Air Fried Italian Venison Chops

Air fryers…as disciples baptized in peanut oil, we fought ‘em, but once it becomes common knowledge there’s no air fryer in your home it’s just a matter of time before one shows up under the Christmas tree, at the wedding reception, or as a birthday gift.  Turns out…as much as we hate to admit it…they’re pretty handy.

Air friers are actually convection ovens using hot, dry, circulated air to cook food.  The process is pretty fast, provides a wonderful crunch similar to perfectly deep fried goodness, and doesn’t require the oil.  We aren’t abandoning the life blood of peanut oil (air frying ain’t the same), but as we figure out how to use the contraption to make wild game taste great we’ll share here.

These chops will work with venison or just about anything you can manufacture a chop out of.  Light and crispy while flavorful and  juicy.  In less than 10 minutes you’ll have a great meal and a clean kitchen.

What you’ll need:

• Milk
• 6 venison medallions
• Salt or steak seasoning
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tea spoon Italian seasonings
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray

How to make it happen:

90 minutes or so prior to cooking pound the medallions into 1 inch thick chops, then place in nonreactive bowl and cover in milk.  Cover and place the chops in a refrigerator for one hour.

Rinse the chops under running water, pat them dry then sprinkle with salt or steak seasoning and let sit for 30 minutes for the salt to absorb.

Preheat an air fryer to 400°F.

Using a bowl large enough for dipping, beat the eggs.  In a separate bowl combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Dip the venison chops in the flour coating both sides completely, then dip in the beaten eggs, then dredge the chops in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down so the breadcrumbs adhere to both sides.

Set the chops aside on a dry plate or rack while the air frier finishes preheating.  Once preheated, spray each side of the venison chops using cooking spray, and place them in the air fryer basket.

Air fry the venison chops for 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes, until browned and crispy.  Remove the chops from the air frier and allow them to rest for 3 minutes before serving.  The chops should be slightly pink in the middle and juicy.