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The Ultimate Juicy & Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops (No Breading Required)

Close-up of a thick, juicy air fryer pork chops with a beautiful brown sear and fresh herbs on top.

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Achieve perfectly cooked pork chops every time: crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, using only your air fryer and simple seasonings. This is your new favorite quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for achieving a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
  3. Brush both sides of the pork chops lightly with the oil.
  4. Generously coat both sides of the chops with the seasoning mixture.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes total, flipping the chops halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time depends on thickness.
  8. For 1-inch thick chops, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
  9. Once the target temperature is reached, remove the pork chops immediately from the air fryer.
  10. Let the pork chops rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing tender pork chops.

Notes

  • For bone-in chops, you may need 1-2 minutes longer cooking time compared to boneless.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter crust, substitute 1/2 teaspoon of the salt mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar.
  • This method works well for achieving perfectly cooked pork chops without extra oil.

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