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The Best Air Fryer Pork Chops: Juicy, Tender, and Crispy Every Time

Close-up of a perfectly cooked air fryer pork chop, sliced in half to show the juicy white interior and crispy, seasoned crust.

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Learn how to cook perfectly juicy and tender air fryer pork chops with a satisfyingly crispy crust. This simple recipe works for both boneless and bone-in cuts, making it an easy weeknight dinner solution.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (1-inch thick) pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme to create the seasoning blend.
  3. Brush both sides of each pork chop lightly with the oil.
  4. Generously coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning blend, pressing it gently onto the meat.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry for 10 minutes.
  8. Flip the pork chops over. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Cooking time will vary based on thickness.
  9. Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For bone-in chops, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the total cook time.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter crust, replace 1/4 teaspoon of the salt with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar in the seasoning mix.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid dry pork chops.

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