Air Fryer Pork Chops are made with a simple dry rub and then air fried to perfection, leaving you with the juicy, flavorful, tender pork chops that are ready in less than 20 minutes.
2bonelesscenter-cut pork chops, about 1 ½ inch thick each
1teaspoonoil or cooking spray
½tablespoonbrown sugar
½teaspoonsmoked paprika or regular paprika
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonpepper
⅛teaspooncayenne pepperoptional
Instructions
If needed per your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
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 degrees F. 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 142 and 145 degrees F, immediately remove them from the air fryer. If the pork chops have not yet reached a safe temperature, continue to air fry at 380 degrees F 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.
Video
Notes
Pork Chops: I recommend using thick-cut pork loin chops, either boneless or bone-in, that are between 1 to 1 ½-inches in thickness, for best results. While you can opt to use thinner pork chops, the cooking time will decrease and thin chops will not have a chance to become golden before they are cooked through. Temperature of Pork: Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. If you cook the pork much past 145 degrees F, you will end up with dry pork chops. The MOST accurate way to determine the temperature is to use a digital thermometer.Storage: Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator. You can reheat the leftover pork chops in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 380-degrees F.Seasonings: Feel free to omit the sugar or salt if needed/desired for dietary concerns. You can also use regular paprika in place of smoked paprika, or for a less smokey flavor. You can also use your favorite spice rub or blend in place of the homemade blend.Doubling the Recipe: To double this recipe, you may need to work in batches, if your air fryer is small. Double the dry rub and work in batches to air fry the pork chops. Keep the first batch in the oven at 200 degrees F while the other batch cooks up.