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I’ve tested this recipe so many times I’ve lost count. These perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Pork Chops are golden brown, juicy, and full of flavor! With just a few ingredients, this easy recipe takes less than 20 minutes and almost no prep time. It’s a perfect meal that everyone will love.
“Perfect! First time making pork chops in my new air fryer. Done to perfection!” – Karen
Why I Love This Recipe
These delicious Air Fryer Pork Chops are going to be one of your favorite recipes. They are lightly seasoned so that you can easily add seasoning or change them according to your taste preferences. This is such a simple meat recipe for a weeknight dinner, too.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect every time.
If you love easy pork recipes, try Air Fryer Country Style Ribs or this tender Air Fryer Pork Steak recipe. Need gluten-free? We have a low carb air fryer gluten free pork chops recipe, too!
A great side dish to serve with these pork chops is this crispy air fryer eggplant.
Table of contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Thick Cut Pork Chops: 3-4 thick-cut pork chops
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat, balancing the pork’s savory profile.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky, sweet warmth, creating a beautiful crust.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth, enhancing the pork’s natural flavor.
- Onion Powder: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet flavor, complementing the pork’s richness.
- Optional: season with a pinch of salt or your other favorite seasonings to taste.
Variations
- BBQ Pork Chops – Brush the pork chops with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. The sugars caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, giving you a sweet and smoky finish.
- Ranch-Seasoned Pork Chops – Swap out your usual spices for a packet of ranch seasoning mix. It gives the pork chops a tangy, herby flavor that pairs well with a side of roasted potatoes or green beans.
- Parmesan Crusted – After coating the pork chops in olive oil, dredge them in a mix of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. The cheese crisps up in the air fryer and adds a savory crunch.
- Spicy Cajun-Style – Use a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend for bold, spicy pork chops. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if desired.
- Lemon Herb – Toss pork chops in olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme for a bright, fresh variation. Serve with a side of asparagus or a simple salad for a lighter meal.
- Pork Chop Bites – For air fryer pork chop bites, cut the pork chops into bite-sized pieces, season them well, and air fry for 8–10 minutes. Serve as an appetizer or on top of a salad or rice bowl.
Pork chops are an excellent source of protein and are high in iron and zinc. They are so easy that I have added them to my regular menu rotation.
How to Make the Best Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
STEP 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
STEP 2 – Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Combine the seasonings to a small bowl and then use your hands to rub the seasoning over the pork chops, fully covering the front, back, and sides of each chop.
STEP 3 – If needed, brush the basket with olive oil, and then place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes at 400°F/200°C.
STEP 4 – After 6 minutes, flip the pork chops and cook an additional 8-9 minutes, or until a digital meat thermometer shows the internal temperature is 145 degrees F.
STEP 5 – To keep pork chops juicy, remove from the air fryer, cover with foil, and let pork chops rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
TIPS
- Meat matters: Opt for bone-in pork chops for juicier results. Thicker chops (about 1 inch) work best to avoid drying out.
- Pat Dry: Dry the pork chops with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps the seasoning adhere better and creates a crisper crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
- Season Generously: Use a good balance of salt, pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs. A light coating of oil can also enhance the crust.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
Recipe FAQs
Pork chops are so versatile, almost any vegetable makes a great side dish! Green beans, broccoli, sweet potato fries, or just a simple kale salad, are a few of our favorites.
You can store pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Consider dicing the meat and serving on nachos, or even pork tacos. They will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
I preheat the Air Fryer for this recipe before placing the pork chops inside to cook. This will help give that natural sear (without the skillet) when the pork chops enter the high heat. And it helps keep the meat juicy, while cooking evenly to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pork chops can be seasoned and served in many different variations. A few of my favorite are Parmesan cursted, Honey dijon, BBQ, Herb crusted, and Cajun spice, among others.
More Air Fryer Pork Recipes
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Air Fryer Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 pork chops, thick cut
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the seasonings to a small bowl and then use your hands to rub the seasoning over the pork chops, fully covering the front, back, and sides of each chop.
- Prepare the Air Fryer basket with non stick spray or parchment paper, and then line the pork chops in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave room for air circulation between each pork chop.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip the pork chops and continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit before removing. If needed, add additional time in 2 minute increments.
- To keep pork chops juicy, leave in air fryer and let pork chops rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If cooking thinner pork chops, less than ½ inch thickness, air fry at the same temperature for 6 minutes, flip, and then air fry for an additional 6-7 minutes cook time, checking for doneness after 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This works equally as well for 1″ thick bone in country style ribs too.
Can you do this same technique but use BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! I would use the BBQ sauce at the end of the cook time, like the last 2-3 minutes. Hope that helps!
Perfect! First time making pork chops in my new air fryer. Done to perfection!
So glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this quick & terrific recipe! I was lazy so I sprinkled both sides of the 1″ thick chops with smoked paprika, ground mustard, and Everything but the Bagel seasoning, then sprayed the top with XVOO. I air-fried them 15 minutes without turning and they came out perfect aka golden, crispy-edged & juicy!
I laughed that you also give suggestions of what to do with these chops. I cannot imagine any leftover to do anything else with! Mine evaporated in a flash! Thanks again ~ BlestMe
Awe that’s awesome! I am so glad you liked them! I need to make them again – they’re so good! Thank you for taking the time to try it and come back here and let us know what you thought of it. That means a lot!! ๐
Have a new 2 qt air fryer .Excited to try it and your recipes .
Awesome! We can’t wait to see what you make.
You said to coat with spray or use parchment paper.and preheat fryer. .. Iโve been reading your other air fryer recipes where it states never to preheat air fryer when you use parchment paper. Iโm new at using so is this recipe different?
Hey Joan! We do have a few Air Fryer recipes where you don’t preheat the Air Fryer, and we will state in those recipes if you need to preheat, or not to preheat. If you are preheating the Air Fryer, you would NOT have parchment paper in the Air Fryer during the preheat. Only AFTER it’s been preheated. Never place parchment paper in the Air Fryer during a preheat. ๐ It will get messy!
I ave a question. I hear PAM should not be used as it damages the fryer surface. I bought EVOO spray. Is that the same as PAM or is it safe to use. Thanks
Extra Virgin Olive Oil- “evoo” is safe for air frying. Thank you!
Going to try this