Before we jump into this golden, crunchy, Southern classic, let me just say thank you for stopping by my kitchen again. Your support, your excitement for these recipes, your messages — it means the world. And today, I’ve got a recipe that is pure Southern comfort on a plate: Southern Fried Pork Chops. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right… anything but boring!!
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Overview of the Recipe
These fried pork chops bring together everything we love about true Southern cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavor, a crunchy golden crust, and that satisfying sizzle when they hit the skillet. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super crispy coating
- Juicy, flavorful pork
- Classic Southern seasoning
- Pantry-friendly ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
What They Taste Like
The crust is crisp, lightly seasoned, and beautifully golden, while the pork stays moist and tender. You get garlic, pepper, and paprika in every bite, all wrapped in that classic buttermilk-egg dredge. They taste like straight-up Southern comfort — simple, soulful, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Benefits
- Fast & family-friendly
- Works with bone-in OR boneless chops
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Makes a complete dinner with simple sides
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful!)
Additions & Substitutions
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- Add cayenne for heat
- Use boneless pork chops (reduce cook time slightly)
- Replace buttermilk with regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar
- Mix flour with ¼ cup cornstarch for extra crunch
How to Make Southern Fried Pork Chops (Step-By-Step)
1. Prep the Chops
Pat pork chops dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Dry meat = crispier crust.
2. Prepare the Dredging Stations
Bowl 1: Flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
Bowl 2: Eggs + buttermilk, whisked together
3. Dredge the Pork
Coat each pork chop in the seasoned flour.
Dip in the egg mixture.
Coat again in the flour for a double-crust.
(Tap off excess — you want a nice even coating.)
4. Fry
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
Fry pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Internal temp should reach 145°F.
5. Drain & Serve
Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Serve immediately while that crust is hot and crispy!
What to Serve with Southern Fried Pork Chops
Ohhh the possibilities:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Collard greens
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Fried apples
- Green beans & potatoes
Southern dinner perfection.
Tips for the Crispiest Pork Chops
- Keep heat at medium: too low = greasy, too high = burnt
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet
- Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving
- Double-dredging = superior crunch
- Use tongs, not a fork (don’t pierce the meat!)
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Reheat: Air fryer or oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chops up to 2 months (reheat in air fryer)
General Information
- Cuisine: Southern / American
- Course: Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Just reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side.
Why is my crust falling off?
Make sure chops are dry before coating and avoid flipping too often.
Can I bake instead of fry?
You can, but they won’t be nearly as crispy. Air-frying is closer.
Can I season the flour differently?
Absolutely — add onion powder, cayenne, or ranch seasoning.
Conclusion
These Southern Fried Pork Chops are everything you want in a comforting Southern dinner: juicy, crispy, and full of classic flavor. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a taste that’ll bring everyone running to the table!
If you’re loving this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Classic collard greens & ham hocks
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Southern cornbread
Share Your Kitchen Magic!
If you make these pork chops, I’d love to hear your review — and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest so I can see your crispy creations!
Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
Ready for another Southern recipe? Just say the word!
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