No-Mess Air Fryer Pork Chops in Under 20 Minutes
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These air fryer pork chops are the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, delivering a quick, delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a beautifully golden crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat inside, they cook in just 9 minutes – no hassle, no guesswork.
If cooking pork chops has ever left you frustrated with dry, chewy results, you’re not alone. Pan-frying and oven-roasting always felt like a gamble – that’s why I’m all about the air fryer now. In fact, I just finished making a batch of delicious air fryer sweet potato wedges! Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is the simplest way to get the juiciest and most flavorful results.
What’s even better? You can keep it simple or get creative, depending on your mood or what’s in the kitchen. Whether paired with veggies or served on their own, these pork chops fit right into your busy schedule and still feel like a win at dinner. Once you try them, you’ll never want to cook pork chops any other way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes or less, making it ideal for those days when you need a no-stress lunch or dinner. Perfect for when you have to cook at home during busy season!
- Juicy, foolproof: These pork chops are soft inside and crispy outside, perfectly seasoned with everyday spices you have in your pantry.
- Everyday ingredients: All you need to make this dish, which goes with just about any side, are a three basics — pork chops, olive oil and spices.
- Customizable and family-friendly: Adjust seasonings to suit your family’s taste or to mix up flavor profiles for variety without extra work.
- Mess-free cooking: No more greasy stovetops. The air fryer keeps everything contained, ensuring fast and easy clean up so you can enjoy dinner.
- Easy meal prep: Cook off a batch to last you through the week and you have protein ready for salads, wraps, or quick family meals that keep your time spent in the kitchen to a minimum – and the whole family will be happy.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
If dry, chewy pork chops have been your reality, this recipe changes everything. Never settle for another boring dinner with this juicy tender pork chops made within minutes. All it takes is a quick rub, a simple coat, and letting the air fryer handle the rest. It’s so easy, you’ll be amazed at the compliments coming your way.
Ready to get started? Scroll down for the printable recipe card with everything you need – ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients You Need
- Pork chops: Boneless pork chops are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. You can use them bone-in if you like, but the cooking time will be a bit longer. Thick-cut chops are best for getting a juicy inside and nicely browned outside.
- Olive oil: Keeps the pork chops nice and moist, and help the seasoning stick to the pork chops perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a savory, herby flavor to the pork chops. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and rich depth.
- Garlic powder: Provides that familiar, comforting garlic kick we all love.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together for a perfectly balanced dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making air fryer pork chops is simple, stress-free, and foolproof. Prep the boneless pork chops, mix up a quick seasoning rub, coat them evenly, and let the air fryer handle the rest. This no-mess, no-fuss process guarantees tender, juicy results every time, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the hassle. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll see how easy it is to get dinner on the table in no time!
Step 1: Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it’s heating up, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick. Rub both sides with a little olive oil to keep them juicy and ensure a golden finish.
Step 2: Season
Mix the dry seasonings in a small bowl. Coat each pork chop evenly on both sides, making sure they’re fully covered for some big, bold flavor.
Step 3: Air-Fry
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not stacked or touching too much. Set the timer for 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly. When they reach an internal temperature of 140°F, they’re ready to rest.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops sit for 5 minutes before digging in. This short rest helps them finish cooking to 145°F and keeps them juicy and tender.
Substitutions
This recipe uses basic, everyday ingredients to keep things simple and stress-free for busy schedules. If you’re missing something or want to adjust the flavors for your family, here are some quick and practical substitutions to make it work without extra hassle.
- Pork chops: Chicken is also delicious. Try this recipe with thick chicken cutlets. Be sure to cook to an internal temperature of 165F.
- Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, substitute with avocado oil or any vegetable oil. You can also use melted butter for an extra layer of richness.
- Italian seasoning: No Italian seasoning or don’t have enough dried herbs to make a mix? Try using just dried basil, or a mix combined with oregano.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or sweet paprika can be used in a pinch, or add a dash of chili powder if you’d like a slight kick to balance the other seasonings.
- Garlic powder: If you’re out of garlic powder, substitute with fresh minced garlic (about 1 to 2 cloves) or a bit of onion powder for a similar punch of flavor.
Expert Tips
- Go for thick cuts: Thick pork chops, around 1½ to 2 inches, are your best option for that perfect balance of a crispy outside and juicy inside. Thin cuts cook too quickly and miss out on the ideal texture.
- Play with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix up the seasonings. Add a little cumin and chili powder for a smoky kick, or sprinkle in some brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give your pork chops space in the air fryer basket. If you’re using a smaller air fryer, cook in batches to avoid soggy edges.
- Flip halfway: To get that beautiful, golden-brown finish on both sides, make sure to flip the pork chops halfway through cooking. It helps them cook evenly and keeps them tender.
- Boost the crispiness: Want an extra crunch? Lightly coat the pork chops with panko breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese before air frying. It’s an easy way to add flavor and texture.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the pork chops sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This short rest locks in the juices, so they will be tender and flavorful as possible.
How to Store This Recipe
Keep leftovers fresh and ready for busy days by storing them in a shallow airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, let the pork chops cool completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month. When it’s time to reheat, the air fryer brings them back to life in minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops
Boneless air fryer pork chops are the ultimate flexible dinner option, pairing effortlessly with just about anything you have on hand. For a satisfying meal, serve them with comforting sides like roasted parmesan potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, frozen roasted green beans, or broccoli cheddar soup.
Looking for something lighter? Pair with a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sauce for a simple, satisfying plate. Whatever your schedule or mood, these pork chops make it easy to create a delicious, stress-free meal.
More Easy Main Dish Recipes To Try
- Slow cooker taco soup
- Honey mustard salmon
- Parmesan crusted chicken
- 2-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken
Made these pork chops? Let me know what you think! Your 5-star reviews and comments really help others find this recipe.
Stress-Free Air Fryer Pork Chops in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F. While it’s heating up, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick. Rub both sides with a little olive oil to keep them juicy and ensure a golden finish.
- Mix the dry seasonings in a small bowl. Coat each pork chop evenly on both sides, making sure they’re fully covered for big, bold flavor.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not stacked or touching too much. Set the timer for 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly. When they reach an internal temperature of 140 °F, they’re ready to rest.
- Let the pork chops sit for 5 minutes before digging in. This short rest helps them finish cooking to 145 °F and keeps them juicy and tender.
Notes
- Stick with pork chops that are 1½ to 2 inches thick. Thinner chops cook too fast and won’t give you that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Give the pork chops some breathing room in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches to avoid uneven cooking and soggy edges.
- For a golden, crispy finish on both sides, flip the pork chops halfway through cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy without turning tough.
- After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This simple step keeps the juices locked in, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Want extra crunch? Coat the pork chops in panko breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese before air frying. It’s an easy way to add texture and bold flavor.
- Switch up the seasonings to keep things interesting. Add cumin and chili powder for a smoky kick, or try a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
