energizing B vitamins, choline for developing babies, and iron for healthy red blood cells. A 3-ounce serving of lean pork is loaded with protein and low in fat. Eating lean pork daily can be a part of a well-balanced, high-nutrient diet.

How many calories in a piece of Fried Pork Chop? ›

Region: US
ServingIngredientCalories
2.8 ozpork chop166
8.47 gvegetable oil75
0.36 gground black pepper0.9
0.06 gdried basil0.1
8 more rows

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