These Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops are generously seasoned with a blend of spices including paprika, brown sugar, and onion powder, to create a flavorful crust on tender pork.
» You might also like this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.
When it comes to an easy meal to make in the air fryer, you can’t get any easier than pork chops – but you do need to pay attention to how thick the chops are, because thick pork chops take longer to cook them typical 1″ chops.
We love to cook pork chops because they are so easy. They easily cook from frozen so there’s no need to thaw them. You can also cook bone-in pork chops and stuffed pork chops in the air fryer with ease.
Picture a generous cut of meat, with the bone still intact, cooked to succulent perfection, with just the right balance of tenderness and a flavorful crust. It’s easy to do in the air fryer and just take 10-12 minutes, start to finish.
Ingredients Needed
- Thick pork chops – This recipe is for thick pork chops that are at least 2″ to 2 1/2″ thick. They take longer to cook them typical pork chops that are around 1″ thick.
- Dry rub – We make a homemade dry rub for these pork chops that consists of paprika, brown sugar, garlic & onion powder, salt & ground black pepper
- Olive Oil – Using a high-quality olive oil will help enhance the flavor.
Equipment Information
- Air fryer: I use this 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s large enough to fit a meal for 4-6. But some things need more space in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Kitchen tongs: It’s very easy to remove food from your air fryer with kitchen tongs. I use these kitchen tongs that are silicon coated so they don’t scratch the interior.
- Meat thermometer: The only way to tell if meat is fully cooked to the right temperature is to use a meat thermometer. I use this Instant Read thermometer. It’s so quick to open the basket and check the temp.
Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
- Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
- Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings to make a dry rub. Rub the pork chops with olive oil, then season with all of the dry rub.
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket.
Cook on 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking. The internal temperature of the pork should read 140°F on a digital thermometer.
Remove the pork from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.
- I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer (pictured left). If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- See reviews and prices for air fryers on Amazon.
- Here’s a printable Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet to get you started.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Air Fryer.
- Learn how to make fun things in the air fryer, like potato wedges, pork belly bites, and chicken wings.
Additional Helpful Tips
- Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even air circulation.
- Flip the pork chops halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Allow the pork chops to come to room temperature before cooking for the best results and even heat throughout the meat.
- If using frozen pork chops, allow them to thaw before seasoning and cooking.
Storing Options
Fridge: Allow the cooked pork chops to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: If you have leftovers or want to prepare pork chops in advance, you can freeze them. Allow the cooked pork chops to cool completely, then wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Options
Air Fryer: Reheat the pork chops in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 350°F) to avoid overcooking. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to around 325°F. Place the pork chops on an oven-safe dish and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: While not ideal for maintaining the crispy texture, the microwave can be used for a quick reheat. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe paper towel, and heat in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through.
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:
- Air fryer baby carrots
- Air fryer cauliflower
- Air fryer baked potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn on the cob
- Crispy smashed potatoes
- Cottage fries
Here are 28 more air fryer side dishes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used. Just keep in mind that bone-in cuts may require slightly longer cooking times.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with air fryer thick pork chops?
Side dish options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, salad, cornbread, or steamed rice.
Can I marinate the pork chops with the seasoning mixture overnight?
While marinating overnight isn’t necessary, you can certainly do so if you want to intensify the flavors.
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Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pork steaks approx 6 ounces – 2 1/2” thick
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings to make a dry rub.
- Rub the pork chops with olive oil, then season with all of the dry rub.
- Place the pork in the air fryer basket.
- Cook on 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking. The internal temperature of the pork should read 140°F on a digital thermometer.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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
🥧 If you’re interested in more great recipes, I share all my favorite recipes over at A Food Lover’s Kitchen, and you’ll find Instant Pot recipes at A Pressure Cooker Kitchen, and cocktails and drinks at Savored Sips. Check it out today!
Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.