This is a family favorite meal that’s easy to make.
Brined and seasoned in a sweet and savory rub, air fryer pork chops are tender and juicy every time.
Tender and Juicy!
- So simple! The whole family will love these air fryer boneless pork chops and you’ll love how easy they are to make!
- Pork chops are versatile, affordable, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Make extra to enjoy all week long.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Pork Chops – This recipe uses boneless pork chops about ¾-inch thick. If using thinner pork chops, you’ll need to cook them for less time, while bone-in chops will need a few minutes more.
Brine (optional) – A brine is a mixture of water, salt, and sugar that makes pork chops tender and flavorful. This brine is optional but it is recommended for the best results. No time to brine? Add a teaspoon of salt to the rub mixture instead.
Rub – In addition to salt and pepper – brown sugar, chili powder, and garlic powder add great flavor. You can add other herbs/spices like paprika or onion powder.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are fast and easy.
- If using the optional brine, cool it and brine the chops for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Season pork chops with the brown sugar rub.
- Cook pork chops according to the recipe below (400°F for 12 minutes).
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
No Air Fryer? No Problem!
Pork chops are easy to make in the oven too!
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
- Avoid crowding the basket so the hot air can freely circulate around the food.
- Cook times depend on the thickness of the meat; it’s easy to overcook pork chops so check them early.
- For juicy pork chops, cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove them from the air fryer at 140°F as the temperature will rise as they rest (carryover cooking).
Leftovers?
Keep leftover air-fried pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer.
Serve as-is or slice and add to a veggie stir fry, ramen noodles, or a chilled Asian salad.
Did you love these Air Fryer Pork Chops? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
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This air fryer pork chops recipe is an easy family favorite! Here are more air fryer recipes you’ll love.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
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 granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For the Brine (OPTIONAL)
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In a medium saucepan, combine water, salt, sugar and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the salt and sugar are dissolved, remove from heat and cool completely.
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Place the pork chops in a large bowl or freezer bag. Pour the cooled brine over the pork chops and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
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Drain well, discard the brine, and pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
To Air Fry The Pork Chops
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper (if you are not using the brine, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt).
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Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits in the fat cap on the sides of the pork chops. Massage the rub into both sides of the pork chops.
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Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes or until chops reach 140°F. Do not overcook.
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Transfer the chops to a plate and let rest for 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
Cuisine American
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More Favorite Pork Chop Recipes
Thank you, thank you! I was determined to learn how to cook a tender pork chop and this worked wonderfully! I purchased what my grocery store called pork rib eyes so they are boneless and pretty thick. I followed your recipe, cooked 2 in my little air fryer. It took a little less cooking time, they turned out great.
So happy this recipe worked out well for you!
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!