Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are one of my favorite quick meals. The bone-in chops turn out tender and juicy with a crispy, golden parmesan crust, all in under 30 minutes. With simple, budget-friendly ingredients and the air fryer doing most of the work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
I have to admit, this air fryer recipe completely changed the way I cook pork chops. I used to either overcook them or not cook them enough, but now they turn out juicy inside, crispy, and flavorful outside every time. The secret is in the breading, which locks in moisture, while the bone helps keep the meat tender as it cooks. I’ve also perfected my oven-baked pork chops, and they’re definitely worth trying!
Table of contents
Pork has always been a staple in my kitchen because it’s versatile, flavorful, and budget-friendly. I love how I can turn it into so many incredible meals, from my orange glazed pork chops to my sweet and savory blueberry pork chops. No matter how I cook it, pork always brings comfort to the table.
Why you will love this recipe
- Crispy and Juicy: These air fryer pork chops come out with a golden-brown crust while staying tender and juicy inside.
- Quick and Easy to Make: The air fryer does all the work, so I don’t have to stand over the stove. In just 15 minutes, the pork chops are fully cooked with the perfect crispy texture.
- Packed with Flavor: The seasoning blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and Italian dried herbs makes every bite taste amazing. The Parmesan coating adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create that beautiful crust.
- A Healthier Option: Instead of deep frying, I use just a little olive oil and let the air fryer do the rest. It’s a great way to enjoy crispy pork chops without extra grease.
- Affordable Family-Meal: You only need a handful of ingredients, so that you can feed everyone for less than $20.
What you’ll need
- Pork Chops – I use bone-in pork chops, about one inch thick, for the juiciest meat.
- Olive Oil & Parmesan – Extra virgin olive oil keeps the chops light without being greasy, while freshly shredded Parmesan adds a great crust.
- Seasonings & Herbs – My homemade Italian seasoning (marjoram, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and sage) pairs perfectly with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Bold Spices – Ground mustard adds a sharp, slightly spicy depth.
How to make
Prepare: I preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then I measure out all the seasonings and mix them together in a small bowl until well combined.
Brush: I pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and brush both sides with oil.
Coat: Next, I generously coat the meat with the seasoning mixture; if needed, I press it down with my hands a bit to adhere to the meat.
Cook: I place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Serve: I let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert tip
How to prevent dry pork chops
One of the best ways I keep my pork chops juicy is by choosing thicker, bone-in cuts that are about an inch thick. The fat around the bone helps lock in moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. I also look for well-marbled chops since the extra fat prevents them from drying out. If I have a little extra time, I like to brine or marinate them to add even more tenderness.
More tips to consider:
- I make sure the pork chops don’t touch in the air fryer so the heat circulates evenly. This helps them cook properly and get crispy on the outside.
- After 10 minutes, I check the temperature and remove them at 142°F. As they rest, they continue cooking to 145°F for the perfect doneness.
- If I’m using boneless or thinner pork chops, I check them after 8 minutes. They cook faster, so I make sure not to overdo it.
Recipe variations
- Spicy Chops: I mix 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the seasoning for a little extra heat. It adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering the flavor.
- Herb-Infused Chops: I like swapping the Italian seasoning for 1 teaspoon of rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to give the pork chops a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Barbecue Chops: Before air frying, I brush each pork chop with 2 tablespoons of my favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy finish. The sauce caramelizes slightly, adding extra flavor and a little sweetness.
- Mexican-Style Chops: I replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning for a bolder, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Chops: I use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs in place of regular ones to keep the crispy texture without the gluten.
Serving suggestions
I love serving these crispy pork chops with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh caesar salad for a well-balanced meal. If I’m craving something hearty, I pair them with my instant pot mac and cheese, which adds a rich and comforting touch.
On busy nights, I like to keep things simple by serving these with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup and a slice of garlic butter bread.
And for my kids, I always make a batch of sweet potato fries because they love the crispy texture and natural sweetness. No matter how I serve these air fryer pork chops, they always turn out satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week.
How to store leftovers
- Refrigerate: If I have any leftovers, I store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: To keep them longer, I wrap the pork chops in plastic or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
- Defrost: When I’m ready to eat them, I let the frozen chops thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Reheating: I reheat them in the air fryer for two to three minutes to bring back the crispiness. If I’m short on time, I use the microwave for one to two minutes.
Frequently asked questions
If pork chops turn out dry, they were probably cooked too long. Since pork is a lean meat, it can easily overcook, especially in the air fryer. That’s why it’s important to know how thick your chops are and follow the cooking directions carefully.
For my recipe, I always use one-inch thick pork chops, coat them in breading, and cook them for 12 minutes, no longer. After six minutes, I flip them, and at 10 minutes, I check the temperature. Once they reach 145–160°F, I take them out and let them rest under foil to keep them juicy.
Although some chefs and cooking enthusiasts encourage rinsing pork chops before cooking them, I never do because it can spread bacteria to other surfaces. It’s also not necessary since cooking at the right temperature kills any bacteria.
If I want to clean them, I prefer to marinate them in salt water or a mix of vinegar or lemon juice with seasonings. This makes them juicier, more flavorful, and helps remove any dirt or sliminess without the risk of contamination.
I lightly brush the chops with olive oil before seasoning and spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent any sticking while keeping the coating intact.
More amazing air fryer dinners:
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Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian dried herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat dry pork chops with paper towels, then brush both sides with oil.
- Combine all the Seasoning ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Coat both sides of the pork chops with the Parmesan mixture, pressing slightly to get it to stick.
- Place pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 12 minutes; flip pork chops after 6 minutes.
- The pork chops should be golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange them on a serving plate and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing or serving.
Video
Notes
How to prevent dry pork chops
One of the best ways I keep my pork chops juicy is by choosing thicker, bone-in cuts that are about an inch thick. The fat around the bone helps lock in moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. I also look for well-marbled chops since the extra fat prevents them from drying out. If I have a little extra time, I like to brine or marinate them to add even more tenderness.More tips to consider:
- I make sure the pork chops don’t touch in the air fryer so the heat circulates evenly. This helps them cook properly and get crispy on the outside.
- After 10 minutes, I check the temperature and remove them at 142°F. As they rest, they continue cooking to 145°F for the perfect doneness.
- If I’m using boneless or thinner pork chops, I check them after 8 minutes. They cook faster, so I make sure not to overdo it.