These Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops are a simple, dependable dinner that turns thick cut pork chops into a juicy, tender main dish with very little effort. They air fryer gives you great texture without breading, frying oil, or a long prep list.
This is one of those easy air fryer pork chops recipes that works just as well on a busy weeknight as it does when you want a no-fuss family meal. A good seasoning rub and the right cut of pork do all the heavy lifting here.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops Recipe
- Key Ingredients for Air Fried Pork Chops
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Variations on Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
- Tips for Juicy Bone in Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Pork Chop Pro-Tips: Your Questions Answered
- Serving Suggestions for Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops
- More Quick and Easy Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Simple prep: thick bone-in pork chops, oil, and seasoning are all you need to get dinner started.
Juicy texture: cooking bone-in pork chops in the air fryer helps them stay tender and flavorful.
Weeknight friendly: this air fryer pork chop recipe is hands-off once the chops hit the basket.
Key Ingredients for Air Fried Pork Chops
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
Bone-in pork chops: thick-cut chops work best and stay juicy in the air fryer.
Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
Dry steak rub: adds bold flavor and pairs well with pork.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use avocado oil in place of olive oil.
- Swap the steak rub for a pork seasoning blend, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Boneless pork chops can be used, but reduce cook time and watch closely for doneness.
Variations on Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
Garlic herb: use a garlic-forward seasoning with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Smoky spice: choose a rub with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for deeper flavor.
Classic plain: season simply with salt and black pepper to let the pork shine.
Tips for Juicy Bone in Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Choose thick-cut bone-in pork chops for the best results and even cooking.
- Blotting the chops dry before seasoning helps with browning and texture.
- Let the pork rest after cooking so the juices redistribute, giving you juicy air fryer pork chops every time.
Pork Chop Pro-Tips: Your Questions Answered
Total cook time usually falls between 12 and 15 minutes at 400°F. However, timing depends on the thickness of the chop and whether it is bone in or boneless. The most reliable method is using an instant read thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
A light coating of olive oil serves two purposes: it acts as a "gllue" toe help your dry rub stick to the meat, and it promotes even browning. This helps create a golden exterior while locking in moisture to prevent the chops from drying out.
No, rinsing is not necessary and is generally discouraged by food safety experts. Simply pat the chops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this ensures the air fryer "fries" the surface rather than steaming it. If you notice any small bone fragments from the butcher, you can wipe them away with a damp paper towel.
Yes! You can easily swap bone-in for boneless. Just keep in mind that boneless chops tend to cook faster. Start checking the internal temperature about 2-3 minutes earlier than the recipe specifies to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Serve these air fryer fried pork chops with a side of Mashed Potato Cakes, Honey Glazed Carrots, creamy Macaroni and Cheese, or Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil.
More Quick and Easy Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this air fryer pork chop recipe, you might also want to try my Air Fryer General Tso Chicken, Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken, Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Air Fryer Turkey Breast, and Air Fryer Fish Sticks.
Did these pork chops become a new weeknight favorite? I'd love to hear how they turned out for you! Please leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. It helps other home cooks find this recipe, and I truly love hearing from you. Don't forget to tag me @grumpyshoneybunch in Instagram so I can see your delicious dinners!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
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Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Bone in Pork Chops
- Dry Steak Rub or Seasoning of Choice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Using a paper towel, blot each pork chop to absorb any liquid.Coat each pork chop with olive oil.
- Evenly distribute the steak rub over each pork chop, rubbing the seasoning into the chop.
- Spray the racks with cooking spray. Place the pork chops on the racks and transfer to the air fryer.
- Cook for 7 minutes. Flip the chops over and cook another 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chop reaches 145° or your desired degree of doneness.
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
- Really work the rub into the pork chop to infuse as much flavor as possible.
- Dry rubs work better than wet sauces. If a sauce is preferred, I recommend adding it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Don't skip patting the meat dry, doing so creates less steam when air frying the pork chops.
Marie says
I'm always amazed at the wonderful results you get when air-frying! These chops look so juicy and flavorful. Why would I want to make them any other way?
Chenée says
I love all the flavors in these pork chops! And they're so easy to make in the air fryer!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Chenee! Thank you! Shelby
Amy says
First time trying pork chops in the air fryer and they were so juicy! Thanks for the detailed instructions!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Amy, Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for stopping by! Shelby
Nicole says
This chop looks incredible and seared to perfection! This recipe seems simple and great!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh what a lovely and delicious recipe! The flavors of the pork chops are incredible and something we absolutely LOVED!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lori, Thank you! So happy you enjoyed the recipe. Shelby
Leslie Sawmiller says
I don't think I can avoid getting an air fryer for much longer...this recipe may be putting me over the edge! Looks amazing!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thank you Leslie!
Natalia says
Brilliant! These are the best pork chops I’ve ever had and so so easy. Loved the seasoning too, I've used your homemade taco seasoning. Keeper, thank you!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thank you Natalia!
Jenny says
Perfect weeknight dinner. We love pork chops and just got an air fryer. Your recipe will be the first to try! Thanks so much!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Jenny, thank you! I hope you enjoy this often! Shelby
Cathleen says
Wow, what CAN'T the air fryer do?? I am definitely not using it to its fullest potential. Bookmarked to make during the week, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Cathleen! I'm learning so many new ways to use it, I am really loving the air-fryer! Shelby
Chef Dennis says
I love this! It's bursting with flavors. I am planning to make this on weekend. My sons will be here to visit. I am sure they will love these Air Fryer Pork Chops.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thanks Dennis! We think its the best way to make pork chops!
Chris says
Please tell me, how many carbs?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
The number of carbs will be decided upon with what you decide to use for a rub. If you season with just salt and pepper, it is zero carbs. If you use the dry steak rub recipe I linked to and sub with a keto friendly brown sugar sub, you will have 1 carb per 1 tbsp. Same with the homemade taco seasoning that I linked to.