Lightly crispy outside and super juicy inside, Air Fryer Pork Chops are here for pork chop redemption. Never dry and seasoned with a simple pork rub, they’re ready in just 20 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
- Pork Chops Worth Getting Excited About. Forget the dry, bland pork chops of your childhood! Using the right method makes all the difference. The air fryer is perfect for lean cuts like pork chops (try Crock Pot Pork Chops and Grilled Pork Chops too!).
- Simple Ingredients. Like this Air Fryer Steak, you don’t need many ingredients to cook a great piece of protein in the air fryer. My homemade pork seasoning rub made with pantry spices you likely already have on hand.
- Quick and Easy. The air fryer is FAST. Thick-cut bone-in pork chops cook for 9 to 11 minutes in the air fryer, and your hands-on time is minimal.
5 Star Review
“My husband claims these were the juiciest chops we’ve ever made!”
— Danielle —
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
The Ingredients
- Pork Chops. Thick, bone-in, center-cut pork chops are the perfect choice for this recipe. If you prefer boneless pork chops in the air fryer, make sure you use thick-cut chops to ensure they don’t overcook and dry out.
- Pork Rub. A mixture of chili powder, ground coriander, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper is my secret to the best-tasting, most delicious pork chops. It has a little kick (but not too much), lots of smokiness, and a wonderful depth of flavor.
The Directions
- Prepare. Dry the pork chops, and coat them with oil.
- Make the Rub. Stir the spice rub ingredients together.
- Season. Rub the mixture onto the top, bottom, and side of the pork chops.
- Cook. Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you cannot stack pork chops in an air fryer). The temperature you should air fry pork chops at is 375 degrees F. Cook them for 5 minutes, then flip them over.
- Finish. Cook for 4 to 7 more minutes. Place the pork chops on a plate, cover them, and let them rest for a few minutes. ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- BBQ. Slather the cooked chops with this homemade Barbecue Sauce or your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce. I recommend warming up the sauce first, then brushing it on liberally once the pork has rested.
- Smothered. Take a note from my Smothered Pork Chops and make Mushroom Gravy to layer on top.
- Breaded. Add the coating from my Breaded Pork Chops.
- Stuffed. Use the filling from my Stuffed Pork Chops.
- Parmesan. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the spice mixture.
- Ranch. Swap the pork seasoning blend used here with a ranch seasoning mix.
- Garlic. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the spice mixture.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Potatoes. Air fryer pork chops and potatoes are a perfect match. Try Grilled Potatoes or Potato Skins.
- Veggies. Zucchini Fries coated in bread crumbs are a crowd-pleaser. Or throw Air Fryer Asparagus into your air fryer while the pork rests.
- Salad. Apple Walnut Salad is a delicious choice.
- Rice. A simple side of brown rice or white rice will let the pork’s flavors shine.
- Applesauce. You can’t go wrong with a side of Crockpot Applesauce or Instant Pot Applesauce.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose Thick-Cut Chops. Look for the thickest ones you can find, and don’t be shy about asking the butcher counter if needed. For juiciness guaranteed, I recommend pork chops that are at least 1 1/2-inches thick.
- Go Bone-In. Boneless pork chops are far easier to overcook than ones with the bone in. The bone gives the meat extra flavor too (which is why bone-in is also perfect for Honey Garlic Pork Chops).
- DO NOT OVERCOOK. Unlike a tougher cut of pork like pork shoulder, pork chops are lean and do not become more tender the longer they cook. Use an instant-read thermometer like this and check the pork early (especially if your pork chops are thinner) and often. Per the FDA, pork is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I typically remove my pork around the 135-140 degrees F, cover it, then let the carry-over cooking bring it to temperature.
- Let It Rest. Resting the meat is MANDATORY. It allows the juices to reincorporate. If you cut the pork chops right away, all those lovely juices escape onto the plate.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
I've got the secret to tender, juicy air fryer pork chops! This recipe is quick and easy, perfectly seasoned, and crispy on the outside. Yum!
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Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 2 thick, center-cut pork chops (I recommend bone-in—look for chops that are at least 1 ½ inches thick)*
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Crockpot Applesauce or Instant Pot Applesauce, optional for serving
- Barbecue Sauce optional for serving
For the Pork Rub:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F accordingly to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that’s 3 minutes of preheat time).
- With paper towels, pat the pork chops dry on both sides. Coat the outsides with olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rub ingredients: chili powder, coriander, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub all over both sides of the pork.
- Lay the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket; do not overlap them (if they both do not fit in a single layer, cook them in batches). Air fry for 5 minutes, then with tongs, carefully flip the chops.
- Continue cooking for 4 to 7 additional minutes, or until the meat registers 135°F on an instant read thermometer. If your pork chops are boneless, start checking 2 minutes earlier to ensure they do not overcook.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate. Cover and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve hot with warmed barbecue sauce as desired.
Video
Notes
- *You can also use this recipe for boneless center-cut pork chops; still look for thick ones that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick. I do not recommend thin pork chops, as they will dry out ultra quickly. If you decide to experiment with thin chops, start checking several minutes earlier to gauge their progress.
