These low carb pork chops are baked until juicy and tender with a crispy almond flour and Parmesan crust. There’s no traditional breadcrumbs, no complicated ingredients, and only a few carbs per serving.
I sear the pork chops before baking them, which gives the coating that golden-brown crust while helping keep the inside tender and juicy.
Low Carb Pork Chop Recipe
Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these pork chops are coated with almond flour, Parmesan, and a few simple seasonings for a crispy, flavorful crust. The almond flour adds a lightly nutty flavor while helping create a crisp crust when the pork chops are seared.
So, the next time you are looking for an easy pork chop recipe, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post and serve your family these juicy pork chops.
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Low Carb Pork Chop Recipe Ingredients
- 6 Ribeye Pork Chops – Use boneless or bone-in pork chops. Thicker chops will take longer to cook, so have a meat thermometer handy.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan works especially well in the coating and adds plenty of savory flavor.
- 4 tablespoons almond flour – Almond flour replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep these pork chops low carb while helping create a crisp coating.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – Adds a little color and flavor to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon parsley – Fresh or dried parsley works here.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory garlic flavor without adding unnecessary carbs.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a little bite and seasoning.
- Olive oil – Used for searing the pork chops before they go into the oven. Avocado oil works too.
How to Make Low Carb Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Almond flour Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, almond flour, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
This flavorful mix will be the star of the show, giving your pork chops that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Pork Chops
Dip each pork chop into the seasoning mix, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
This step adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a delightful crust when cooked.
Step 3: Sear Pork Chops in a Skillet
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated pork chops and sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown.
This initial sear locks in juices and enhances the overall texture of the pork.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet or pork chops to a baking dish and bake at 350°F until the thickest part of the pork reaches 145°F. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops.
Using a meat thermometer ensures the perfect level of doneness for your pork chops.
How to Keep Baked Pork Chops Juicy
- Don’t rely solely on cooking time; use a meat thermometer.
- Bring the chops closer to room temperature before cooking.
- Don’t overcook them past 145°F.
- Let them rest for several minutes before slicing.
- Thicker chops will need longer in the oven than thin chops.
Recipe Notes
You can use either thin or thick pork chops, but the cooking time will vary. Thin pork chops can dry out quickly, so start checking them early with a meat thermometer. Thick-cut pork chops will usually need more time in the oven.
Storage Tips for Low Carb Pork Chops
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. These keto pork chops can be a great option for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
The best part is that you can simply heat them in the air fryer for a few minutes and serve this main dish again with little work.
Easy Variations
Pork rind crust: Replace the almond flour with finely crushed pork rinds for a different crispy coating.
Extra garlic: Add a little extra garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the seasoning mixture.
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Bone-in: Use bone-in chops, adjusting the cooking time based on thickness and checking the internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Pork Chops on Keto?
Yes! Plain pork chops are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a great choice for a keto diet. The ingredients you use to prepare them are what can quickly add carbs. Traditional breadcrumbs, flour-based coatings, and sugary sauces can turn a naturally low-carb pork chop into a much higher-carb meal.
This recipe keeps things keto-friendly by using almond flour and Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful coating instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber.
Why Sear Pork Chops Before Baking?
Searing the pork chops before baking gives the almond flour and Parmesan coating a golden-brown crust and adds another layer of flavor. It also means you don’t have to rely on the oven alone to brown the coating.
Can I Use Almond Flour Instead of Breadcrumbs?
Yes. Almond flour is an excellent substitute for traditional breadcrumbs when you’re making low carb or keto pork chops. It provides a light coating and helps the outside of the pork chops brown nicely when they’re seared.
For this recipe, almond flour is combined with Parmesan cheese and seasonings to create the coating. The result is a flavorful almond-crusted pork chop without the added carbohydrates from conventional breadcrumbs.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Without Parmesan?
Yes. Parmesan adds flavor and helps create a savory crust, but you can leave it out if needed. If you omit the Parmesan, you may want to add a little extra almond flour along with additional herbs and seasonings to make up for the lost flavor.
Keep in mind that removing the Parmesan will change the texture and flavor of the coating, so the finished pork chops won’t have quite the same crisp, cheesy crust as the original recipe.
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?
Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used in place of boneless pork chops. The main thing to keep in mind is that cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they contain a bone.
Rather than relying only on the cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the pork chop. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
Can I Use Thin Pork Chops?
Yes, but thin pork chops will cook much faster than thicker chops. Keep a close eye on them while searing and baking so they don’t become dry or overcooked.
For thin pork chops, I recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer and checking them early. Once the thickest part reaches 145°F, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What Temperature Should Pork Chops Reach?
Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured in the thickest part of the meat. Insert the thermometer from the side rather than touching the bone if you’re using bone-in pork chops.
Once they reach 145°F, remove them from the heat and allow them to rest for several minutes before cutting into them. This helps keep the pork juicy instead of letting the juices immediately run onto the plate.
How Do I Keep Baked Pork Chops From Drying Out?
The easiest way to prevent baked pork chops from drying out is to avoid overcooking them. Pork chops can go from juicy to dry surprisingly quickly, especially when using thin cuts.
Use a meat thermometer rather than relying entirely on the clock. Remove the pork chops once they reach 145°F, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Searing the pork chops before baking also helps develop a flavorful browned crust while adding another layer of flavor to the finished dish. Choosing chops with some thickness rather than extremely thin cuts can also make it easier to keep the center tender and juicy.
What to Serve With Keto Pork Chops
Pair your pan-fried pork chops with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serve this dinner alongside a variety of easy low carb side dishes. This low carb pork chop recipe pairs well with these cheesy cauliflower casserole and these low carb mashed cauliflower potatoes.
Or whip up some of your favorite low carb potato substitutes with a dollop of sour cream.
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Low Carb Pork Chop Recipe - Baked Juicy Keto Chops
Learn how to make the perfect low carb pork chop recipe baked in the oven. These boneless pork chops have a delicious almond flour parmesan crust with a juicy center.
Ingredients
- 6 Pork Chops
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tablespoons of Almond Flour
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Parsley
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Mix the seasonings and dip pork chops, covering both sides as evenly as possible.
- Sear in a skillet with olive oil on medium heat for 5 minutes on each side.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
Notes
This recipe can be made with thick pork chops or thin pork chops and this should not impact the cooking time of the sides of the pork chops. However, thick cut pork chops will require a bit more cooking time in the oven.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 393Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 139mgSodium 237mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 44g
The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.