Air Fryer Panko-Crusted Pork Chops

1 . Stage

Pour 1 cup water in a 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave until boiling, about 4 minutes. Stir in kosher salt and sugar, until dissolved. Add remaining 3 cups water to make a brine.

2 . Stage

Place rosemary sprig and bay leaf in a 1-gallon zip-top bag. Carefully pour in brine and add pork chops. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate about 2 hours.

3 . Stage

Remove chops from the brine and discard the brine. Pat chops dry with paper towels.

4 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

5 . Stage

Break egg into a shallow bowl and beat lightly. Combine panko, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning blend, and black pepper, and place on a plate or cutting board. Dip each pork chop in the egg, then coat all sides with the panko mixture. Spray both sides of the coated chops with extra-virgin olive oil.

6 . Stage

Place chops in the air fryer in a single layer, with chops not touching, and air-fry for 7 to 8 minutes per side, for a total of 14 to 16 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chops should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

7 . Stage

Serve warm, garnished with parsley and additional rosemary sprigs, if desired.