This bone-in air fryer pork chops recipe is easy and foolproof! Flavored with spices and no breading, it’s a fast, filling weeknight meal.
Ingredients
FOR THE PORK CHOPS:
- 2 thick, center-cut pork chops (I recommend bone-in—look for chops that are at least 1 ½ inches thick)*
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Crockpot Applesauce optional for serving
- Barbecue Sauce optional for serving
FOR THE PORK RUB:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F accordingly to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that’s 3 minutes of preheat time).
- With paper towels, pat the pork chops dry on both sides. Coat the outsides with olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rub ingredients: chili powder, coriander, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub all over both sides of the pork.
- Lay the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket; do not overlap them (if they both do not fit in a single layer, cook them in batches). Air fry for 5 minutes, then with tongs, carefully flip the chops.
- Continue cooking for 4 to 7 additional minutes, or until the meat registers 135 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. If your pork chops are boneless, start checking 2 minutes earlier to ensure they do not overcook.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate. Cover and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve hot with warmed barbecue sauce as desired.
Notes
- *You can also use this recipe for boneless center-cut pork chops; still look for thick ones that are at least 1 ½ inches thick. I do not recommend thin pork chops, as they will dry out ultra quickly. If you decide to experiment with thin chops, start checking several minutes earlier to gauge their progress.
- As with ovens, air fryer models vary, so your pork chops may take a bit longer or a bit shorter (this is the air fryer model I used to test the recipe). The safest option is to check the meat’s temperature earlier to make sure it doesn’t overcook. As soon the pork chops 135 degrees F at the thickest part of the meat, remove mine for resting.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover pork chops in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm pork chops in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F, in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stove.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftover pork chops in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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