Master the art of perfectly cooked boneless Air Fryer Pork Chops with this easy-to-follow recipe, seasoned to perfection with a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dry rub! Expect succulent, juicy chops every single time, ready in mere minutes for a healthy, satisfying dinner.

Pair these delicious chops with Steamed Broccoli or fluffy Microwave Baked Potatoes for a wholesome and complete meal that the whole family will adore.

A plate featuring perfectly cooked air fryer pork chops alongside vibrant green steamed broccoli, ready to be served.

Contents

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops: Your New Weeknight Favorite

When the weather heats up, turning on the oven can feel like a daunting task. That’s where the magic of the air fryer truly shines! As someone living in Kansas, experiencing intense heatwaves, I’ve come to rely on my air fryer for baking, roasting, and creating delicious meals without heating up the entire kitchen. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about minimal cleanup and consistently fantastic results. This recipe for boneless pork chops, seasoned with my go-to dry rub, quickly became a family favorite – a true testament to how effortless and delicious air frying can be.

Imagine tender, juicy pork chops, boasting a beautifully caramelized exterior and bursting with savory-sweet flavor, all cooked to perfection in under 20 minutes from start to finish. This isn’t just a dream; it’s what you’ll achieve with this simple air fryer recipe. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, especially if you already have a fantastic dry rub blend ready to go. My homemade blend, crafted from pantry staples, imparts a wonderfully balanced sweet and spicy kick that elevates the natural taste of the pork. Get ready to transform ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary meal!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipe

Incredibly Juicy & Tender: The air fryer circulates hot air, creating a perfectly seared exterior while locking in the moisture, resulting in pork chops that are never dry.
Effortlessly Simple: With just four main ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, impressive meal.
Rapid Cooking Time: Forget long baking times! Boneless pork chops cook up in about 8 minutes in the air fryer, making dinner ready in a flash.
Minimal Cleanup: Air fryers are notoriously easy to clean, meaning less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Healthy & Wholesome: Pork chops are a lean protein, and air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable Flavor: While my dry rub is fantastic, this recipe is a perfect canvas for your favorite seasonings, marinades, or glazes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops

Crafting delicious air fryer pork chops starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for choosing the best:

A cutting board displays the simple ingredients for air fryer pork chops: boneless chops, olive oil, and a bowl of dry rub.

Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops: For this recipe, I highly recommend boneless, center-cut pork chops, ideally about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Boneless chops cook more evenly and quickly, while the center-cut offers a good balance of lean meat and tenderness. Look for chops that are uniformly sized for consistent cooking results. If your chops are thicker, you’ll simply need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Dry Rub: This is where the magic happens! My homemade dry rub (linked above) provides a fantastic sweet and savory profile with a hint of spice. It’s made from common pantry spices and can be prepared in advance. If you prefer, feel free to use your favorite store-bought pork seasoning blend or another homemade recipe. The key is to find a rub that complements the pork without overpowering it.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the dry rub adhere beautifully to the pork chops and contributes to a lovely golden crust. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, but any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil will also work.
Salt and Pepper: Even with a flavorful dry rub, a foundational layer of salt and freshly ground black pepper is crucial for enhancing the overall taste of the pork. Always season to your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward, but a few key steps ensure perfection every time. Follow these instructions for juicy, flavorful results:

Two boneless pork chops seasoned with dry rub on a plate next to an air fryer basket, demonstrating the preparation stage.

Prepare Your Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine your chosen dry rub with the olive oil. Stir until a thick paste forms. This paste will help the seasoning cling to the pork chops and create a delicious crust.
Season the Chops: Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a good sear. Then, generously brush the rub mixture over both sides of each pork chop, ensuring they are fully coated. Don’t be shy; a good layer of rub is key to maximum flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes. Preheating is crucial for even cooking and helps create that desirable crispy exterior from the moment the pork chops hit the basket or rack.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Once preheated, carefully arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure proper airflow around each chop.
Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the pork chops at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. For thinner chops (around ¼-inch), this timing is usually sufficient. If your chops are thicker (½-inch or more), you may need to increase the cooking time. For basket-style air fryers, it’s often a good idea to flip the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Rest and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully remove the pork chops from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and succulent chop. Serve warm and enjoy!

Achieving the Ideal Air Fryer Pork Chop Cook Time

One of the most common questions when air frying is about cook time, and it’s essential to get it right to avoid dry pork chops. For boneless pork chops that are approximately ¼-inch thick, an 8-minute cook time at 375°F (190°C) is typically perfect. However, several factors can influence the exact cooking duration:

Pork Chop Thickness: This is the most significant factor. Thicker chops will naturally require more time. A ½-inch thick chop might need 10-12 minutes, while a 1-inch thick chop could take 14-18 minutes. Always adjust accordingly.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: While this recipe specifies boneless, if you opt for bone-in chops, they will generally take a few minutes longer to cook than their boneless counterparts of similar thickness, as the bone insulates the meat.
Air Fryer Model and Wattage: Not all air fryers are created equal. Some models run hotter or circulate air more efficiently than others. It’s a good idea to do a test run with your specific appliance and adjust the time as needed.
Desired Doneness: The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, followed by a 3-minute rest. This will result in a slightly pink, very juicy chop. If you prefer your pork more well-done, you can cook it to 150-155°F (65-68°C), but be mindful not to overcook.

The best way to ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked and safe to eat is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding any bone. Once it reaches 145°F (63°C), they are ready to be removed and rested.

