Crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned pork chops that feel like they took way more effort than they actually did. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch without deep frying—and dinner hits the table fast.
Perfect for busy weeknights, protein-packed meal prep, or impressing someone with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love It
- Juicy and tender inside, crispy on the outside
- Fast cook time
- Simple spice rub, huge flavor
- Great with veggies, salad, or potatoes
- Way healthier than pan-frying
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Prep the Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil.
Step 2: Season It Right
In a small bowl, mix all spices together. Sprinkle generously over both sides of the pork chops and press it in.
Step 3: Air Fry to Glory
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if your model requires it).
Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temp should hit 145°F for juicy perfection.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Serving Ideas
– With garlic mashed potatoes and green beans
– Over a crisp arugula salad
– Next to roasted veggies or sweet potato fries
– In a sandwich with slaw and spicy mayo
– Sliced over rice or pasta with your favorite sauce
IRL Q&A
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Totally! Just add a couple extra minutes of cook time and check for doneness.
Q: What if my chops are thinner/thicker?
A: Adjust cooking time accordingly. Thinner = less time. Always go by internal temp (145°F).
Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: It depends on your model, but preheating helps with even cooking and crispiness.
Q: Can I marinate instead of dry rub?
A: Yes—just make sure to pat the chops dry before air frying to avoid sogginess.
Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned pork chops that feel like they took way more effort than they actually did. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch without deep frying—and dinner hits the table fast.
Perfect for busy weeknights, protein-packed meal prep, or impressing someone with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil.
Step 2: Season It Right
In a small bowl, mix all spices together. Sprinkle generously over both sides of the pork chops and press it in.
Step 3: Air Fry to Glory
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if your model requires it).
Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temp should hit 145°F for juicy perfection.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
– With garlic mashed potatoes and green beans
– Over a crisp arugula salad
– Next to roasted veggies or sweet potato fries
– In a sandwich with slaw and spicy mayo
– Sliced over rice or pasta with your favorite sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~275 per chop
- Protein: ~30g per chop