Can You Use Oven Fry Chicken Coating on Pork Chops?

Oven Fry chicken coating mixes are a quick and easy way to get crispy fried flavor without the mess and unhealthiness of deep frying. But can these versatile coatings also be used on pork chops?

The short answer is yes! Oven Fry can be used to coat pork chops before baking to add flavor and crunch. While primarily made for chicken, the seasoning blends work nicely on pork too.

In this article, we’ll cover how to bake Oven Fry pork chops, tips for maximum crispiness, and some mouthwatering recipe ideas. Let’s get cooking!

Oven Fry is a popular brand of chicken coating mixes sold in grocery stores. The crispy coatings come in different flavors like original, Cajun, ranch, and more

While marketed for chicken, the seasoned breadcrumb mixtures can also be used on pork chops. They provide a quick and easy way to dress up pork with extra flavor and texture without deep frying.

To use, simply coat raw pork chops in egg wash or melted butter, press into the Oven Fry coating, and bake until cooked through and crispy. It provides a similar taste and feel to fried pork chops minus the calories and mess of frying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Oven Fry Pork Chops

Making Oven Fry pork chops is simple Just follow these easy steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the coating will get crispy and browned.

2. Pat pork chops dry. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the chops’ surface. This helps the coating stick better.

3. Coat pork chops in egg wash or melted butter. Fully drenching the chops allows the Oven Fry coating to properly adhere.

4. Dredge chops in Oven Fry mixture. Press the crumbs firmly onto the meat to form an even coating.

5. Arrange on a baking sheet. Place chops spaced apart on a pan lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake 30-40 minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust time for thickness.

7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.

It’s that easy! In less than an hour you can have crispy, golden Oven Fry pork chops ready for dinner.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Crisp Coating

While Oven Fry works nicely on pork chops, you may not get quite as shatteringly crispy of a coating as you do with chicken. This is because pork’s higher fat content impacts crispness.

However, you can still achieve a deliciously crunchy crust by following these tips:

• Use thin, boneless chops for faster cooking and crisping.

• Place chops on a wire rack over the baking sheet for air circulation.

• Preheat oven fully before baking.

• Don’t overcrowd chops on the pan.

• Flip chops halfway through baking.

• Let chops rest before cutting for crisper coating.

• Choose flavors like ranch or Cajun for extra crunch.

With some trial and error, you can perfect the crisp factor of your Oven Fry pork chops.

Oven Fry Pork Chop Recipe Ideas

From basic to gourmet, Oven Fry lends itself to all kinds of easy pork chop creations:

Basic Oven Fried Chops

• Coat chops in original Oven Fry and bake.

• Season further with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.

Ranch Oven Fry Pork Chops

• Use Oven Fry Ranch coating for extra zing.

• Top with crumbled bacon before baking.

Parmesan Oven Fried Pork Chops

• Mix Oven Fry with grated parmesan cheese.

• Top with extra parmesan after baking.

Honey Dijon Oven Fry Chops

• Combine Oven Fry with Dijon mustard and honey.

• Finish with more honey drizzled over the baked chops.

“Shake and Bake” Pork Chops

• Coat chops in Oven Fry seasoned flour instead of breadcrumbs.

• Bake until golden brown and delicious.

Mix up your usual pork chop routine by reaching for Oven Fry next time. The coating possibilities are endless for customized, crave-worthy oven-baked chops.

Can Oven Fry Work on Other Meats and Proteins?

While made for chicken, Oven Fry’s crunchy coating works great on leaner proteins like pork chops. But how about fattier meats like beef or fish?

Oven Fry can be used to coat beef or lamb, but may require adjustments. Leaner cuts like flank steak would work better than high-fat ground beef. The thickness of steak cuts impacts cooking times and crispness too.

For fish fillets or shrimp, Oven Fry adds nice crunch. The cooking process needs some tweaking to prevent overcooking the delicate proteins. Follow a similar coating method but adjust bake times down to 10-15 minutes.

When it comes to plant proteins like tofu or tempeh, Oven Fry also works wonderfully. Simply pat dry, coat, and bake until golden and crispy. Add soy sauce or other flavorings as desired.

While breaded oven-baked proteins may differ texture-wise from deep fried, Oven Fry still infuses meats, fish, and veggies with flavor. Feel free to experiment with coatings beyond chicken.

Signs Your Pork Chops are Done

Since Oven Fry pork chops contain raw meat, proper cooking is vital for food safety. Undercooked pork poses risks for bacterial illnesses.

Here are signs to look for when testing doneness:

• Internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) – This is the minimum safe temperature for pork. Use a meat thermometer to check.

• Opaque, pink interior – The inside should show no traces of raw pinkness once cooked through.

• Firm, juicy meat – Pork should feel firm yet moist and tender when poked, not mushy.

• Coating is crispy – The outside will transition from pale and soft to golden brown and crunchy when finished baking.

• Juices run clear – Cut into a chop and check that liquid juices are clear, not pink or bloody.

Following recipe cook times is a guide, but always double check for these signs of doneness. This ensures every Oven Fry pork chop is safe and ready to enjoy.

Enjoy the Crispy Crunch of Oven Fried Pork

Oven Fry chicken coating was made to deliver crispy fried flavor without actual frying. But as it turns out, the versatile breadcrumb mixtures work deliciously on pork chops too.

Simply coat raw pork in Oven Fry per usual oven fry instructions. Bake until cooked through and browned for next-level flavor and crunch sans grease.

Feel free to get creative with spices and custom coatings. Oven Fry offers a fool-proof shortcut to crispy chops worth sinking your teeth into. Ditch the fryer and enjoy the satisfying taste and texture of oven fried pork tonight.