There’s something incredibly satisfying about sitting down to a perfectly cooked pork chop—especially when it’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor. For years, I shied away from making pork chops because I was afraid of drying them out. That changed the day I discovered how well they cook in the air fryer. It was a total game-changer! With the right timing and seasoning, you can get pork chops that are golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven.
This air fryer boneless pork chop recipe is one of my favorite quick weeknight meals. It’s easy enough for busy evenings but still impressive enough for guests. Plus, you only need a few basic ingredients to make it taste like you spent hours on it. Whether you’re new to air frying or already a fan, this is a foolproof go-to that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this dish perfectly every time.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Boneless Pork Chops: These are the star of the show. Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick—they cook evenly in the air fryer and stay nice and juicy. Thin chops tend to dry out more quickly.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the pork and gives the outside a beautiful, crisp texture. It also adds a bit of richness to balance the lean meat.
Paprika: This gives a warm, smoky flavor and a lovely color to the pork chops. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor without overwhelming the pork. Garlic powder works great in dry rubs because it distributes evenly and doesn’t burn easily.
Onion Powder: A gentle sweetness and mellow onion flavor that complements the pork beautifully. It pairs perfectly with the garlic powder for a classic seasoning combo.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is essential for bringing out the best in your pork. Don’t skip it—but don’t overdo it either!
Black Pepper: A little bit of freshly ground black pepper adds subtle heat and sharpness that rounds out the seasoning mix nicely.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This helps the pork chops begin cooking immediately and gives them that nice golden edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels—this helps them crisp up. Then, rub each chop with olive oil on both sides. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each pork chop and press gently to help it stick.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pork Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once done, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t skip the preheat: Preheating the air fryer is key for an even sear and quick cooking.
- Thickness matters: Use 1-inch thick chops for best results. Thinner ones may cook too fast and dry out.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check that the internal temperature hits 145°F.
- Let them rest: Just five minutes makes a big difference in how juicy your chops turn out.
- Play with flavors: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne to customize the seasoning blend.
- Avoid overcrowding: Air needs to circulate, so cook in batches if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
Yes, but they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time depending on thickness.
Do I need to marinate the pork chops first?
Nope! The dry rub adds plenty of flavor, and the quick cook time keeps them juicy without marinating.
How do I know when they’re done?
Use a meat thermometer. The pork chops should reach 145°F at the thickest part.
Can I freeze cooked pork chops?
Absolutely. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
What sides go well with these pork chops?
Try mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad—they all pair beautifully.