Air Fryer Pork Chops

Name: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, cut 1-inch thick (about 8 oz each); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper

Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops — Golden-Crusted and Juicy in Just 12 Minutes

Thick bone-in chops get a bold spice rub that crisps beautifully in the air fryer's circulating heat. The result is restaurant-quality pork with a caramelized exterior and tender, perfectly cooked interior — no guesswork required.

AmericanDinnerGluten FreeKetoLow CarbDairy FreeHigh ProteinQuick MealsAir FryerPork

Prep10 min

Cook12 min

Total22 min

Servings4

Difficultyeasy

Nutrition

fat16g

carbs2g

protein32g

calories285

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops, cut 1-inch thick (about 8 oz each)
2 tbspolive oil

seasoning

1 tsppaprika
1 tspgarlic powder
1 tsponion powder
1 tspkosher salt
½ tspfreshly ground black pepper
¼ tspcayenne pepper(optional)

Instructions

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and pat them completely dry with paper towels — any surface moisture will prevent proper browning. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, making sure to coat the edges too.
Whisk together all the spices in a small bowl until evenly combined. This blend will create a beautiful crust as the sugars in the paprika caramelize.
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop, then press gently with your fingers to help the seasoning adhere to the oil. Don't be shy — you want good coverage for maximum flavor.
Start preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This high temperature is crucial for getting that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
⏱ 3 min
Arrange the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap or touch. Good air circulation is key to even cooking.
Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each chop and continue cooking for 4-6 minutes more. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer — you're looking for 145°F in the thickest part, away from the bone.
⏱ 6 min
Transfer the chops to a clean plate and let them rest undisturbed. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite stays moist.
⏱ 3 min