Air fry thin pork chops with bone

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Are you looking for a healthy and delicious meal to make in your air fryer? If so, then you should definitely try this simple recipe for air fryer pork chops! Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is a great way to get your protein fix, and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

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How to Cook Pork Chops in an Air Fryer

Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal? Air fryer pork chops are the perfect solution! Pork chops are a lean and healthy protein, and they cook quickly in the air fryer. In just minutes, you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table.

Air frying pork chops is so quick and easy, and is a healthier option than conventional frying as no extra oil is needed (its optional!), and any excess fat can drain away during cooking. The air fryer that I have* even claims to remove the saturated fat from food making it even healthier!

Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is perfect for a busy weeknight. If you are short on time you can even cook a side of potatoes at the same time as your pork chops. See air fryer pork chops and potatoes for more details!

Or, for some other easy air fryer main dish recipes, try air fryer chicken breast, air fryer steak, or air fryer pork belly.

Scroll down for the recipe card for this air fryer pork chop recipe, or read on for all the details!

Ingredients

Pork chops

I normally use loin chops, but you can use any pork chops, like shoulder/blade chops, rib chops, or sirloin chops. You can use either boneless pork chops or one-in pork chops. The cook times are slightly different, so see details below.

Seasoning

You can use any seasoning that you like with pork. A pinch of salt and ground black pepper is all that is needed, though I like to add other seasonings too. Try an easy homemade mix of:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Please feel free to adapt the seasonings to your taste preferences.

Oil

Oil is optional, though I find it helps to get the pork really crispy on the outside so I usually use a little. I use light olive oil in the recipe below, but you can use any cooking oil that you would normally use in your air fryer.

Directions

Step 1. Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 360°F/180°C and turn it on for around 3 minutes. Not all air fryers need to be preheated, so check your manual if you are unsure whether you need to do this.

Step 2. Season the pork chops: Pat pork chops dry, place in a medium bowl with a drizzle of oil and the seasoning. Toss to coat.

Step 3. Air fry pork chops: Place pork chops in air fryer basket, ensure they are not touching. Air fry pork chops for 8-12 minutes, until they are golden brown and at least 145°F/66°C in the center of the thickest part (use an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature). Flip the pork chops over halfway though the cooking time if this is required for your air fryer.

Step 4. Rest pork chops: Remove the chops and cover with kitchen foil to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Resting meat after cooking allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it remains succulent.

How long to cook pork chops in the air fryer

The exact cook times for this recipe will depend on the exact size and thickness of your pork chops, whether you are using boneless or bone-in pork chops.

A pork chop between ½ and 1 inch thick should take approximately 12-14 minutes to cook. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time if the pork chops are much thicker or thinner. If your pork chops are an inch or thicker they will take around 15-17 minutes to air fry. Thin pork chops, thinner than ½ inch or so, will take around 9-11 minutes.

Also, whether or not your pork chops have a bone will affect how long they take to cook in the air fryer. Bone-in pork chops will take a little longer. Add 5 minutes to the air frying time for bone-in pork chops.

As always, it is important to check that your pork is correctly cooked using an instant read meat thermometer. Check the temperature in the center of the thickest part. It should read 145°F/ 63°C or higher.

If needed, air fry for additional 3 minute intervals until the safe temperature is reached.

Serving air fried pork chops

I love how versatile air fried pork chops are, you can serve them in so many different ways. They make an excellent pork dinner for the family, here are some ideas to try:

• Pair with a side of slaw and fries for a tasty family dinner (or try air fryer potato wedges, air fryer French fries, or air fryer sweet potato fries)
• Serve with a side of fresh steamed vegetables and creamy ranch dressing, (for a simple way to steam vegetables in a microwave check out these recipes: microwave steamed vegetables)
• Slice and serve with rice, steamed vegetables and teriyaki sauce
• Serve in a sub with slaw and bbq sauce for a delicious crispy pork sandwich

Storing and reheating leftovers

Store any leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.

You can reheat the pork chops in the air fryer, air fry for 3-4 minutes until 165°F/74°C in the center. See this post for all the details: How to Reheat Pork Chops in the Air Fryer.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, for 1-2 minutes on high.

Air fryer pork chops recipe card

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Resting time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

How to cook pork chops in an air fryer (bone-in or boneless pork chops).

Ingredients

• 2 pork chops (approx ¾ inch thick) [Note 1]
• ½ teaspoon seasoning
• ½ tablespoon light olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). 
2. Pat the pork chops dry, and season with salt and pepper, or with your favorite seasoning.
3. Place the pork chops in air fryer basket. If you are cooking more than one, make sure they are not touching.
4. Air fry pork chops for:
   - 12-14 minutes for boneless pork chops, or
   - 15-17 minutes for bone-in pork chops
   [Note 1], flipping the pork chops over halfway through the cooking time if required.
5. Cook the pork chops in the air fryer until they are golden brown and have reached 145°F/ 63°C in the center of the thickest part [Note 2].

Notes

1. Cook times will vary depending on the exact size of the pork chops used and how powerful your air fryer is. Thick pork chops will take longer, and pork chops ½ inch thick or less will be quicker to cook.
2. Use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.

You may also like:

• Air fryer lamb chops
• Air fryer pork schnitzel
• Air fryer pork burgers
• Air fryer roast pork
• Air fryer chicken thighs
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts

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I’m Eliza, busy mom, home cook, and blogger. My goal is to help everyone cook good food. Whether you are short on time, skills, or motivation, there is something here for you! We have dozens of quick and easy recipes for dinner, lunch, side dishes, and more. Our recipes use everyday ingredients, for quick delicious meals your family will love! Read more…