Air Fryer Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer pork chops are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. For example, boneless pork chops will take around 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in pork chops may take 11-15 minutes. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

How to make juicy pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Spices/seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese)

Method

• Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This will help them absorb the seasoning and stay juicy.
• If you have time, you can marinate your pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and soy sauce or tamari. Otherwise, simply rub olive oil onto the chops and season generously with your chosen spices/seasoning.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Cook for around 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of your pork chops.
• Check that the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chop to check that it is no longer pink.
• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your chops are nice and juicy!

Tips

• For thicker, more evenly cooked pork chops, bring them to room temperature before cooking by taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand.
• If you like your pork chops with a crispy coating, try dusting them lightly with Parmesan cheese or panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
• Serve your juicy air fryer pork chops with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a hearty salad.

How long to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer

The cooking time for boneless pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. On average, boneless pork chops will cook 1-2 minutes faster than bone-in pork chops.

For a 1-inch-thick boneless pork chop, cook for about 12 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your boneless pork chops are thinner, they will cook more quickly. For example, a 1/2-inch-thick boneless pork chop will take closer to 9 minutes to cook through.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork chops. The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the meat rests.

Additionally, if you are cooking frozen pork chops, it is recommended to cook them for 3-5 minutes first, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.

How long to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer

Bone-in pork chops can be cooked in an air fryer in 11 to 15 minutes, or 12 to 14 minutes, depending on the source. The key to getting juicy and tender pork chops is to avoid overcooking them, so it's important to keep a close eye on them.

Preparation

Before cooking, it's important to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pork chops. Firstly, rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Cooking

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork chops inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Bone-in pork chops should be cooked for 11 to 15 minutes, or 12 to 14 minutes, depending on the source. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the pork chops are done, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops are ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Resting

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender pork chops.

Tips

• Thick pork chops are best for the air fryer as they have a beautiful char on all sides without drying out.
• To prevent the pork chops from sticking to the air fryer, coat them lightly with olive oil before cooking.
• If your air fryer doesn't circulate air to all sides of the pork chops, flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• To ensure even cooking, make sure the pork chops are not overlapping in the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
• To get a nice char on the pork chops, create a rub with spices like brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Liberally apply the rub to the pork chops before cooking.
• For extra crispy pork chops, lightly dust them with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before cooking.

Sides

These juicy and tender air-fried bone-in pork chops go well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Steamed carrots with hot honey butter
• Creamy corn casserole
• Roasted beet and kale salad
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Mashed potatoes

How to make crispy pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless pork chops
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Method

• Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel.
• Coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
• In a bowl, mix together the seasonings.
• Coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning mixture, pressing it into the meat.
• Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pork chops halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops.
• Let the pork chops rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For thicker pork chops, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• To check if your pork chops are cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
• For crispy pork chops, dust them lightly with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before cooking.

What to serve with pork chops

Now that you know how to make juicy and tender pork chops in an air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your air fryer pork chops:

Vegetables

Roasted or steamed vegetables are always a great option to accompany pork chops. Some specific ideas include:

• Green beans
• Asparagus, either roasted with lemon or wrapped in bacon
• Brussels sprouts, either caramelized or with a maple-bacon glaze
• Broccoli rabe
• Roasted cauliflower purée
• Stewed okra
• Braised red cabbage with apple
• Cabbage slaw
• Fried plantain cakes
• Roasted butternut squash

Starch

To make your meal more filling, consider adding a starchy side dish. Here are some options:

• Mashed potatoes, either regular or sweet potatoes
• Potatoes au gratin
• Crispy potatoes with herby ranch seasoning
• Sweet potato fries
• Mac and cheese, especially with a twist like white cheddar apple
• Dinner rolls, especially with garlic-herb butter
• Polenta, either creamy Parmesan polenta or with mushroom gravy
• Fried corn mush

Fruit

Fruit sides can add a touch of sweetness to your meal. Here are some fruity options:

• Applesauce, especially homemade, with a pinch of garam masala and cinnamon
• Apple-cranberry stuffing
• Spiced apple-pear sauce
• Carrot salad with apple slices and raisins
• Tomato and cucumber salad

Other

And here are some other unique side dish ideas to round out your meal:

• Green Bean Casserole
• Collard greens
• Bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Cheese biscuits
• Cornbread
• Bacon drippings sweet potato hash
• Skillet Dinner Rolls with Pepper-Parmesan Biscuits
• Butternut Squash Noodles
• Cheesy Cauliflower Bread

Frequently asked questions