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Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air fryer pork chops with a deeply golden spice crust all over and juicy, perfectly cooked centers in just 12 minutes. This quick pork chops method uses a 400°F preheat and a short rest for maximum flavor and texture.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rest 3 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork chops
  • 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops 1 inch thick
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Pat the pork chops dry, then brush all over with olive oil so the coating sticks. Visual cue: the surface should look slightly glossy.
  2. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops. Visual cue: the chops should be evenly coated on all sides.
Air fry
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Visual cue: the air fryer basket should be hot before adding the meat.
  2. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Visual cue: you should see space between chops so heat circulates.
  3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the crust is golden. Visual cue: the outside should look deeply golden and set.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the pork chops for 3 minutes before serving. Visual cue: juices should redistribute and the crust should remain crisp-looking.
  2. Serve with lemon wedges. Visual cue: a fresh citrus wedge sits beside each chop.

Notes

For best browning, pat the pork chops as dry as possible and keep them in a true single layer so the spice crust can crisp all around. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. Dietary swap: use bone-in pork chops or substitute a similar-thickness chicken breast if you want a lighter option.