Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve a seared, crispy finish with minimal effort. Making it the perfect choice for a quick midweek meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious dish ready in just 15 minutes. I like to season my pork chops with mustard and onion powder. You can also get creative with your seasoning choices to suit your taste preferences, such as adding garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness.
These air fryer pork chops are not only fast to cook but also incredibly juicy and tender. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a beautifully crisp outer layer. Unlike traditional oven roasting, the air fryer’s high heat ensures the pork chops cook quickly and evenly, so you don’t have to wait around for hours to enjoy a delicious meal. I recommend choosing pork chops that are about 1-2 inches thick. As they cook perfectly in the air-fryer and maintain their juicy texture without drying out.
This simple yet flavourful recipe is a great alternative to the traditional Sunday roast. And it’s ready in a fraction of the time. You can easily pair these pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dinner for your family, these air fryer pork chops are sure to please everyone at the table.
Learn how to make crispy, juicy pork chops in the air fryer with this quick and easy recipe – your new go-to for busy nights!
PREP 3 minutes
COOK 12 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, kitchen roll and a mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer pork chops
2 pork chops
½ tablespoon of sunflower or vegetable oil
½ teaspoon of mustard powder
Half a teaspoon of onion powder
½ a teaspoon of sea salt
½ a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Cooked greens and peas to serve (optional)
Method
Start by patting your pork chops dry using some kitchen roll. This removes any excess moisture and ensures a better sear during cooking. Place the chops into a mixing bowl, then drizzle over about half a tablespoon of olive oil. Use your hands or a brush to rub the oil evenly all over the pork chops, making sure they’re lightly but fully coated.
In a separate small bowl, prepare a simple seasoning blend by combining half a teaspoon each of mustard powder, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix the spices together, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled pork chops. Rub it in well, making sure each chop is evenly coated on both sides for maximum flavour.
Next, transfer the seasoned chops into your air fryer basket. Keep the crisper trays in place to allow good airflow and help the chops cook evenly. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each chop so that the hot air can circulate freely. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of your chops.
Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook the chops for 5 minutes. Then open the basket, flip the chops over, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. The total time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork and whether they are bone-in or boneless. To ensure they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 75°C at the thickest point.
Once cooked, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving for the juiciest results.
I like to serve my pork chops with broccoli and green beans, but air fryer French fries or air fryer roast potatoes work just as well.
Tips for Air Fryer Pork Chops
1. Choose bone-in or boneless
You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops in your air fryer. Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier, while boneless ones cook faster and are easier to manage.
2. Season generously
Pork chops benefit from a flavourful rub or marinade. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a bit of dried thyme or rosemary. Let the seasoning marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for maximum flavour.
3. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking right from the start.
4. Lightly oil the chops
Lightly spray or brush the pork chops with oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. This also enhances browning and helps the seasoning adhere.
5. Avoid overcrowding
For even cooking, make sure the pork chops are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking multiple chops, you may need to cook in batches.
6. Flip halfway through
Air fry the pork chops for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
7. Check for doneness
The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 63°C (145°F) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
8. Rest before serving
Allow the pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the pork chops more tender and flavorful.
9. Serve with sides
Pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
Similar recipes
So if you love these juicy air fryer pork chops you might also like my easy air fryer roast gammon. the air fryer pork shoulder or the air fryer roast pork recipe from my ONE BASKET MEALS cookbook.
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