Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
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For me, nothing beats a plate of crispy, golden pork chops when I need to get supper on the table. These Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops have all the flavor of the ones I grew up on, but with way less mess and fuss. Stick with me and I’ll show you exactly how to make them juicy every single time!
I come from a big Southern family, which means I learned early on that a good pork chop can solve just about anything, especially on a busy weeknight!
Pork chops were always one of those dependable dinners my mom would make, and now they’re still one of my favorites when I’m cooking for a full table. The trick is keeping them tender, flavorful, and not dried out, and that’s where the air fryer really comes in handy!
The air fryer is one of the most fool-proof ways I’ve found to make sure pork chops come out nice and juicy every single time. It’s quick, far less messy than frying, and the hot circulating air helps prevent that dryness pork chops are known for.
With a simple Southern-style seasoning blend and just minutes of cooking, these chops deliver that classic fried flavor without the fuss!
Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot for Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
These pork chops are comforting, filling, and familiar. Just the kind of meal that keeps everyone at the table happy!
Ingredient Notes for Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Bone-In Pork Chops | Thicker, bone-in chops stay juicier and are much harder to overcook!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the pork from drying out while cooking.
- Kosher Salt | Brings out the pork’s natural flavor and helps tenderize it.
- Spices | The bulk of the flavor here will come from a simple dry rub containing paprika, chili powder, mustard powder, granulated garlic, and black pepper! I like this simple blend, but you can use any dry rub that you prefer.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use boneless pork chops: They cook faster, so keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Switch up the seasoning: Smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning all work well. A BBQ rub would be great, too!
- Add some spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
This recipe couldn’t be easier! You just need a small bowl for the seasoning, and your air fryer does the rest.
SEASON THE PORK CHOPS. Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then drizzle both sides with olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, garlic, chili powder, dry mustard, and pepper. Gently rub the spices on both sides of the chops.
AIR FRY. Place the pork chops in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the chops for 12 minutes at 400 degrees, turning midway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
REST & ENJOY. Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent them with aluminum foil. Let the chops rest for 2 minutes before serving to seal in the juices. Then, dig into these delicious, perfectly cooked, air-fried pork chops! This savory Mushroom and Wild Rice Casserole is the perfect accompaniment!
More Recipe Success Tips
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store: Keep leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Let them cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To make ahead: Season the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Thick, bone-in pork chops (about 1½–2 inches thick) take around 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Thinner or boneless pork chops will cook faster, so it’s best to start checking them a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
When it comes to pork, the color of the meat does not reflect its doneness. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check whether your pork chops are done. At 145°F, pork chops are cooked and safe to eat. However, they are medium-rare, so some pink may be in the center. If you prefer no pink, cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Sure! But if you’re following this particular recipe, I recommend using bone-in pork chops. If you choose boneless chops, you might not have to cook them for as long as this recipe directs.
Looking for More Air Fryer Recipes?
Take a quick look at these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips, sweet and spicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs, or these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Pork Chops
This pork chop recipe can be served with a wide variety of sides. You can serve it with classic side dishes like these easy Instant Pot green beans, baked potatoes in air fryer, or Southern baked mac and cheese!
You can also serve them with salad, like this refreshing wedge salad recipe or a broccoli bacon salad with raisins, both of which pair well with tender smashed baby potatoes for some more substance!
More Fan Favorites
- Balsamic Pork Chops
- Smoked Whole Chicken
- Grilled Sirloin Steak
- Swedish Meatballs and Gravy
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs
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Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 1-1/2 to 2-inch bone-in pork chops center cut
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ¼ teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 ¼ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then drizzle both sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, garlic, chili powder, dry mustard, and pepper. Gently rub the spices on both sides of the chops.
- Place the pork chops in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the chops for 12 minutes at 400 degrees, turning midway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent them with aluminum foil. Let the chops rest for 2 minutes before serving to seal in the juices.
Notes
- Let the pork sit at room temperature. If you have time, let the seasoned pork chops rest out of the fridge for up to 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly and boosts flavor.
- Always preheat the air fryer! Starting with a hot basket helps the pork chops sear quickly and keep all the moisture inside.
- Oil the pork, not the basket. Brushing oil directly on the chops prevents sticking and protects your air fryer basket from damage.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each pork chop a little space so hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer! Pork is done at 145°F. Pulling them right at that temperature keeps them tender, not dry!
- To store: Keep leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Let them cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To make ahead: Season the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them!
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Such a quick and easy way to make yummy pork chops!
Absolutely delicious! Even my picky eaters gave it two thumbs up!
I can never make pork chops juicy, until NOW! My go-to recipe from now on! Love the rub!
So juicy and full of flavor! Go to for weeknight dinner!