Basket vs. Rack Air Fryers: Which is Best?

Whether you own a basket-style air fryer or a larger, oven-style air fryer with racks, you can absolutely achieve fantastic results with these pork chops. In my experience, the outcome in terms of juiciness and crispiness is quite comparable between the two types of appliances.

Basket Air Fryers: These are typically more compact and are excellent for cooking smaller batches. Due to the heating element often being at the top, and the basket’s proximity to the bottom, you may find it beneficial to flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get direct exposure to the circulating hot air, resulting in even browning and crispness.
Rack Air Fryers (Oven-Style): I personally prefer air fryers with racks, especially for a family of five, as they allow me to cook a larger quantity of food simultaneously. With more space and often heating elements above and below, flipping may not be strictly necessary, though it can still aid in achieving a more uniform crust. The increased capacity is a huge bonus for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Regardless of the air fryer type you use, the golden rule remains: avoid overcrowding the basket or racks. Proper air circulation is vital for that signature air-fried texture. If you’re cooking for more than 2-3 people, it’s always better to cook in batches to ensure each pork chop gets its optimal air-frying treatment.

Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Pork Chops

These healthy air fryer pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Since the chops themselves are on the lighter, healthier side, I love serving them with fresh vegetables or simple starches to create a balanced meal. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Four perfectly cooked air fryer pork chops arranged neatly on a white plate, highlighting their golden brown exterior.

Vegetable Powerhouses:

Best Sauteed Spinach: A quick and easy green that’s packed with nutrients and complements the savory pork.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
Sauteed Kale with Bacon: For a more robust green, kale sautéed with a touch of bacon adds fantastic depth.
Steamed Green Beans: Simple, fresh, and vibrant, steamed green beans are always a good choice.
Asparagus: Roasted or air-fried asparagus makes for an elegant and healthy side.

Comforting Starches:

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots: A classic combination that’s hearty and flavorful.
Microwave Baked Potatoes: Quick and easy for a soft, fluffy potato base.
No Mayo Potato Salad: A lighter, tangy alternative to traditional potato salad, perfect for warmer days.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, corn on the cob is a fantastic summer side.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a gluten-free and fiber-rich option, a simple grain works wonderfully.

Light & Fresh Options:

Simple Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, cool coleslaw is always a popular choice.

More Incredible Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

If you love the convenience and amazing results of cooking with an air fryer, you’re in luck! This versatile appliance can tackle a wide variety of main courses, making dinner prep a breeze. Once you’ve mastered these pork chops, be sure to explore more air fryer possibilities. Here are a few other fantastic dinner recipes to keep your air fryer working hard:

Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Get that satisfying crispy coating without all the oil.
Air Fryer Salmon: Flaky, tender salmon cooked perfectly every time.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: A healthier take on a kid-friendly classic that adults will love too.

For even more innovative and delicious recipes, feel free to browse our comprehensive Air Fryer Category. You’ll find everything from appetizers to desserts, all designed for your favorite kitchen gadget!

Decorative divider image, possibly for visual separation in a recipe blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Pork Chops

To help you achieve the best possible results, here are answers to some common questions about air frying pork chops:

Can I marinate these pork chops before air frying?: Absolutely! Marinating pork chops for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, can add an incredible depth of flavor and moisture. Ensure you pat the chops dry after marinating before applying the dry rub to help with browning.
Can I use frozen pork chops in the air fryer?: It’s best to thaw frozen pork chops completely before air frying for the most even cooking. If you must cook from frozen, the cooking time will increase significantly, possibly by 50-100%, and the exterior might not crisp as well. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
How do I prevent my air fryer pork chops from drying out?: The key to juicy pork chops is not to overcook them! Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F / 63°C). Also, remember to rest the chops for 3-5 minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
What if my pork chops are very thick (1 inch or more)?: For thicker chops, increase the cooking time. A 1-inch thick boneless chop might need 14-18 minutes, while bone-in could take longer. Start checking the internal temperature with your meat thermometer around the 12-minute mark and continue cooking until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I use bone-in pork chops with this recipe?: Yes, you can! Bone-in pork chops will generally need an additional 2-5 minutes of cooking time compared to boneless chops of similar thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone.
Do I need to spray my air fryer basket with oil?: While many air fryers have non-stick coatings, a light spray of cooking oil (or brushing oil on the chops directly, as this recipe instructs) can help prevent sticking and contribute to a crispier exterior. Avoid aerosol sprays that contain propellants, as these can damage the non-stick coating over time.

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Author: Anna

Make these boneless Air Fryer Pork Chops seasoned with my simple dry rub! They are juicy, flavorful and so easy to make in minutes!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Total Time: 18 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 245 kcal

Ingredients

4 boneless center cut pork chops
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons dry rub
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine dry rub with olive oil.
Brush both sides of each pork chop with the rub mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 375° F for 4 minutes.
Arrange chops in the basket or on the rack and place in the air fryer.
Set temperature again to 375° F and timer to 8 minutes. Let the air fryer cook.
Once the cooking cycle is done, carefully remove the basket or rack and place pork chops on a serving plate. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These pork chops are boneless and about ¼″ thick. They were done in 8 minutes! The thicker the chops, the longer they will cook.
If you are using a basket air fryer, you may need to flip the chops halfway through the baking time, since the basket is closer to the bottom of the appliance.
Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

I hope this detailed guide empowers you to create the most incredible, juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops right in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe designed for flavor, convenience, and health, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to me.