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Golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Pork Chops are a game-changer! If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and healthier way to enjoy pork chops, this recipe is for you. Cooking pork chops in the air fryer gives them the perfect golden-brown crust without the need for excess oil, making them a lighter yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, these air fryer pork chops come together in minutes with simple ingredients. Plus, I’ll share my best tips for ensuring your pork chops turn out tender, flavorful, and never dry. Let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Pork Chops
- They are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort!
- The air fryer makes the pork chops juicy and tender.
- They have a delicious golden crust and are packed with flavor from the blend of seasonings.
- It’s a healthier option since this recipe uses less oil than traditional frying.
- The air fryer method is convenient. There’s no need to heat the oven or grill!
Ingredients Needed
- Pork Chops: For this recipe, use pork chops that are about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick.
- Olive Oil: Rub the pork chops in olive oil before seasoning them.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the pork chops.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs for a delicious, savory flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a delicious flavor.
- Onion Powder: For increased depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Pat dry the pork chops.
Then, rub them with olive oil.
Step 3: Add the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Next, thoroughly mix.
Step 4: Evenly coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning mixture.
Step 5: For easy cleanup, add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket. Next, add the seasoned pork chops to the air fryer basket.
Step 6: Air fry the pork chops, flipping halfway through.
Step 7: Once done, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
How Long To Cook Pork Chops In An Air Fryer
Thin Pork Chops: For thin pork chops about 1-1 ½ inches thick, air fry them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Thicker Pork Chops: For thicker pork chops, you will need to increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
Bone-In Pork Chops: Increase the cooking time for bone-in pork chops by about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork chops, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer pork chops pair well with a variety of dishes! Here are some ways to serve them.
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted or air-fried vegetables such as air fryer carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Potatoes: Slice the pork chops and serve them over cauliflower mashed potatoes or cottage cheese mashed potatoes for a creamy touch and wholesome meal. For another option, serve them with a side of air fryer red potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or air fryer sweet potato wedges.
- Salad: Serve these pork chops with a light salad. They pair well with coleslaw or a kale Caesar salad.
Expert Tips
- Evenly Coat: Evenly coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning blend for consistent flavor throughout.
- Flip Halfway: Make sure to flip the pork chops halfway through for even cooking.
- Batches: Air fry the pork chops in batches if you are making more or if they both don’t fit in the air fryer basket with enough room for the hot air to circulate properly. You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops are fully cooked before serving. They are fully cooked when they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the pork chops to rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Storage Instructions
Storing: Store leftover air-fried pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Italian Seasoning Substitution: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Extra Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top before serving for a burst of brightness.
- Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley before serving for freshness.
- Bake Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pork chops on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F. Cook boneless pork chops for 18-20 minutes, or bone-in pork chops for 20-22 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Air Fryer Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer pork chops! Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be frozen for 1-2 months.
How Do You Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out In An Air Fryer?
To ensure your pork chops stay juicy, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached 145°F. Also, let them rest for about five minutes after air frying to retain juices. Additionally, rubbing them with olive oil before seasoning helps prevent them from drying out.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Try Next!
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading
- Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Shrimp
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
AIR FRYER PORK CHOPS
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops (about 1-1 ½ inches thick)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat dry the pork chops. Then, rub them with olive oil.
- Add the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl and thoroughly mix.
- Evenly coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning mixture.
- For easy cleanup, add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket. Then, add the seasoned pork chops to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Video
Notes
- Italian Seasoning Substitution: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Batches: Air fry the pork chops in batches if you are making more or if they both don’t fit in the air fryer basket with enough room for the hot air to circulate properly.
- Air Frying Time: For thin pork chops about 1-1 ½ inches thick, air fry them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until fully cooked. For thicker pork chops or bone-in pork chops, you will need to increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops are fully cooked before serving. They are fully cooked when they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Bake Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pork chops on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F. Cook boneless pork chops for 18-20 minutes, or bone-in pork chops for 20-22 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You’ve got to try these air fryer pork chops for dinner! They’re unbelievably juicy, tender, and packed with flavor all with minimal effort. No dry pork chops here! The air fryer makes them perfectly cooked every time, and they’re ready in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you just need an easy, delicious meal, this is the recipe to make!
Loved this recipe! They came out perfectly juicy and tender! Thank you!
Hi Connie, that’s wonderful to hear! 🙂 I’m so glad you loved this air fryer pork chops recipe and that they turned out juicy and tender. Thank you for for your kind words and for leaving a review!
These were the best pork chops…juicy and tender indeed! The spice blend would also be perfect for chicken too…or salmon…the possibilities are endless! Will definitely keep these in my recipe rotation!
Hi Connie, that’s a fantastic idea to use the spice blend for chicken, salmon, and so much more. I love that you’re adding these air fryer pork chops to your recipe rotation!