Air Fryer Pork Chops

My air fryer pork chops come out juicy and perfectly seasoned every time! I keep this recipe in my back pocket for a delicious, impressive dinner that makes my entire family happy.

My Easy Recipe for Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Air fryer pork chops were actually one of the first recipes I ever made in the air fryer. And it was the first air fryer recipe I posted on my site, so this recipe is true to my heart.

I remember I had just gotten my first air fryer the week before and I had some pork chops sitting in the fridge to make for dinner. My husband Ben was super skeptical about air fryers and thought it would just be another appliance we had but never used.

I was determined to change that so I decided I would air fry the pork chops, because why not?

I had no idea what I was doing, but I mixed up my favorite seasoning blend for pork chops and air fried them using my handy-dandy meat thermometer to help me figure out when they were done cooking.

I still remember that night, about 8 years ago now, when my husband and I just looked at each other after taking a bite. It was the night we just knew the air fryer was going to be more than just “another appliance.”

Since then, my air fryer has not left the countertop. Well, since then, I’ve tried and tested more than 10 other air fryers, started an entire website with hundreds of air fryer recipes, and released an air fryer cookbook, and I am still obsessed. So, you get my point.

I still absolutely love making this exact recipe for pork chops in my air fryer, and my kids have grown up eating them too. My daughter Leah still eats every bite every time I put the pork chops on her plate, and that’s saying a lot for such a picky eater.

And, if you love pork chops, try my recipes for air fryer fried pork chops, boneless pork chops in the air fryer, thin pork chops in the air fryer, and air fryer pork loin for a different cut of pork.

Air Fry Pork Chops Ingredients

• Pork chops – I used 2 center-cut bone-in pork chops that were about 1-inch thick, but I’ve also used boneless pork chops with success
• Brown sugar – to add sweetness flavor that complements the savory seasonings
• Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor of air fryer pork chops
• Cayenne pepper – this is optional and should be adjusted based on spice preference
• Olive oil – Optional for brushing the pork chops before adding the seasoning blend

How to Make Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

STEP THREE: Pat the chops dry with a paper towel, brush oil over them (optional), and apply the seasoning evenly to all sides of the pork chops.

STEP FOUR: Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray and air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer at its thickest point. 

STEP FIVE: Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. 

Tips for the Best Air Fried Pork Chops

• Make sure the pork chops are completely dry using a paper towel before adding the seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick better, especially when using olive oil.
• Press the seasonings into the pork chops rather than sprinkling the mix on top. This is my trick to getting the most flavorful meat!
• Give the air fryer time to fully preheat for the juiciest, most evenly-cooked pork chops. It only takes a few minutes, so I think it’s well worth the wait.
• Flip the pork chops in the air fryer halfway through the cooking time so they cook evenly on all sides.
• Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Air Fryer Pork Chops Variations and Substitutions

• Swap out the spices for a different flavor profile. I like using Cajun seasoning or a BBQ rub for a tasty twist and sometimes add some Parmesan cheese on top.
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar and olive oil for a different kind of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer!
• Brush the pork chops with melted butter instead of olive oil for a slight variation.
• Replace paprika with smoked paprika for a lovely bit of smokiness. I sometimes mix a little liquid smoke with the olive oil before brushing it on to really enhance that smoky flavor.
• Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This is my favorite when I’m pairing air fried pork chops with herbaceous sides like rosemary mashed potatoes!

What to Serve with Air Fry Pork Chops

For a quick and healthy side dish, I love serving my pork chops with air fryer asparagus, squash in the air fryer, or air fryer carrots.

I also think pork and potatoes go super well together, so I often pair them with air fryer baked potato, air fryer baked sweet potato, rosemary mashed potatoes, or Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes!

Air Fryer Pork Chops FAQs

How do I know when my air fried pork chops are done cooking?

I like to use an Instant Read Thermometer to make sure my pork chops fryer are cooked all the way through. It should read 145 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop.

Why are my air fryer pork chops tough?

Overcooking is the biggest culprit of tough air fryer pork chops. I start checking on them around the 10 minute mark and keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and drying them out.

How long to cook pork chops in the air fryer

I find air frying pork chops for 10 to 12 minutes in an air fryer preheated at 375 degrees F is perfect for tender and juicy chops.

How do I store leftover air fry pork chops?

I let my leftover air fried pork chops cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

How to cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer

One thing I love about the air fryer is how I can air fry food directly from the freezer. I find air frying frozen pork chops in a preheated air fryer at 380 degrees F for 17 to 23 minutes works perfectly. I usually season the pork chops after about 5 minutes of cooking so the seasonings will stick better.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air fryer bacon
• Air fryer meatloaf
• Air fryer hot dogs
• Air fryer salmon
• Air fryer chicken thighs

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