Method 1: Simple Seasoned & Air Fried

This is the quickest and easiest method, perfect for a fast meal while still achieving a perfectly cooked, juicy pork chop with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1-2 bone-in or boneless pork chops, 1 to 1.5 inches thick (select chops of similar thickness for even cooking)
• 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray (just enough for coating)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet, adds color and depth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme or oregano (or your favorite dried herb blend)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer (Absolutely Essential for perfectly juicy results!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! A dry surface is key to getting a nice brown crust and prevents steaming.
2. Season: Rub pork chops all over with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over all sides and edges of the chops, pressing it in gently.
3. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot and ready to sear the outside of the chops immediately.
4. Air Fry: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate completely around each chop. Cook for 10-16 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through the cooking time. The exact time will depend heavily on the thickness of your pork chops and your specific air fryer model. Use the time as a guide only!
5. Check Doneness: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare/medium doneness, which is highly recommended for juicy results. The temperature will rise slightly while the chops rest. Our Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart has more general info on pork and other foods.
6. Rest: This step is critical! Remove chops from the air fryer immediately when they reach your target temperature and let them rest on a plate tented loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness.

Method 2: Air Fried & Pan-Seared Finish

This method combines the even cooking of the air fryer with the intense, rich flavor and deep crust you get from a quick sear in a hot pan. It's slightly more work but results in a truly restaurant-quality finish.

Additional Steps/Modifications

1. Prepare and season pork chops as in Steps 1 and 2 of Method 1.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
3. Place seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for **8-12 minutes** (slightly less than the air fry only method), flipping halfway. The goal is to cook them mostly through in the air fryer. Use a thermometer to check they are within 10-15°F (around 5-8°C) of your target final temperature (145°F/63°C).
4. While the chops are air frying, heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp butter or high-smoke point oil (like canola, grapeseed, or avocado) and let it get hot, almost smoking slightly.
5. Carefully transfer partially air-fried pork chops to the hot skillet. Sear for just 1-2 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown, flavorful crust forms.
6. Immediately remove from the pan and let them rest on a plate tented loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes. Always check the final internal temperature before resting – it should be a safe 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

This two-step process gives you the benefit of the air fryer's efficient interior cooking plus the superior crust development only a hot pan can provide!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops

• Start Dry: Always pat your pork chops very, very dry before seasoning and air frying for the absolute best crust development.
• Thickness Matters: This is the biggest variable! Cooking times are estimates for ~1 inch thick chops. Thinner chops will cook much faster (sometimes as little as 6-8 minutes total for 1/2 inch thick). Thicker chops (over 1.5 inches) may benefit from a slightly lower temperature (around 360°F / 180°C) for a slightly longer time to cook through without drying out the exterior.
• Use a Thermometer: We cannot emphasize this enough! Using a meat thermometer is the single most important tip to avoid dry, overcooked pork chops. Aim for a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for beautifully juicy results.
• Resting is Key: Just like steak, letting the chops rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when you cut and ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness.
• Don't Overcrowd: Cook chops in a single layer in the basket with space around them. Cook in batches if needed. Proper air circulation is vital for crisping. Learn more about avoiding this common mistake in our Air Fryer Tips for Success.
• Season Liberally: Don't be afraid to use plenty of salt and your favorite herbs or spices. Salt helps draw out moisture initially, leading to a better crust, and brings out the flavor.
• Keto Friendly: Pork chops are naturally low-carb and high in protein, making this method perfect for a Keto Air Fryer Recipe.
• Pairing: Serve with air-fried veggies (like our roasted vegetables) or a simple salad for a complete, healthy Air Fryer Dinner.