Air Fryer Pork Chops (with no breading)

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These Air Fryer Pork Chops have no breading and are an excellent choice for a quick and healthy meal. Coated with a delicious seasoning, they’re juicy and delicious on the inside.

» You might also like Air Fryer Short Ribs and Perfect Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.

air fryer pork chops

I love cooking pork chops in the air fryer. It is by far the simplest method for cooking excellent pork chops and delivers a tender, juicy result every time. Whenever I’m not sure what to make for dinner, this is my go-to. It’s quick and simple to prepare, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

You can cook a pork chop or pork loin steak using this same method. It can be bone-in or boneless. Try to get chops that are at least 1″ thick. They take about 10 minutes to cook. A little thicker will take a few minutes more.

Unlike many other pork chop recipes, this one does not require any breading. This makes it low carb, keto-friendly and super simple. And pork chops go well with a variety of side dishes, such as Air Fryer Acorn Squash or Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes.

Ingredients You Need

pork chops
  • Pork Chops – It is up to you if you would prefer bone-in or boneless. I like using bone-in because it has more flavor, but boneless is leaner. Go for a chop that’s at least 1″ – 1 1/2″ thick.
  • Cooking oil spray You don’t need much oil for this recipe so a cooking spray oil is a great way to go. You could also rub or brush on olive oil if you don’t have spray.
  • Paprika – Spanish or smoked paprika can be used for this recipe.
  • Brown Sugar – Both light brown and dark brown sugar work. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, so it will have a stronger taste. 
  • Onion Powder – Adds a little sweet and savory note to the rub.
  • Garlic Powder – Compliments the sweetness of the onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper

Equipment Information

Why No Breading?

I’m not sure when it became normal to put a breading on pork chops. Likely it was when shake and bake became popular. Adding breadcrumbs to pork chops gives them a crunchy exterior, but it’s definitely not necessary. I find that air frying pork chops without breading leads to the best outcome.

Breading adds carbs to an otherwise lean protein. It’s really not necessary to add these extra carbs and calories to your meal.

pork chops no breading

How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops

Mix the spices together in a bowl. Pat dry the pork chops and rub the seasoning liberally on each side.

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, preferably not overlapping. Spray the pork lightly with oil. If you don’t have spray oil, first coat the pork with oil, then dust on the seasoning. The oil keeps the rub from burning and helps give the pork a nice browned crust.

pork chops in air fryer basket

Cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking.

Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chops. The meat must reach a minimum of 145 degrees F internal temperature for medium rare, 150 degrees F for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat has reached this temperature. Continue cooking until your desired temperature is reached.

pork chops in the air fryer

Questions About the Recipe

Can I use boneless pork chops with this recipe?

You can cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer just like bone-in chops. Because there is no bone, cooking boneless chops will take slightly less time to cook through.

How do I know when the pork is cooked?

The thickest section of the pork should be 145°F internally, followed by a 3-minute rest. To determine the internal temperature of the pork, use a meat thermometer.

Can I use different seasonings?

You can use other seasonings if you choose. You can also substitute a seasoned salt or dry rub of your choice. For those seeking a kick, red pepper flakes or cayenne powder will give a spicy kick.

pork chops

Tips and Advice

  • To ensure consistent cooking, remove the pork from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Allow the cooked pork chops to rest for a few minutes outside of the air fryer when they’re done cooking. Resting meat keeps the juices in the meat, resulting in a much juicier product.
  • When purchasing pork chops, look for ones that are at least 1 inch thick or thicker. They will dry out in the air fryer if they are not thick enough. The cooking time will be determined by the thickness of the pork chop. The temperature of the pork, rather than the length of cooking time, is more essential.

What Side Dishes to Serve?

You can serve some really easy side dishes with your main dish cooked in the Air Fryer. Sometimes, you can cook them together in the air fryer to make it even faster.

Some of our favorite side dishes to serve include:

Here are 30 more air fryer side dishes to try

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pork chops

Air Fryer Pork Chops (no breading)

These Air Fryer Pork Chops are simple to make with no breading, a flavorful rub, and just 10 minutes in the air fryer.
4.9 from 40 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 pork chops at least 1” thick, bone-in or boneless
  • Spray cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika Spanish or smoked
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.75 g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix the spices together in a bowl. Pat dry the pork and rub the seasoning liberally on each side.
  • Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, preferably not overlapping.
  • Spray lightly with oil. If you don’t have spray oil, first coat the pork with oil, then dust on the seasoning.
  • Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking.
  • Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chops. The meat must reach a minimum of 145 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat has reached the desired temp.

Notes

  • The time it takes to cook these pork chops depends on the thickness of the meat. If they are thinner, it might take 10 minutes, or 15 minutes for thicker.
  • Always check the internal temp of the meat to ensure it’s done.
  • Boneless pork chops will take less time to cook then bone-in.
  • You can use any seasoning you like in place of our dry rub.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 30gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 648mgPotassium: 535mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 79IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Pork
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2 thoughts on “Air Fryer Pork Chops (with no breading)

  1. Kathy says:

    5 stars
    I used boneless pork ribs that were thick. This recipe worked wonderfully for the ribs. The mix of seasoning was fantastic and I had all the ingredients. This recipe is what I call “guest ready”. Meaning it is perfect for a guest meal. Thank you so much for this.

4.93 from 40 votes (38 ratings without comment)

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