How Long to Cook Pork Chops in Air Fryer and What Temperature?

If you’re not an ardent fan of pork chop, I totally get it - I’ve had my fair share of tough and dry ones too. However, when cooked right, pork chops can be incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious, just like this favorite air fryer pork chop recipe. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes to prepare and goes well with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. So, how do you cook pork chops in air fryer? How long and what temperature? Let’s dive into the details.

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Sous Vide Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Wireless meat thermometer

Bone-in or Boneless Pork Chops to Air Fry?

I’ve found that the best pork chops to air fry are thick-cut, about 1 inch, and bone-in chops. The reason I like them thicker is that the pork chops will caramelize beautifully while remaining tender and juicy inside. Thin chops are more prone to overcooking and becoming dry. Additionally, bone-in chops usually provide extra flavor and moisture, as the bone helps contain more natural juices of pork. 

Should You Brine, Marinate, or Bread Pork Chops?

For a weeknight meals, simplicity wins. While a brine or a marinade may adds juiciness and deeper flavors, they require planning. For me, if I’m using the air fryer, I’m prioritizing speed and texture over elaborate prep.

Breading is the one exception that fits the method. A light dredge in seasoned flour, egg, and panko creates a fantastic crispy shell, and it only takes a few extra minutes to prepare.

But honestly, most nights, I keep it starkly simple. Just pat the chops dry, rub them lightly with oil, and season aggressively with just Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. It just works. Sometimes, the best upgrade is knowing what to leave out.

How Long and What Temperature for This Recipe?

My recipe uses 1-inch thick, bone-in pork chops, which take about 12-14 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). However, in case you’re using thinner or boneless chops, I’ve included an air fryer pork chop time and temperature chart for reference.

Keep in mind that these times are estimates. The best way to determine doneness of your pork chops is to checking their internal temperatures using a thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to 145°F (63°C), but they need to rest after cooking, during which the residual heat will continue to cook them, causing the internal temperature to keep rising. So, there’s no need to worry about it.

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4-Probe Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

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How to Cook Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Turn it on to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Season the pork. Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels for better browning. Then drizzle them with oil and rub it in. Combine all other ingredients and sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chops.

Step 3: Insert a thermometer probe. Insert the probe of your wireless thermometer horizontally into the center of one chop, avoiding the bone, and set its alert for 140°F (60°C).

Step 4: Air fry pork chops. Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Cook them until your thermometer beeps, about 12-14 minutes. Flip the chops halfway through.

Step 5: Rest. Let the air fried pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops?

These juicy chops are a versatile anchor for any meal. For a classic comfort food plate, pair them with garlic mashed potatoes and simple steamed green beans. To lean into the air fryer’s convenience, serve them alongside air fried baby potatoes and apple slices. The sweet-and-savory combination of pork and applesauce is always a hit. A crisp, acidic side like a tangy coleslaw or a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-4 minutes, just until warmed through. Or you can bake them in the oven at 350°F, tented with foil, for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as this will turn already-cooked meat rubbery and dry out further.