Crispy Almond Crusted Pork

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This Crispy Almond Crusted Pork is the perfect low carb alternative to a traditional breaded pork chop. It's easy to make, deliciously crunchy, and is a great alternative to breaded chicken.

287 CAL 2g CARBS 14g FAT 38g PROTEIN 5
4 Comments

These Almond Crusted Pork Chops come out juicy, crispy, and perfectly cooked every time. It's the perfect paleo and keto version of a breaded or fried pork chop. Serve with some of your favorite comfort side dishes for a wholesome dinner!

This recipe will give you a super-crispy pork chop! They are perfectly browned on the outside and full of flavor from a coating of mustard and thyme. Your family will be fighting over the leftovers (if there are any).

I love breaded pork chops, but so often, they are made with breadcrumbs. Thankfully, there is an alternative for breadcrumbs - almond meal! Even though the almond meal is a bit higher in calories, it's full of healthy fats and fiber, making it a better choice.

You will love what the sauce adds to this recipe. I brushed the pork chops with mustard and thyme before breading them. I find this adds a ton of flavor to the meat, and you get some of the delicious flavors in every bite.

Note: If you aren't a fan of pork, you could definitely make this with chicken breasts. I would recommend pounding them out so they cook more quickly.

Low carb almond crusted pork chops with a crispy browned exterior on a bed of greens with mustard on the side.

Key Ingredients for Almond-Crusted Pork Chops

This recipe uses all whole ingredients for healthier crispy pork chops. Here is what you'll use.

  • Pork Chops: You can either use boneless pork chops or cut pork tenderloin into thin chops. The thinner you cut the pork chops, the quicker they will cook. If you don't like cutting meat, ask the people at the meat counter to cut a pork loin into chops.
  • Mustard: I used Dijon mustard because I love the way it tastes. Use any type of mustard, like yellow or spicy brown if you don't like dijon.
  • Egg Whites: This is what binds the spices to the pork chops. Egg whites are lower in cholesterol than yolks, so you only need to use egg whites. Feel free to use the whole egg if you prefer.
  • Almond Meal: Either almond meal or almond flour will work to coat the pork chops. Almond flour is usually ground finer than the meal but I prefer the texture the almond meal gives the pork.
  • Spices: I used thyme, salt, and pepper to season the protein! You can also use garlic or onion powder as well.
  • Olive Oil: Use your favorite oil to pan-fry the pork chops. Coconut or avocado oil are great substitutes.

Note: For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make these pork chops, take a look at the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Side Dish Ideas

I love to serve vegetables with these pork chops. My slow cooker Brussels sprouts have lots of the same flavors and have a nutty undertone that is so delicious. For something that will please a crowd (even picky eaters), make some sauteed peas. You have never tried peas like this before - they are so tasty!

And, you can never go wrong with easy roasted beets. They are so sweet and go perfectly with this savory pork chop recipe.

Don't forget the mashed cauliflower!

Recipe Tips And Ideas For Almond-Crusted Pork

Follow these tips to make sure that these pork chops turn out crispy and juicy every single time!

  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer. Remove the pork chops from the heat when they reach 145 degrees F. They should have a blush of pink on the inside. Then, let them sit for about 2-3 minutes, and they will be juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
  • Marinate the pork chops in the mustard mixture. This will help the pork chops to really soak up all the flavors.
  • Make it spicier by adding some red pepper flakes to the mustard mixture.
  • For some added crunch, mix in some chopped sliced almonds.
  • Don't shy away from flavoring up the almond meal. Use some Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning to add even more flavor. 

Keto almond pork chops with an egg and almond meal coating fried and served with lettuce and mustard sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions I frequently get asked by some readers...

The easiest way to separate the egg whites is to use an egg separator. Some people use their hands to catch the egg yolk. Another popular way is to break the eggshell in half and then pass the egg yolk back and forth between each half of the shell, allowing the egg white to drop into a bowl.

I did a combination of pan-frying and baking. Fry the pork chops for about 2 minutes on each side. Then, place the skillet into the oven for about 10 minutes. A meat thermometer is so important and very helpful! If your pork chops are thicker, they will take longer to cook. Always go by the temperature, not the cooking times on recipes.

The thinner your pork chops are, the faster they will cook. I like to cook with pork chops that are no more than an inch thick.

Yes, since this recipe uses almond meal instead of breadcrumbs, it is keto-friendly and low in carbs!

The best way to store leftover pork chops is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Use leftover pork chops in your meal prep. Cut them up and add them on top of your favorite salad, or make a pork stir fry with them!

Pork chops with almond meal breading cooked until crispy and served on a plate with greens and cucumbers.
The Recipe
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Crispy Almond Crusted Pork

287 CAL 2g CARBS 14g FAT 38g PROTEIN 5
PREP TIME: 10 Min
COOK TIME: 15 Min
TOTAL TIME: 25 Min
4 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1.33 lbs lean boneless pork chops (or pork tenderloin cut into rounds)
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/3 cup almond meal
  • 3/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Stir the thyme, salt, and pepper into the mustard.

Mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2

Spread the mustard mixture evenly over the pork.

Pork chops being coated with a mustard thyme sauce.
3

Whisk together the egg whites. Dip the pork into the eggs whites and then into the almond meal.

Pork chops being dredged in almond meal breading.
4

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and once it is hot, lightly fry the pork for 2 minutes on each side or until brown and crispy.

Almond breaded pork being fried in a skillet.
5

Place the whole skillet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked to your liking.

Crispy almond pork chops on a plate with greens.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 6 oz.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 287
Calories from Fat 120
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g
21%
Saturated Fat 3g
13%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
0%
Cholesterol 146mg
49%
Sodium 671mg
29%
Total Carbohydrate 2g
1%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Sugars 0g
Protein 38g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
† We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
4 Comments
On Crispy Almond Crusted Pork
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Melissa Ledesma
March 6, 2017 - 19:51
Add a Rating:
5
Love it!! Super tasty!!!
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Rebecca Erickson
September 16, 2016 - 13:08
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4
Easy to follow and delicious!
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Kiesha Booker
September 16, 2016 - 06:52
Add a Rating:
5
The most flavorful and delicious recipe for pork chops.
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Elizabeth
January 17, 2020 - 13:53
Very tasty, but the breading didn’t stick to the chops.
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