Easy thin pork chops in the air fryer are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and ready in just 22 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights. Quick, flavorful, and family-friendly!
Air fryer thin pork chops are one of the fastest ways to get dinner on the table. They cook quickly, use simple ingredients, and are perfect for busy nights when everyone is hungry now. ← and they always are 😉
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I don’t know about you, but some nights I need dinner to come together fast. Like, faster than the kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?” for the third time. That’s where these thin pork chops in the air fryer come to the rescue. Here's why there's lotsa room to love these...
- Speedy: 22 minutes. Air fryer recipes (link) mean less time cooking, more time binge-watching Netflix.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Crispy outside, tender inside. Pork chop perfection!
- No Weird Ingredients: Just stuff you already have—no emergency grocery runs.
No air fryer? No problem! Check out this oven baked pork chops and potatoes recipe.
Oh wait, you do have an air fryer? Perfect! Add this juicy air fryer pork tenderloin to your must-make recipe list, too!
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🛒 Ingredients
Here's what you'll need from the pantry and fridge.
- Thin-cut pork chops: The real stars of the show. I used boneless pork chops but you can use bone in chops, too.
- Olive oil: Because dry pork chops are just sad.
- Seasoning blend: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and Italian seasoning (usually a blend of thyme, basil and oregano) Pantry staples for the win!
- Brown sugar: to help things brown nicely and give a touch of sweet.
Simple, right? These are ingredients you probably already have—no extra grocery trip required! See recipe card for quantities.
📋 Substitutions
Need swaps? Try these:
- Italian seasoning: Swap for Herbs de Provence or any herb blend.
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil, melted butter, or coconut oil.
- Brown sugar: Try honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder add extra flavor.
Air fryer chops today… smothered pork chops tomorrow?
🥣 How to make thin pork chops in the air fryer
Here's how to make your tasty pork chops!
- Step 1: Dry Those Chops. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel like they just ran through a rainstorm. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps things crispy.
- Step 2: Season your pork chops. Mix your spices in a small bowl. Rub each pork chop with olive oil, then coat both sides with the spice rub - it's like you’re giving them a tasty little spa treatment.
Pro Tip: Press the seasoning into the meat so it stays put and you get all the tasty bites
- Step 3: Air fryer magic happens in this step. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Place the chops in a single layer on the air fryer tray.
Tip: Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The air needs space to move and make its magic.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do you really need to flip them? Yes, you do!
- Step 4: Check the temp. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure they hit 145°F.
Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, then allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to keep them juicy without overcooking them.
- Step 5: Rest & Relax. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes, though you can put your feet up for a few minutes, too.
You’ve come this far—don’t rush it! This step keeps the juices where they belong (inside the pork, not your plate).
Hint: Seriously, if you don't have a digital meat thermometer you need to get one to make super juicy pork recipes. They are a kitchen game changer!
📖 Variations
This recipe is already simple, gluten-free and delicious so there's not a lot to adjust here. You could play with the spices and try adding some dried rosemary, sage, or red pepper flakes for a extra chef's kiss. 😘
If you're looking for another quick air fryer dinner, try my air fryer bratwurst.
Save This Recipe For Later
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🍽 Serving Suggestions
Round out this meal with a starch and some vegetables for a complete meal, like cooked green beans and mashed potatoes.
Or, the air fryer is already heated up, so how about making some smashed brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Or, serve alongside some twice baked mashed potatoes - perfect for soaking up any juices.
Or, skip the mashed potatoes and try this fresh Caprese pasta salad as your side dish.
Tips for success
Let the pork chops sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Cold pork = uneven cooking.
Let the pork chops rest before serving. It’s not optional, it’s science.
If you love cooking pork in the air fryer, you might also enjoy my air fryer pulled pork, which cooks low and slow until it’s perfectly tender and shred-ready.
Storage
Leftovers? Lucky you! Air fryer pork chops will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Freeze cooked chops for up to 3 months by wrapping each chop in plastic wrap, then foil, and placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. I like to a small pat of butter when I'm reheating to prevent drying out.
FAQ
Yup! Just add 2-3 minutes per side and check for 145°F.
Chances are you're overcooking. Use a thermometer and don’t skip the rest time. Try it and check back with me!
Tried these thin pork chops in the air fryer? I’d love to hear how they turned out! ⭐
Drop a star rating and a quick comment below—it not only helps others but totally makes my day. 😊🍽️
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with air fryer pork chops:
Recipe
Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
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I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 4 thin-cut pork chops ½-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Dry the Pork Chops. Pat 4 thin-cut pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick.
- Season. Mix the 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningin a small bowl. Rub 1 Tablespoon olive oil on the pork chops, then coat both sides with the seasoning. You can press it gently to help it adhere.
- Air Fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes and then place your seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook time is 5-7 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
- Ensure that the internal temperature of your pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C) using an instant-read thermometer.Rest. Let these tender, juicy pork chops sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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- Italian seasoning: Swap for Herbs de Provence or any herb blend.
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- Olive oil: Use avocado oil, melted butter, or coconut oil.
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- Brown sugar: Try honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
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- Paprika: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder add extra flavor.
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
