Name: Homemade Shake-it and Bake-it Coating for Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup finely crushed cornflakes; 4-6 tsp. dried minced onion; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. pepper; 1/2 tsp. sage; 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs; 1 1/2 cups crushed corn flakes; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tbsp dried onion flakes; 3 tsp paprika; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp dry parsley; 1/2 tsp dry basil; 1/2 tsp dry oregano; 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Create your own easy shake-it, then bake-it coating for pork chops. This simple throw-together blend can be made ahead of time and stored in the pantry until needed.

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This homemade shake-it and bake-it pork seasoning mix is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that can be tossed in the oven or in your favorite air-fryer

If you take into consideration the cost of the store-bought version of Shake n Bake versus the inexpensive ingredients that it actually contains, it only makes CENTS to make your own. I know, I’m punny, right?

I remember mom coating meat and potatoes with seasoning blends when I was a kid and then baking them and the crispy coating on the outside crunching just right with the tender meat on the inside. It was one of my favorites. It wasn’t until I got out on my own that I realized how silly it was to spend a couple bucks for 30¢ worth of ingredients!

Today, we’re going back to basics with a throwback that’s sure to stir up some cozy memories and save your wallet. Ever wonder why buy when you can DIY? Well, I’m here to show you how to whip up your very own shake-it, then bake-it pork coating mix. Perfect for those rush-hour dinners!

What is Shake-n-Bake?

Shake-n-Bake, for the uninitiated, is that all-too-familiar seasoned breadcrumb mix that gives your meat a crispy outer shell, just by shaking it in a bag and popping it in the oven. Simple, right? But why settle for store-bought when we can make it healthier, tastier, and cheaper at home?

Benefits of Making Your Own Shake-n-Bake

Making your own mix isn’t just about saving pennies—though it certainly does that, turning what could be dollars into dimes! It’s also about tailoring flavors to your fancy and skipping those pesky preservatives. Plus, let’s not forget the bragging rights when you serve up something scrumptious, you mixed up yourself!

How to Make Homemade Copycat Shake-n-Bake Seasoning Mix

For a basic yet bombastic pork shake-it and bake-it, you’ll need:

1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup finely crushed cornflakes
4-6 tsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, and sage

And for that nostalgic Kraft Shake-n-Bake vibe:

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs and crushed corn flakes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp each of salt and dried onion flakes
3 tsp paprika
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp each of garlic powder, black pepper
1/2 tsp each of cayenne pepper, dry parsley, basil, and oregano

Step-by-Step Recipe for Copycat Shake-n-Bake: Pork or Chicken

Prep Your Mix:
- Grab a Ziploc bag, toss in all your chosen ingredients, and give it a good ol’ shake to blend everything together beautifully.
Coat Those Chops:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. While it’s heating, run your pork chops under cold water, shake off the excess, then one by one, give them a dance in your seasoning bag until well-coated.
Baking Time:
- Lay the coated chops on a cookie sheet lined with a silpat or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Storage: Keep your extra shake-it and bake-it mix stored in the pantry in a sealed bag or container, ready for your next quick-fix meal.
Variations: Feel free to tweak the spices to hit the flavor notes you love or match different meats—yes, this mix works wonders on chicken too!

How to Air Fry Homemade Shake-n-Bake Chicken or Pork

Air frying is a great alternative to oven-baking your Shake-n-Bake chicken or pork, giving you a crispy finish with less oil. Here’s how you can use an air fryer to cook your Shake-n-Bake chicken or pork chops:

Your prepared Shake-n-Bake mix
Chicken pieces or pork chops
Optional: a light spray of oil for extra crispiness

Instructions

Prep the Meat:
- Rinse the chicken or pork chops under cold water and let the excess water drip off (this moisture helps the coating stick to the meat).
- Place one piece of meat at a time into the bag of Shake-n-Bake mix. Seal the bag and shake gently until each piece is thoroughly coated. Tap off any excess coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (204°C). This step isn’t necessary for all air fryer models, but it helps to start with a hot environment for the crispiest results.
Arrange the Meat:
- Place the coated meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces don’t touch to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches.
- Lightly spray the coated meat with oil if desired. This can help achieve a more golden, crispy exterior.
Cooking Time:
- For chicken:
  - Bone-in pieces (like thighs and drumsticks): Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  - Boneless pieces: Cook for about 12-20 minutes, depending on thickness, turning halfway through.
- For pork chops:
  - Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the exterior is crispy.
Check for Doneness:
- Always check that the meat has reached the safe internal temperature—165°F (74°C) for chicken and 145°F (63°C) for pork. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serving:
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Did you know? the original Shake ‘n Bake was introduced by Kraft in 1965? Talk about a retro dinner hack!

Additional Tips

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around the meat, which helps achieve an evenly crispy coating.
Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of the meat pieces, as well as variations between different air fryer models.

Using these steps, you can enjoy deliciously crispy Shake-n-Bake chicken or pork right from your air fryer, perfect for a quick and healthier dinner option!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beautifully baked pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or some steamed veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Copycat Shake-n-Bake Pork or Chicken Recipe Print Now

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple, satisfying solution to those pricey premade mixes. With this DIY shake-it and bake-it recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating, customizing, and of course, crunching on some seriously good eats. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the magic of making it your own!

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Got your own twist on this recipe? Tried it with different herbs or maybe on a different meat? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below! Share your creations and let’s keep making mealtime both fun and frugal. Happy shaking and baking, everyone!