Air Fryer Pork Chops

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, air fryer pork chops are the perfect solution! Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is a great way to get your protein fix, and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This recipe for air frying pork chops is so quick and easy, and a great option for a busy weeknight. Even better, it is a healthier option than conventional frying as no extra oil is needed (it’s optional!), and any excess fat can drain away during cooking. The air fryer that I have* even claims to remove the saturated fat from food making it even healthier!

If you are short on time and need a side dish, you can even cook a side of potatoes at the same time as your pork chops. See air fryer pork chops and potatoes for more details!

Or, for some other easy air fryer main dish recipes, try air fryer chicken breast, air fryer steak, or air fryer pork belly.

Scroll down for the recipe card for this air fryer pork chop recipe, or read on for all the details!

What do you need?

Pork chops

I normally use loin chops, but you can use any pork chops, like shoulder/blade chops, rib chops, or sirloin chops. You can use either boneless pork chops or one-in pork chops. The cook times are slightly different, so see details below.

Seasoning

Oil

Oil is optional, though I find it helps to get the pork really crispy on the outside so I usually use a little. I use light olive oil in the recipe below, but you can use any cooking oil that you would normally use in your air fryer.

How to cook pork chops in the air fryer

Step 1. Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 360°F/180°C and turn it on for around 3 minutes. Not all air fryers need to be preheated, so check your manual if you are unsure whether you need to do this.

Step 2. Season the pork chops: Pat pork chops dry, place in a medium bowl with a drizzle of oil and the seasoning. Toss to coat.

Step 3. Air fry pork chops: Place pork chops in air fryer basket, ensure they are not touching. Air fry pork chops for 8-12 minutes, until they are golden brown and at least 145°F/66°C in the center of the thickest part (use an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature). Flip the pork chops over halfway though the cooking time if this is required for your air fryer.

Step 4. Rest pork chops: Remove the chops and cover with kitchen foil to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Resting meat after cooking allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it remains succulent.

How long to air fry pork chops

The exact cook times for this recipe will depend on the exact size and thickness of your pork chops, whether you are using boneless or bone-in pork chops.

A pork chop between ½ and 1 inch thick should take approximately 12-14 minutes to cook. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time if the pork chops are much thicker or thinner. If your pork chops are an inch or thicker they will take around 15-17 minutes to air fry. Thin pork chops, thinner than ½ inch or so, will take around 9-11 minutes.

Also, whether or not your pork chops have a bone will affect how long they take to cook in the air fryer. Bone-in pork chops will take a little longer. Add 5 minutes to the air frying time for bone-in pork chops.

As always, it is important to check that your pork is correctly cooked using an instant-read meat thermometer. Check the temperature in the center of the thickest part. It should read 145°F/ 63°C or higher.

If needed, air fry for additional 3 minute intervals until the safe temperature is reached.

Serving ideas

I love how versatile air fried pork chops are, you can serve them in so many different ways. They make an excellent pork dinner for the family, here are some ideas to try:

• Pair with a side of slaw and fries for a tasty family dinner (or try air fryer potato wedges, air fryer French fries, or air fryer sweet potato fries)
• Serve with a side of fresh steamed vegetables and creamy ranch dressing, (for a simple way to steam vegetables in a microwave check out these recipes: microwave steamed vegetables)
• Slice and serve with rice, steamed vegetables and teriyaki sauce
• Serve in a sub with slaw and bbq sauce for a delicious crispy pork sandwich

Storing and reheating leftovers

Store any leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.

You can reheat the pork chops in the air fryer, air fry for 3-4 minutes until 165°F/74°C in the center. See this post for all the details: How to Reheat Pork Chops in the Air Fryer.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, for 1-2 minutes on high.

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