- As with ovens, air fryer models vary, so your pork chops may take a bit longer or a bit shorter (this is the air fryer model I used to test the recipe). The safest option is to check the meat’s temperature earlier to make sure it doesn’t overcook. As soon the pork chops 135°F at the thickest part of the meat, remove mine for resting.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover pork chops in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm pork chops in the air fryer or oven at 350°F, in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stove.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftover pork chops in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 2)Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 51gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 156mgPotassium: 963mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1793IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 3mg
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Thanks to its versatility and ease, you can do so much with an air fryer. Here are some of my favorite air fryer recipes:
Holy juicy! These are the best pork chops I’ve ever had and so so easy. Loved the spices too. Keeper, thank you!
I’m SO happy that you enjoyed them, Joshua! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Great taste and flavor very tender and juicy
Hi Sandi! So glad you enjoyed the pork chops! Thank you for this kind review!
Spicy!
Hi Marcus! You can definitely adjust the spices to your liking!
Erin,
FANTASTIC RECIPE!!!!
After almost a year of comparing, reading reviews and listening to facebook friends, my husband and I purchased the French Door Air Fryer oven. The ability to grill indoors won the comparison.
My hubby-buddy and I are married since 1994 and liviin’ together since 1988.
I’ve been cooking since I was a teen. This is a new learning curve for me and him, but we’re having a lot of fun.
It’s the “everyday” meals that no one really tells you with these ovens.
Thanks for your help.
Anne
(No one’s ever used Andrea since high school)
Hi Anne! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Made these in the air fryer tonight, and my husband claims these were the juiciest chops we’ve ever made!
Hi Danielle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Delicious fast and easy
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
My husband called the flavors “amazing” on this one. I did not have any dry mustard so i reduced the amount of olive oil and put on some dijon and then the rest of the spices. This is the first thing I have cooked in the air fryer and it came out so juicy. Thanks for all the great receipes.
Hi Becky! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This recipe is stellar! I’m trying to watch my sodium and cholesterol intake and found this tonight when I was wondering how to make a pork chop delicious and this did not disappoint! I did reduce the salt but honestly, I don’t miss it. Thank you!
Hi Susan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
They turned out great! Not dry on the inside, it is nice and crispy on the outside, the taste is so flavorful. Will do them this way from now on!
My husband really doesn’t care much for pork chops in general, but the last time I made this recipe, he loved it. I’m so glad I found a way to prepare them that’s still so juicy and tender. In fact, I’m making these for the second time tonight.
Betty, this is the best news, thank you!
I just made these for dinner! Usually my pork chops turn out dry, and hard! I did this recipe and oh my, they were absolutely delicious! Thank you
So glad you enjoyed it, Laritsa! Thank you!
I really liked the flavor of the rub, however my husband thought there was too much pepper in the mix and asked that the next time I make it, that I cut back on it. They come out juicy and nicely done.
So glad you enjoyed it Francine! You can definitely adjust the seasonings as needed.
First time cooking meat in our new air fryer. Loved it! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside! I served it with some asparagus.
So happy to hear! Thank you Ivy!
This was so delicious, tender and moist. Everyone in my family loved it. Was skeptical about air frying the pork chops, but they came out perfect. I will be making this again and again. Thanks for the great recipe!!
Hi Linda! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you!
Seriously the best pork chops I have ever made. The seasoning would also be great on chicken. I used a digital meat thermometer since I have a tendency to overcook pork. Definitely a winner!
So glad you enjoyed them, Amber!
I love the combination of spice. I have always looked at a basic recipe, proportions of spice, and this was by far the best combination. I made only several easy changes that gave the pork chops more intense flavor.
Glad you enjoyed it Chloe!
I have to say they were delicious. I only made 2 chops, did them for 12 minutes and they were perfect! I liked them so much that I sent the link for the recipe to my sister. Thanks!
Yay! Thanks Martina!
So good! Juicy pork chops, and I’d make them again. I omitted the mustard since I did not have any. It didn’t affect the flavor in my opinion. Easy recipe too.
So pleased to hear it Zoey, thank you!
Tender, delicious and mouth watering. Before I found this recipe, my pork chops were always tough. I gave up even making pork chops until I tried this. Now this is the only recipe I use, and it is perfect every time.
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Marga!
I tried this last night. The combination of spices was spot on! My pork chops were smaller and very lean but they turned out great for my first attempt using my air fryer for pork chops.
So glad you enjoyed it, Holly!
Great tasting pork chops. The seasoning was just right. Pork chops were nicely cooked on the outside and juicy on the inside.
At first bite, I thought it may be a little too spicy for me. But then it was actually balanced, I love all the flavor. The rub was spot on! It tastes really awesome. Plus the fact that it is quick and easy to prepare.
Thank you Amanda!
These look gorgeous and my family loved them! I used my oven’s Air Fry feature so it took a bit longer to cook but it was all worth it. I made these exactly as directed and they turned out perfect! Moist, tender and very flavorful. I really love the combination of spices in the rub! Thank you so much, Erin!
So glad you enjoyed it, Josephine!
Absolutely wonderful! Tasted good and it was tender. I added an extra teaspoon of chili powder in the rub because my husband wanted it to be spicy. I paired it with steamed green beans and mashed potatoes. Two bites in, my husband was commenting about how good it was.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Suzy!
Glad to hear, thank you Suzy!