Air fryer pork chops are an easy weeknight meal and come out so tender and juicy!
I use thick boneless chops and add a simple homemade spice rub. The result is a new family favorite meal in no time at all!
An Easy Favorite
This is an easy recipe to love, its flavorful, tender and fast!
- Pork chops are very lean yet, they cook up tender and juicy in the air fryer.
- These pork chops only take about 12 minutes to cook.
- The simple rub adds just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of heat but you can use any spice mixture you love.
Chops for Air Frying
You’ll want nice thick chops for air frying, about 3/4″ thick. This gives the exterior a chance to caramelize while the meat stays juicy inside.
I prefer boneless chops and most often choose center cut chops. They’re nice and lean and cook perfectly in the air fryer
To Make Chops Tender
While it’s optional, these are soaked in a quick brine just like our fave oven baked pork chops. A brine has salt & sugar which helps to break down tough fibers (and it adds great flavor).
While the brine is optional if you have time (even 20 minutes) I highly recommend it!
If you are short on time, combine the brine ingredients with warm water (a bit less than called for) until dissolved and then add ice to make it cold. Soak the pork for at least 20 minutes, longer is better if you can.
How to Cook Pork Chops in Air Fryer
- Add pork to the brine (salt/sugar mixture) if using and let soak at least 20 minutes.
- Pat dry and rub with the spice mixture in the recipe below.
- Air fry until tender (about 12 minutes). Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Juicy perfection!
Serve these delicious chops with potatoes or rice, and roasted veggies for the perfect meal!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Choose chops that are of uniform size and shape so they all cook evenly.
- Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel so the rub sticks to the meat.
- If you skip the brine, add salt to the rub!
- Ensure the chops are 3/4″ thick. If they’re thinner, cook for less time. If they’re thicker, cook longer.
- Make sure the air fryer is pre-heated (and be sure to rest the chops before serving).
More Perfect Pork Chops
- Breaded Pork Chops (Baked) – crispy & juicy
- Honey Glazed Mushroom Pork Chops – smothered in sauce
- Grilled Pork Chops – light & tangy marinade
- Crock Pot Pork Chops – with flavorful gravy
- Instant Pot Pork Chops – a family favorite
Did you love these Air Fryer Pork Chops? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops ¾ inch thick
Brine (optional, see notes)
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine brine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once sugar and salt are dissolved, remove from heat and cool completely.
- Pour cooled brine over pork chops and let sit at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Drain well and dab dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix rub ingredients and massage into pork chops.
- Place pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes or until chops reach 145°F. Do not overcook.
- Rest 5 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pork
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I brine with salt free salt and my chops are tough.
Sorry to hear that, for the best results salt is needed to tenderize the meat.
Is it safe to assume the chops are cooked at 400°F, same as the pre-heat temperature?
Yes, we always cook at the same temperature that we preheat to unless otherwise specified. Thanks for checking Henry!
This recipe sounds absolutely delicious! We can’t eat anything to spicy (hot) is there another spice you could recommend for me to use instead of the chili pepper?
You could leave it out, or try onion powder perhaps. Enjoy Maggie!
Can’t wait to try!!!
Can you use bone-in pork chops?
This should work just fine. You may need to adjust cook time based on thickness to ensure the pork reaches 145°F without overcooking.
Didn’t have chili powder, so I left it out. Still made a taste pork chop. Very happy!
So glad you enjoyed them Allison!
Made these last night. My husband thought they might have been the best pork chops he ever had!
That’s great to hear Mary!