Air Fryer Pork Chops

A white plate with a pork chop with a piece taken out - square

These air fryer pork chops are golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Perfectly seasoned and ready in under 15 minutes, they make a quick, flavorful main dish that pairs beautifully with just about any side.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer pork, air fryer pork chops, pork chops

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 13

Total Time 18

Servings pork chops

Calories 275kcal

Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

Ingredients

3 pork chops (1 inch thick - dried with a paper towel)
1 tablespoon olive oil (approximately)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (approximately)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or more if you desire)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

Instructions

For each pork chop, you will add a dime size drop of olive oil in your hand, rub your hands together and then rub it on both sides of the chop. (So you will do this 3 times if doing 3 chops like I did.)
3 pork chops, 1 tablespoon olive oil
For each pork chop, you will add a dime size drop of maple syrup in your hand, rub your hands together and then rub it on both sides of the chop. (You will also do this 3 times if doing 3 chops like I did.)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Preheat the air fryer at 380 degrees, it will take 5 minutes. If you have the tray/oven type of air fryer, remove the trays, preheat at 380 degrees and set the timer to 13 minutes.
Add the herbs and spices (rub) to a small mixing bowl. Take a whisk and whisk until the ingredients are combined.
1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Sprinkle the rub on each chop and rub it into the meat. Flip over the chops and repeat. I keep rubbing and sprinkling until the rub mixture is used up.
If you have the tray type of air fryer, add the chops on the tray, leaving room between each one.
Once the air fryer comes to temperature, add the pork chops to the basket leaving room between each chop. Set the temperature to 380 F and the timer to 13 minutes. If you have the tray type, add to the air fryer.
After 6 minutes, flip the pork chops over and continue cooking.
After 11 minutes, check the temperature. The pork chops are done at 145 F. (I have found it needs the 13 minute cooking time, but each oven is different.)
Plate and enjoy.

Notes

Helpful tips

If possible, choose heritage pork. Heritage breeds are often raised in better conditions, producing meat that’s more flavorful, juicier, and harder to overcook thanks to a higher fat content. I like to get mine from ButcherBox.
Cooking times are the same whether you’re using a basket-style or tray/oven-style air fryer. The only difference is in preheating: remove the trays before preheating an oven-style unit, but leave the basket in place when preheating a basket-style fryer.
Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy, and let the chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly.
I usually use boneless chops in the air fryer, but if you’re cooking bone-in chops, add about 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Start checking the pork chops at the 11-minute mark to avoid overcooking. While they usually need the full 13 minutes, thinner chops may be done sooner.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition