Air Fryer Pork Chops

5 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Pork Chops are made with a simple dry rub and then air fried to perfection, leaving you with juicy, flavorful, tender pork chops that are ready in less than 20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time9

Total Time14

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Equipment

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.

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.

Bone-in Pork Chops: I recommend cooking for 5 minutes at 380℉ (195℃), flipping the pork chops, and then continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes prior to checking the internal temperature. If the pork chops have not yet reached 142 degrees F, continue to air fry them in 1 to 2-minute intervals. The bone will cause the cooking time to be a bit longer.

Thin Pork Chops: While you can opt to use thinner pork chops, the cooking time will decrease to just 3 minutes per side. Keep in mind that thinly sliced pork chops will not have a chance to caramelize or become golden on the exterior before they are cooked through.

Temperature of Pork: Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145℉ (63℃). If you cook the pork much past 145℉ (63℃), 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℉ (195℃).

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℉ while the other batch cooks up.

Nutrition