Crispy Almond Crusted Pork

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.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do you separate egg yolk and egg whites?

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.

How long does it take to fry pork chops?

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.

How thick should the pork chops be?

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.

Is this pork recipe low-carb?

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

How do you store leftover pork chops?

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!

More Delicious Pork Recipes You’ll Love:

• Roasted Pork With Apples
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Balsamic Honey Pork Tenderloin
• Southwestern Grilled Pork Chops
• Sheet Pan Pork Chops And Potatoes