Air Fryer Pork Chops
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These air fryer pork chops are the BEST way to cook pork! Juicy, tender, and ready in 9 minutes, you’ll never cook boneless pork chops any other way again!
I try to cook pork chops often because they’re one of my family’s favorite quick dinners, but for the longest time, I stuck with oven-baked pork chops, delicious, but not the fastest. That changed when I started testing them in the air fryer.
This method cooks them evenly and locks in all the juices while crisping up the edges beautifully. There is also a greater margin for error, which means they almost never turn out dry or chewy. After fine-tuning the timing and the seasoning blend, I can confidently say this is the most reliable way to make perfectly tender, flavorful pork chops. Not only is it a weeknight win, but it’s great for meal prep, too: just ask my sister!
Table of Contents
Air fryer pork chop recipe highlights
- 3 Ingredients. Pork chops, oil, and spices are all that you’ll need. Oh, and there is no breading!
- The fastest way to cook chops. We’re talking under ten minutes.
- Juicy and tender every time. Also, the sides of the pork are perfectly charred, too.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “I made this for the first time in my new air fryer, and, as you said, I don’t think I will ever make them any other way. They came out really tender, and with the added spices, they needed no other additions. Love all your recipes.” – Rick
Key Ingredients
Here’s the main ingredients that go into air fried pork chops. Find the full list with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Pork chops. I prefer using thick, center-cut pork chops that are at least one inch thick. Using thicker chops gives them a lovely seared exterior and juicy middle. You can use either bone-in or boneless chops.
- Olive oil. To season. You can also use butter or other cooking oil, like avocado.
- Spice mix. I use smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which all have robust and smoky flavors.
How to air fry pork chops
Step 1- Season the pork: Add pork chops and olive oil to the bowl. Rub the olive oil all over the meat. Add all the spices and coat the pork chops on both sides.
Step 2- Air fry the pork chops: Add the pork chops in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Air fry the pork chops for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3- Rest then serve: Allow the pork to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Ideal pork chop air frying time
Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work for this recipe. Here is a quick guide to give you an idea of how long each one would typically take, using my base of 4 ounce pork chops as an example:
- Boneless pork chops- 8-12 minutes (or more, depending on weight).
- Bone-in pork chops- 9-15 minutes (or more, depending on weight).
Arman’s recipe tips
As a culinary school graduate, I’ve cooked pork chops countless times, and here are my top tips for success:
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. This is my #1 tip when working with pork chops or protein that can overcook easily. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part, and once it reaches 145°F, it’s ready to serve.
- Don’t add all the pork chops at once if they crowd the air fryer basket. You’ll find parts of the chops won’t be cooked evenly, and won’t get the crispy edges. If needed, cook them in batches.
- Rest the chops. Once cooked, rest the chops for 2-3 minutes to let the juices redistribute and yield a super juicy pork chop.
Frequently asked questions
If you overcook the pork chops or don’t flip them halfway through, they are prone to becoming tough and chewy. To be safe, I suggest regularly checking them at the 8-minute mark.
Yes, you can. I tested a batch that had been marinated overnight and it worked just as well as oven baking or grilling. Just make sure all excess marinade liquid has been removed before adding the chops to the air fryer.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Video
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops 4 ounces, 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teapoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- Pat dry the boneless pork chops, then add into a bowl and rub the oil generously over them all.
- Mix the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then rub on both sides of the pork.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness and ensure it reaches 145F.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer, rest the pork chops for 2-3 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Pork chops weight: I typically use chops that are around 4 ounces each. Heavier chops will take longer to cook.
- TO STORE: Use air-tight containers to refrigerate the pork chops. They will keep well for up to five days.
- TO FREEZE: Place leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
- TO REHEAT: Either microwave the chops for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a non-stick pan until hot.
Nutrition
More easy air fryer pork recipes
Originally published September 2022
Beginner cook, one of the quickest and easiest dishes I’ve made yet! I couldn’t believe how delicious they came out.
Aw, thanks Malia- I appreciate your comment!
Great recipe! Thank you. Your pictures show two pork chops side-by-side. I had to do mine one at a time, which was a hassle. What size air fryer did you use? And if you can name the brand, that would be nice.
Thanks
Jan
Loved these! My family love their pork chops, so this was perfect for us.
Cooked these to 145 degrees F and they were super juicy and delicious!
Sounds great. On menu for dinner tonight.
Used your recipe and had terrific results! As promised the pork was moist, tender and well seasoned plus it had a beautiful, all-around sear. Thanks for putting joy back into my cooking😊