Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops brown on the outside in about 12 minutes while the centre stays juicy, because the fan blows hot air around the whole chop at once. A thin coat of oil and a smoky paprika rub give you colour without breading. Preheating the basket and leaving space between the chops are what make the crust.
By Ben Kowalski
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 14 mins
- Rest
- 5 mins
- Total Time
- 24 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Pork Chops?
Rub 4 boneless pork chops, 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Air fry in a single layer at 200°C (400°F) for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 71°C (160°F). Bone-in chops take 12-16 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Total time
- 24 mins
- Calories
- 340 per serving
- Protein
- 38 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Pork chops
Seasoning
Equipment
Air fryer · Small bowl · Tongs · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Season the chops
Pat the pork chops dry and cut a few small slits through any fat on the edge.
Arrange in the basket
Place the chops in the basket in a single layer with a little space between them.
Air fry
Air fry for 10-14 minutes for boneless chops or 12-16 minutes for bone-in chops, turning them over halfway, until browned on both sides.
Check the temperature
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chop, away from any bone.
Rest and serve
Move the chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer pork chops.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes. A hot basket starts browning the chops straight away.
Season the chops
Pat the pork chops dry and cut a few small slits through any fat on the edge. Rub them all over with the olive oil. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, brown sugar, if using, salt and pepper, and sprinkle it evenly over both sides.
Arrange in the basket
Place the chops in the basket in a single layer with a little space between them. If they don't fit without overlapping, cook them in two batches.
Air fry
Air fry for 10-14 minutes for boneless chops or 12-16 minutes for bone-in chops, turning them over halfway, until browned on both sides.
Check the temperature
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chop, away from any bone. The chops are done at 71°C (160°F). If they are under, air fry for 2 minutes more and check again.
Rest and serve
Move the chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Air fryers vary a lot by size and model. The first time you make these, check the temperature at 8 minutes.
- Chops 1-1.5 cm thick cook in 7-9 minutes, so watch thin chops closely.
- Lightly oil the basket or use a perforated liner so the seasoning doesn't stick and tear off when you flip the chops.
Variations
- Lemon pepper: replace the paprika and herbs with 2 tsp salt-free lemon pepper seasoning and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Cajun: swap the seasoning for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and reduce the salt to 1/2 tsp, since most blends are already salted.
- Honey mustard glaze: brush the chops with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard mixed with 1 tbsp honey for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 340 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 5.3 g |
| Fibre | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 670 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked chops for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-6 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F).
Air Fryer Pork Chops FAQs
How long do you cook pork chops in the air fryer?
At 200°C (400°F), boneless pork chops 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick take 10-14 minutes, bone-in chops take 12-16 minutes and thin chops 1-1.5 cm thick take 7-9 minutes. Flip them halfway and cook until they reach 71°C (160°F).
Do you flip pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes. Turn them over halfway through cooking. The side touching the basket browns less than the top, and flipping gives an even crust on both sides.
Can you cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry frozen boneless chops at 200°C (400°F) for about 18-22 minutes, adding the oil and seasoning after the first 5 minutes once the surface has thawed. Cook until the centre reaches 71°C (160°F).
Why do air fryer pork chops dry out?
They are usually thin or cooked too long. Choose chops 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, start checking early with a thermometer, take them out at 71°C (160°F) and rest them for 5 minutes.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pork chops?
It helps. A preheated basket browns the chops from the first minute and makes the cooking time more predictable. If your model doesn't preheat, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
