Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryer boneless pork chops are a quick and easy meal to make any day of the week. They are juicy, tender, and flavorful, and can be cooked in under 20 minutes. The key to getting juicy pork chops is to ensure they are not overcooked, so it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

How to make boneless pork chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

Boneless pork chops (about 1 1/2-2 inches thick)

For the rub:

• Olive oil
• Onion powder
• Ground mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Blot the pork chops with a paper towel.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on each pork chop and rub it all over, including the sides.
• Combine all the spices for the rub. You will probably have some leftover, depending on how much you use for each pork chop. A suggested amount is 1 tablespoon per pork chop.
• Sprinkle half a tablespoon of the rub on the top of each pork chop and rub it in. Flip the pork chop over and repeat with another half a tablespoon of the rub mixture. Use your hands to bring the rub around the sides of the pork chops as well.
• Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
• Place the seasoned pork chops in the preheated air fryer with room around them for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork chops in batches.
• Cook the pork chops for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether your air fryer circulates air to all sides of the meat.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish to rest for 3-5 minutes. This will help keep the pork chops moist and flavorful.

Tips

• If you are cooking frozen pork chops, cook them for 3-5 minutes first, then season them and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.
• If you want crispier pork chops, lightly dust them with panko breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese before cooking.
• If you are cooking more than four pork chops, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops are cooked to a safe temperature.

How to make juicy boneless pork chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

Boneless pork chops are a versatile main dish that can be paired with almost any side. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make juicy boneless pork chops in an air fryer:

• Boneless pork chops
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Brown sugar
• Oregano
• Dried thyme
• Ground mustard

Method

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it is time to start cooking! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make juicy boneless pork chops in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Blot the pork chops with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• Drizzle or rub a small amount of olive oil on each pork chop, making sure to coat all sides.
• Combine your desired spices and herbs in a small bowl to create a rub. You can adjust the measurements based on your personal preference and the number of pork chops you are preparing.
• Sprinkle the rub on both sides of each pork chop, using your hands to ensure an even coating.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
• Place the seasoned pork chops in the preheated air fryer, making sure to leave space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the pork chops for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and the model of your air fryer.
• To ensure the pork chops are cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F, use a meat thermometer to check their doneness.
• Once the pork chops have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, tender pork chops.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose pork chops that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the pork chops, as this can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to monitor their internal temperature.
• Adjust the amount of rub you use according to your taste preferences and the number of pork chops you are preparing.
• If you want a crispier texture, lightly dust the pork chops with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before air frying.
• For the best results, bring the pork chops to room temperature by removing them from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• You can marinate the pork chops before cooking for added flavour and tenderness. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
• If you're short on time, simply brush the pork chops with olive oil and season them with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pair your juicy boneless pork chops with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, juicy boneless pork chops cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

How long to cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer

The cooking time for boneless pork chops in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the chops and the temperature of the air fryer.

For boneless pork chops, it is recommended to cook them in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes. For thicker cuts of pork chops, which are recommended for the air fryer, the cooking time will be towards the higher end of this range. For example, for 1 1/2-2 inch thick boneless pork chops, you should cook them for around 12-15 minutes. For thinner chops, the cooking time will be shorter.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. This is the temperature at which pork is considered safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

When cooking boneless pork chops in the air fryer, it is also important to ensure that they are not overlapping in the basket and that there is space for the air to circulate. You may need to cook the chops in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

How to make boneless pork chops in the air fryer without drying them out

Ingredients

• Boneless pork chops (about 1 1/2-2 inches thick)
• Olive oil
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cumin)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Blot the pork chops with a paper towel to ensure they are dry.
• Drizzle olive oil on each pork chop and rub it all over, including the sides.
• Combine your chosen spices and salt and pepper in a bowl. You can adjust the amount of rub depending on your preference and the number of pork chops you are cooking.
• Sprinkle half of the spice mixture on the top of each pork chop and rub it in. Flip the pork chops over and repeat with the remaining spice mixture, also bringing the rub around the sides of the meat.
• Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
• Place the seasoned pork chops in the preheated air fryer, ensuring there is room around them for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork chops in batches.
• Cook the pork chops for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops will typically take 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in pork chops will take 11-15 minutes.
• Check that the pork chops are cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures your pork chops are juicy and flavorful.

Tips

• If you are cooking frozen pork chops, cook them for 3-5 minutes first, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.
• To prevent your pork chops from drying out, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the pork chops from the air fryer when they reach 145°F.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
• For crispy pork chops, dust them lightly with panko breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese before cooking.

What temperature to cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer

The optimal temperature to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature setting will give your pork chops a crispy skin and a juicy center.

Steps to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on at 400°F for 5 minutes to warm up.

Next, stir all your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl. You can use a simple seasoning mix of onion powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additions like brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, and dried herbs.

Now, it's time to prepare the pork chops. Brush or coat the chops with olive oil, and then rub the seasoning mixture generously into both sides of the meat. Make sure the pork chops are coated well and that you use up all of the rub.

Place the seasoned pork chops into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the chops, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the pork chops for 12-15 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't cook both sides evenly, remember to flip the chops every 6 minutes. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Finally, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.

Tips for the best boneless pork chops:

• Always use an instant-read food thermometer or meat thermometer to check the doneness of your pork chops. This ensures you don't overcook or undercook the meat.
• For a crispy Parmesan crust, coat the pork chops generously with olive oil before applying the Parmesan cheese and seasoning mixture.
• When cooking, make sure the pork chops are in a single layer and not touching in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Flip the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Remember that pork must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. This is the optimal temperature for food safety and the best texture.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. Thinner chops will cook faster, while thicker chops may need a few extra minutes.

Now you're all set to cook juicy and tender boneless pork chops in your air fryer! Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions