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Air Fryer Pork Chops are an easy 15-minute recipe that results in juicy, tender, perfectly seasoned pork chops! Made with a sweet and savory spice rub, these air-fried pork chops make a perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Looking for more delicious, juicy pork chop recipes? Don't miss Instant Pot Pork Chops, Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Breaded Pork Chops, and Pork Chops with Apples.
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Say goodbye to dried-out, tough pork chops with this recipe for Air Fryer Pork Chops! Made with just a handful of ingredients, not only does this recipe for air-fried pork chops come together with minimal effort, but the results are spectacular.
Just like my recipe for Air Fryer chicken legs and Air Fryer chicken breast, this recipe for pork chops is seasoned with a sweet and spicy dry rub. It gives the pork chops so much flavor, without any hard-to-find or expensive ingredients.
he air fryer works to quickly crisp up the exterior of the pork chop while keeping the interior juicy and tender. The contrast in texture is spot-on!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients
- Pork Chops: For best results, use thick-cut pork loin chops, either boneless or bone-in, that are between 1 to 1 ½ inches in thickness. Thin pork chops can quickly overcook and dry out before they have time to caramelize.
- Seasonings: I use my homemade dry rub which is made with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
- Oil/Spray: You only need a small amount of oil, which will help the pork chops to brown and not stick to the air fryer. You can brush the chops with canola, avocado, or olive oil or simply spray cooking spray. If you do use cooking spray, I recommend using avocado or olive oil spray.
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Coat Pork Chops in Dry Rub. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and then generously coat each side of the chops with the dry rub. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the pork so that every bite is super flavorful.
- Place Pork Chops in Air-Fryer. Before cooking the pork chops in the air fryer, spray each side with a bit of cooking spray. That helps the exterior to really crisp up and caramelize. Then place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the basket or tray of the air fryer.
Don't OverLap the Pork
In order for the pork chops to cook evenly, it is crucial they are not overlapping. It is better to work in batches than to overcrowd your air fryer.
- Air Fry Pork Chops. Air fry the pork chops for 4 minutes, flip and continue to air-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145℉ (63℃).
Use a Digital Thermometer
Pork, like chicken, is a lean protein and can easily be overcooked. The exact cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork, whether they are boneless, or bone-in, and the model of your air fryer. The best way to ensure you don't overcook the pork chops is to use a digital meat thermometer.
- Rest Before Serving. Once you remove the pork chops from the air fryer, place them on a platter or cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the pork to fully reach temperature and gives time for the juices to redistribute through the pork chops, ensuring juicy air-fried pork!
Recipe Variations
- Use Bone-in Pork Chops: Season as directed. Cook for 5 minutes at 380℉, flip and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes prior to checking the internal temperature. If the pork chops have not yet reached 145℉, continue to air fry them in 1 to 2-minute intervals.
- Lower Sodium: To keep this recipe lower in sodium, simply omit the salt or reduce it in half in the rub.
- Low-Carb Modification: Simply omit the brown sugar in the spice rub.
- Keep it Simple. Use seasoned salt or Adobo seasoning and air fry as directed.
- Jerk-Seasoned Pork: Take a trip to the Caribbean and season the pork chops with jerk seasoning and then air fry as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer pork chop recipe is one of my favorite quick and easy dinner recipes, as this lean protein cooks up so fast and this recipe yields perfect results. Try pairing Air Fryer Pork Chops with one or two of the following side dishes for a delicious meal.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Video
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, center-cut pork chops, about 1 ½ inch thick each
- cooking spray
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- If needed per your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer to 380℉ (195℃).
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
- If not using cooking spray, brush the pork chops with oil. Sprinkle with the spice rub and then rub evenly over the surface of the chops. Flip the pork chops and season the other side.
- If you did not brush the pork chops with oil, spray lightly with cooking spray and place the chops, sprayed side down in basket or on rack in the air fryer. Spray the opposite side of the pork chops with cooking spray as well.
- Air fry the pork chops for 5 minutes at 380℉ (195℃). Remove the basket and flip the pork chops and air fry for another 4 minutes. Remove the basket or try from the air fryer, and check the temperature of the pork chops using a digital thermometer. If the pork chops are between 145℉ (63℃), immediately remove them from the air fryer. If the pork chops have not yet reached a safe temperature, continue to air fry in 1 to 2-minute intervals.
- Allow the pork chops to rest on a platter or cutting board, loosely tented with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
After a busy day this was a delicious and quick dinner to make. The pork chops came out perfect in the air fryer! This is going to be my go-to way of making them from now on!
I love hearing this Brandy! Thank you for sharing.
Awesome thank you! I've been wanting to cook pork chops forever but wasn't sure how and got super intimidated -- with this recipe I can enjoy them again and again!
So good. Came out tender and moist. Will do this one again!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing
Tasty and easy!
I haven't made porkchop in ages! You inspired me! These are so good and, you're right, perfectly moist! Great flavor and so easy in the air fryer! Love it!
My hubby & I make pork chops for date night in. They are great paired with so many things. I love this air fryer version. They are crisp & delicious!
Pork Chops are one of favorites - great and simple recipe!