These air fryer pork chops turn out juicy and tender every time, packed with smoky, savory flavor, and they’re ready in under 20 minutes, quick, easy, and downright delicious.
Does air frying pork chops actually work? It does! I am a skeptic turned believer. I've been making pork chops on the grill, stove top, and in the oven for many, many years, and I had to give the air fryer a go.
I'm very happy I did. After testing, I have this recipe exactly where I want it - just for you. These pork chops are rubbed with oil and zingy mustard, seasoned with a bold and smoky mix, then air fried until juicy and perfectly cooked.
Why This Recipe Works
- Air Fryer Magic. The air fryer delivers juicy pork chops with a crisp, flavorful crust in a fraction of the time. No need to babysit a skillet or fire up the oven.
- Bold Seasoning Blend. A smoky mix of paprika, garlic, mustard, and herbs adds layers of flavor that complement pork perfectly. Plus, it's customizable!
- Foolproof & Flexible. This recipe is easy to follow, works great with boneless or bone-in chops, and you can easily adapt it to your personal spice preferences. It delivers consistent results every time!
Air Fryer Pork Chops Ingredients & Substitutions
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Pork Chops. Use 1-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork chops. Adjust cooking time for thinner or thicker cuts.
- Olive Oil. Or use vegetable oil.
- Spicy Brown Mustard. Helps the spices adhere to the pork. Use Dijon mustard as a substitute.
- Seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, kosher salt. Use your favorite spice blend if desired. You'll love my Cajun seasoning recipe.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning, then brush them with olive oil and mustard.
Rub in the spices, then place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry the seasoned pork chops in a preheated air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Boom! Done! Your air fry pork chops are ready to serve. Rest a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Experiment with Seasonings. Customize the spice rub with your favorite herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. For BIG flavor, use my blackening seasoning recipe, Creole seasoning recipe, or your favorite blend.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Pre-heating the air fryer helps the pork chops cook evenly and achieve a nice sear.
- Don't Overcook. Pork chops can dry out quickly. Rely on a meat thermometer rather than just cooking time.
- Thickness Matters. Aim for pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick to lock in moisture.
- Bring to Room Temperature. Letting the pork chops rest at room temp for 20-30 minutes before cooking promotes even cooking.
- Make a Marinade or Brine for Extra Juiciness. Soak in a simple marinade or brine for 30 minutes to a few hours before air frying (be sure to dry thoroughly afterward). Try my Pork Chop Marinade Recipe! It is perfection!
Serving Suggestions
Pork chops are great served with Hot Honey Roasted Carrots, Southern Collard Greens, Charleston Red Rice, or Scalloped Potatoes.
Don't forget the sauce! Try my Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce recipe, which is perfect for pork chops, or this unique White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) recipe.
BBQ sauce is always a hit, and some of my favorites are Peach-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce, Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce, and Mango-Habanero BBQ Sauce.
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Tools Used For This Recipe
SIMOE 19QT Oven & Toaster, Retro Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 7 in 1 Combo - This is what I have at home and I love it!
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Storage & Reheating for Leftovers
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes to help retain moisture.
Avoid microwaving, as it can dry them out.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this air fryer pork chop recipe. I want to hear how it turns out, and how you served yours!
Want More Pork Chop Recipes?
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe (Juicy and Easy!)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless or bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard or use Dijon
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning. It also helps the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil and mustard. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer - do not overcrowd. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and your air fryer model. Bone-in pork chops may need 1-2 minutes longer. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove to a plate and rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve.
Nutrition Information
Gail says
Sounds so good! Can you use the same recipe to cook in the oven?
Mike Hultquist says
Gail, for Oven Baked Pork Chops, refer to my Pork Chop Marinade Recipe here: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/pork-chop-marinade/. Enjoy!!