These Air Fryer Pork Chops are juicy, crispy, and oh-so-easy to make! Simply season and cook in the air fryer for a quick dinner that totally satisfies.
I love how they come out perfectly tender every time. Pair them with some veggies or potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is super simple! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are ideal for juiciness and flavor. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too! Just adjust cooking time since boneless chops may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor and helps the seasoning stick. You could use avocado oil or even melted butter for a different taste.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Both powders are convenient for fast seasoning. You can use fresh garlic or onion if you want a bolder flavor. Just finely chop them and adjust the amounts to your liking!
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can work instead, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme gives a lovely earthiness. Feel free to swap it for dried oregano or Italian seasoning, depending on your preference.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Tender?
Getting juicy pork chops means paying attention to a few key steps, especially cooking times.
- Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Let them rest after cooking! This step allows the juices to redistribute, which ensures each bite is tender.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F helps avoid overcooking.
- Don’t skip preheating the air fryer; this ensures even cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or thyme
- Optional side: roasted Brussels sprouts or your preferred vegetable
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook. Including resting time, you can enjoy your delicious air fryer pork chops in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure your pork chops cook evenly and develop a nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This is an important step to get a good sear and keep them juicy!
3. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
4. Cooking the Pork Chops:
Now, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap. Cook them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Let Them Rest:
Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chops moist and tasty.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for garnish before serving. These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts or any vegetable you love!
Enjoy a juicy, flavorful meal with minimal effort!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chops, just reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes, as boneless chops cook faster. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re done!
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great way to enhance flavor! Simply mix your seasoning with a bit of olive oil and let the pork chops sit in the fridge covered for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through, which helps maintain their crispy exterior.
What Sides Go Well with Air Fryer Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad are all excellent options that complement the flavors of the pork.
