To make pork chops in an air fryer, brush four 1-inch boneless chops with 1 tbsp oil, rub with smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper, and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they hit 145°F. Rest 3 minutes. Dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
4 boneless center-cut pork chops, about 1 inch thick (6 oz / 170 g each)
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
3/4 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, to serve (optional)
How Do You Cook Pork Chops in an Air Fryer?
Prep: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Trim any thick fat cap so they cook evenly.
Season: Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Brush the chops with the oil on both sides, then press the rub on all over.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Lay the chops in a single layer without overlapping, two per basket if you have a dual basket air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway.
Check: The chops are done when the thickest part reads 145°F on an instant-read thermometer or your air fryer probe. Thinner 1/2-inch chops can be ready in 7 to 9 minutes.
Rest: Rest the chops on a plate for 3 minutes, then top with parsley and a squeeze of lemon and serve.
Dual basket tip: Make the whole dinner at once. Put the pork chops in basket 1 (400°F, 12 minutes) and our roasted sweet potatoes in basket 2 (400°F, 18 minutes), then press Smart Finish or Sync Finish so both are ready together.
Built-in thermometer: Ninja DZ950 10-QtThe Smart Thermometer stops at 145°F, so the chops never dry out.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Pork Chops? (Estimated)
Per serving (1 chop, 1/4 of the recipe): about 295 calories, 16 g fat (4.5 g saturated), 1 g carbohydrate, 0.5 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 36 g protein, and about 520 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw boneless pork loin chops, olive oil, spices and salt. Use 1/2 tsp salt to lower the sodium.
Simple extras: unsweetened applesauce, a green salad or brown rice
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Garlic parmesan: after flipping, sprinkle each chop with 1 tsp grated parmesan
Cajun: swap the rub for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Lemon herb: use dried thyme and rosemary, then finish with lemon zest
Honey mustard: brush with 1 tbsp Dijon mixed with 1 tsp honey for the last 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook pork chops in the air fryer?
Air fry 1-inch boneless pork chops at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 145°F inside. Thin 1/2-inch chops take about 7 to 9 minutes and thick bone-in chops 14 to 18 minutes.
What temperature should pork chops be cooked to?
The USDA says fresh pork is safe at 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest. At that point the center may still be slightly pink, which is normal and keeps the chops juicy.
How do you keep air fryer pork chops from drying out?
Use chops at least 3/4 inch thick, brush them with a little oil, do not overcook, and pull them at 145°F. A short rest lets the juices settle before you cut.
Do you need to flip pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes. Flipping halfway browns both sides evenly. If you forget, they will still cook through, but the bottom will be paler.
Can you cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry frozen boneless chops at 380°F for about 10 minutes, brush with oil and season, then cook 8 to 12 minutes more until they reach 145°F.
Are air fryer pork chops healthy?
Lean boneless pork chops are high in protein and the air fryer needs only 1 tbsp of oil for four. We estimate about 295 calories and 36 g protein per chop. These are estimates and vary with the cut and size.
