Thick, juicy boneless Air Fryer Pork Chops with a sweet and smoky spice rub that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. These cook up in just 15 minutes with edges that get deliciously crispy while the inside stays tender and moist. I first tried making pork chops this way on a Tuesday night when I was too tired to turn on the oven, and now it's become my go-to method because it's so incredibly simple and the results taste like something from a steakhouse.
If you're looking for more quick dinner ideas, you'll also love this Healthy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe or this comforting Delicious Chickpea Curry Recipe. These Air Fryer Pork Chops pair perfectly with any of your favorite dinner recipes and come together faster than ordering takeout.
The Air Fryer Pork Chops has completely changed how I cook pork chops. No more dry, overcooked meat or standing over a hot skillet. Just season, cook, and dinner is ready.
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pork Chops
Quick and easy. From start to finish, you're looking at 30 minutes, and only about 5 of those involve actual work. The rest is just letting the Air Fryer Pork Chops do its thing.
Flavorful seasoning. The brown sugar and smoked paprika create a sweet and savory crust that's absolutely addictive. You get that restaurant-quality caramelization without any fuss.
Juicy every time. The Air Fryer Pork Chops circulates heat so evenly that it's nearly impossible to dry these out. As long as you cook them to 145°F and let them rest, they'll be tender and moist.
Minimal cleanup. One bowl for the seasoning, and that's pretty much it. No splattered stovetop or greasy pans to scrub.
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Air Fryer Pork Chops Ingredients
These boneless Air Fryer Pork Chops get their incredible flavor from a simple spice blend you probably already have in your pantry.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Boneless center-cut pork chops: Look for chops that are 1 to 1½ inches thick so they stay juicy during cooking. Thinner chops tend to dry out too quickly in the Air Fryer Pork Chops.
Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor and helps create that beautiful reddish-brown color on the outside.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without any prep work. Fresh garlic would burn at this high temperature.
Onion powder: A little goes a long way. It adds sweetness and complexity to the rub.
Ground mustard: This is the secret ingredient that gives the seasoning a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness.
Dark brown sugar: Creates a caramelized crust and adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with pork. The molasses in dark brown sugar gives extra richness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps the meat stay juicy by holding onto moisture.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and a pop of flavor in every bite.
Cooking oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the meat and promotes browning. Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola works great.
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
These Air Fryer Pork Chops come together quickly with just a few simple steps.
Prepare seasoning: Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl until everything is evenly combined. The brown sugar might clump a bit, so break it up with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 420°F and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. This high temperature is what gives you that crispy, caramelized exterior.
Prepare pork chops: Pat both sides of the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will prevent the seasoning from sticking properly. Place them on a cutting board, drizzle the cooking oil over both sides, and rub it in with your hands. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides, pressing it into the meat so it adheres well. Make sure to save about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for later.
Cook first side: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching or overlapping. Cook for 7 minutes without opening the basket. You'll start to smell that amazing caramelized sugar aroma.
Flip and cook second side: Use tongs to flip each pork chop over. The first side should look golden brown with some darker caramelized spots. Sprinkle the reserved seasoning mixture evenly over the top of each chop, then cook for another 8 minutes.
Check temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each pork chop. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145°F. If they're not quite there yet, cook for 1 to 2 more minutes and check again.
Rest: Transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and let them rest for 3 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat so every bite is moist and tender.
Substitutions and Variations
Bone-in pork chops: You can use bone-in chops with this same method, but they'll need a few extra minutes of cooking time. Check for 145°F in the thickest part away from the bone.
Light brown sugar: If you only have light brown sugar on hand, it works fine. You'll lose a tiny bit of the molasses depth, but the flavor will still be great.
Different spices: Try swapping the ground mustard for cumin or chili powder if you want a different flavor profile. A little cayenne pepper adds nice heat if you like things spicy.
Oil-free version: If you're avoiding oil, you can skip it entirely. The pork chops will still cook through, though they won't brown quite as deeply.
Thicker chops: If your pork chops are closer to 2 inches thick, you'll need to add 3 to 4 minutes to the total cooking time.
Equipment For Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer: Any model works for this Air Fryer Pork Chops. I use a basket-style air fryer, but oven-style Air Fryer Pork Chops work great too.
Small bowl: For mixing the seasoning blend.
Meat thermometer: This is the most important tool for perfectly cooked pork chops. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when they're done.
Cutting board: Gives you space to season the pork chops before cooking.
Paper towels: Essential for drying the meat before seasoning.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer: You can freeze cooked pork chops for up to 3 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: The Air Fryer Pork Chops is the best way to reheat these. Cook at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, but they won't be quite as crispy.
Meal prep tip: These pork chops are fantastic for meal prep. Cook a big batch on Sunday and pair them with different sides throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy, juicy air fryer pork chops pair beautifully with so many sides.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are classic with pork chops. The soft texture contrasts perfectly with the caramelized crust, and they soak up any juices on the plate.
Roasted vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans. The caramelized edges on the vegetables echo the sweetness of the pork chop rub.
Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meat and makes the meal feel lighter.
Mac and cheese: If you're feeding kids or just want ultimate comfort food, creamy mac and cheese alongside these pork chops hits the spot every time. Check out the Best Macaroni Salad Recipe for a cold pasta option that works great too.
Expert Tips
Dry the meat thoroughly. This is probably the most important step. Any moisture on the surface will steam instead of sear, and you won't get that beautiful caramelized crust.
Don't skip the resting time. Those 3 minutes make a huge difference in juiciness. Cutting into the meat right away lets all the juices run out onto your plate instead of staying in the meat.
Use thick chops. Anything under 1 inch thick will cook too fast and dry out before the outside can caramelize properly.
Preheat your air fryer. Just like an oven, your air fryer needs to be fully heated before you add the food. This ensures even cooking from the first minute.
Check temperature, not time. Every air fryer runs a little differently. The cooking times I've given are a great starting point, but your meat thermometer is the real indicator of doneness.
FAQ
What is the best way to Air Fryer Pork Chops?
The best method is to use thick-cut boneless chops (1 to 1½ inches), pat them completely dry, coat them with oil and a flavorful rub, then cook at high heat (420°F) for about 15 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Always use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F. My family trick is to save some of the seasoning to sprinkle on after flipping for extra flavor.
How to cook pork chops in an air fryer in the UK?
The method is exactly the same! Just convert the temperature to 215°C and follow all the same steps. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 63°C. The cooking times should be the same, around 15 minutes total.
How long would you cook pork chops in an air fryer?
For boneless pork chops that are 1 to 1½ inches thick, cook for 7 minutes on the first side and 8 minutes on the second side at 420°F. Thinner chops need less time (about 10 to 12 minutes total), while thicker chops need a few extra minutes. Always check with a meat thermometer rather than relying only on time.
What is the best seasoning for air fried pork chops?
A brown sugar rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground mustard is incredible because it creates a caramelized crust while adding sweet and smoky flavor. The key is using brown sugar, which caramelizes beautifully at high heat. You can also try other combinations like Italian herbs, Cajun spices, or even a simple salt and pepper rub if you prefer.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 boneless center-cut pork chops 1-1 ½ inches thick (fresh or thawed pork chops)
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder adds subtle sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard brings tangy warmth
- 4 tablespoon dark brown sugar helps with caramelization
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt enhances flavor
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper adds mild heat
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil helps with crisping
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 420ºF (215ºC) for 5 minutes.
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.
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Drizzle cooking oil over the pork chops and rub them to evenly coat with the oil and seasoning mixture.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.
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Flip the pork chops, then sprinkle the reserved seasoning mixture over the top. Cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If it’s below 145ºF, cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.
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