For a meal that’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weeknight dinner, try making thick pork chops in the air fryer with a chili-lime flavor! Delicious and ready in less than 30 minutes.
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When pork chops are cooked properly, they’re oh-so-tasty! But it can be intimidating to make thicker chops if you’re worried about cooking them all the way through without drying them out.
You never have to worry about that problem when you make thick pork chops in the air fryer! The seasoning gives them a beautiful crisp on the outside while the inside stays mouth-wateringly tender and juicy.
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to make thick boneless pork chops in the air fryer with chili lime seasoning
- Ways to prevent your chops from turning out tough
- What to serve with air fryer thick pork chops
- How to reheat leftovers so they taste as good as when you first cooked them
This meal is fancy enough to make for entertaining guests but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight! You can enjoy them as is when you’re craving seasoned pork chops or even use them to mix up your next Mexican-inspired feast.
How to Make Air Fryer Thick Boneless Pork Chops
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and lime zest. You can also use storebought chili lime seasoning instead. I love switching it up and using Trader Joe’s chile lime seasoning. You only need 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Spray the pork chops with olive oil cooking spray, then cover each pork chop completely with the seasoning mixture.
I use an EVO Oil Sprayer to easily spray the pork chops.
STEP THREE: Lay the pork chops in the air fryer with a little space between each one. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F using an Instant-Read thermometer.
STEP FOUR: Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
What Temperature Should Thick Pork Chops Be Cooked To?
Pork should always be cooked to 145 degrees F. If your pork chops vary in thickness, I recommend using a meat thermometer and testing the smallest pork chops first. Once they reach temperature, remove the smaller ones and place them in the oven at 200 degrees F to stay warm while the thicker ones continue cooking.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Pork Chops
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.
Do I Really Need to Preheat My Air Fryer?
Yes! This is an important step that will not only save you time in the long run but also give you the best results.
Preheating your air fryer is the best way to achieve that signature crispiness that makes dishes like these thick pork chops so irresistible. You’ll love the crust you get from the chili lime seasoning!
Want to learn more about the benefits of preheating and when you should use this feature? Check out my article How to Preheat an Air Fryer for all the details!
Why Are My Air Fryer Pork Chops Tough?
In most cases, pork chops that turn out tough means they’ve been overcooked. Pork is a leaner meat, so there’s not a lot of fat to keep the meat juicy when they cook for too long.
If you feel like your chops aren’t cooking evenly, make sure you’re leaving space between each one for the air to properly circulate. It’s always better to cook in batches than to overcrowd the air fryer!
If you’re still having trouble cooking pork chops, I recommend using our tips on how to cook juicy pork chops in the air fryer post here so they cook perfectly every time!
How Long Does It Take to Cook Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?
It usually takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook thick pork chops in the air fryer. The time is going to depend on how thick each chop is as well as your individual air fryer.
I always recommend using an Instant Read Thermometer to help you get the most accurate cooking time. This is also super useful if your chops are slightly different sizes so you can take the smaller ones out once they’re done and let the larger ones keep cooking.
If cooking from pork chops from frozen, I recommend using the time and temperature found in our Air Fryer Frozen Pork Chops recipe here.
What Can I Serve with Thick Pork Chops?
- Air Fryer Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans (or our Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans recipe too!)
- Baked Sweet Potato in the Air Fryer
- Instant Pot Carrots
- Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You can check out our other Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes too!
How to Reheat Thick Cut Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Lay the leftover chops in a single layer.
- Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until heated through.
Other Air Fryer Pork Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pork Steaks
- Ninja Foodi Pork Chops
- Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pork Chops with Flour
- Shake and Bake Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops with Parmesan Crusting
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Breaded Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Loin
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Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 lime zested
- 4 thick-cut pork chops
- Cilantro optional
- Lime wedges optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and lime zest in a bowl.* Spray your pork chops with olive oil cooking spray and then cover each pork chop completely with the seasoning.
- Play them into the air fryer with a little space around them and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. You may need to cook in batches. If you have varying thicknesses in your pork chops, then use a meat thermometer on your smallest pork chop and set it at 145 degrees F.
- Allow pork chops to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy!
Notes
How to Reheat Thick Cut Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Lay the leftover chops in a single layer.
- Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
HOW thick do you consider “THICK”???
I buy 1/2 or whole pork loins & cut them myself (like everyone should).
So… I can cut them at whatever thickness you might recommend.
The recipe sounds delicious. I just need more definition.
Thanks in advance!
John
Cooking time, even approximate, would be helpful.
I always use my trusty ThermoPen to test doneness, but having a time estimate would help with getting other things done, while it cooks.
Hi John, per the recipe, the pork chops cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Thanks!
Hi John, I recommend using 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches thick. If you end up cutting your pork chops any thicker, the cooking time will increase.
Sounds good, but needs more details, i.e. HOW thick is THICK; cook time, in the instructions; etc.
I love the tip for ‘Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning’!
I can’t wait to try it, once I get more details.