Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

Name: Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: center-cut bone-in pork chops (Note 1); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt (or kosher salt); ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika (Notes 2, 3)

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Try these deliciously crispy and tender air fryer bone-in pork chops. This 2-step recipe is ready in under 15 minutes and needs just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights!

one golden pork chop on a plate with side dishes.

Get ready to savor a delightful meal with our easy-to-follow air fryer bone-in pork chop recipe.

Cooking pork chops in the air fryer offers a fantastic alternative to traditional frying or baking methods. You can achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior using the hot air while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

The intense heat quickly sears the meat, sealing in the natural juices, resulting in a moist and tender texture. Plus, using an air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option without compromising taste.

Try more of our pork chop recipes: Pork Chops in Milk Marinade, Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes, or Pork Chop Burgers. For more easy air fryer recipes, have a look at our Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners.

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Recipe ingredients
How to cook bone-in pork chops in the air fryer?
How long does it take to air fry bone-in pork chops?
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQ
How to store and reheat?
How to serve?
More quick dinners in the air fryer
Recipe
Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

Recipe ingredients

raw bone-in pork chops, a bowl of spices and one of oil.

Pork chops: Choose thick, bone-in pork chops. The bone adds depth to the meat's taste and helps retain moisture during cooking.

Olive oil: A light coating ensures the meat achieves a crispy and golden exterior.

Dry rub ingredients: Fine sea salt or kosher salt and ground black pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika.

I love this combination of spices; the brown sugar makes the combo a bit sweet, the garlic and sweet paprika add a savory kick, and the smoked paprika infuses a smoky and slightly spicy note reminiscent of barbecue.

However, you can use any spices, seasoning blends, or dry rubs like a Mediterranean blend or Cajun seasoning. Be generous with the spices, and rub the meat pieces well before air-frying them.

How to cook bone-in pork chops in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3 minutes or as instructed by its instruction manual.
Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika.

Coat the bone-in chops: Pat them dry with a paper towel and lightly brush them with a little olive oil to help the spice rub adhere.
Sprinkle the dry rub generously on both sides, gently pressing it into the meat (1).

seasoned raw pork chops on a dark cutting board.

Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook them in batches (2).
Air fry pork chops, flipping them halfway through (3).

pork chops in air fryer basket before and after cooking.

Rest and serve: Remove them from the basket and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Serve them with Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, Shopska Salad, and Mint Yogurt Sauce, for instance.

How long does it take to air fry bone-in pork chops?

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of pieces, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C for safe consumption.

At this temperature, the meat may still be slightly pink in the middle, but it is considered safe to eat. The pink color in pork is no longer an indicator of doneness, as modern farming and food safety practices have significantly reduced the risk of trichinosis, a parasitic infection.

However, if you prefer your air fryer bone-in pork chops well-done, you can cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C.

As the thickness of the chops might vary, using an instant-read thermometer (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab) is the best way to ensure the meat has reached the desired level of doneness without being dry and while remaining safe to eat.

General cooking time guidelines

1 inch/ 3 cm - about 8 to 10 minutes
1 ½ inch/ 4 cm - about 10 to 12 minutes
Thicker pieces - add 1-2 minutes and check again.

Expert Tips

Remember, you must adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your cuts and the specifications of your air fryer.

Choose the right thickness: Opt for bone-in pork chops that are about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) thick. Thicker cuts will cook more evenly and retain moisture better.

Pat dry the meat with a paper towel before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps promote better browning and crispiness.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless meat may cook faster. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook them. Follow the recommended cooking time, and if you're using thin pork chops, reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different seasoning blend for the chops?

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. You can try herbs like thyme or rosemary, additional spices like cayenne pepper or cumin, or a pre-made seasoning blend/ dry rub that you enjoy.

How to store and reheat?

Refrigerator: Let the air-fried pork chops come to room temperature and refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, preferably overnight.
Reheat leftover pork chops in the preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the preheated air fryer (350°F/175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

close up of a golden bone-in pork chop on a plate.

How to serve?

We had these delicious pork chops as a main dish with stewed cabbage and soft Romanian polenta (images).

Roasted vegetables: roasted carrots or roasted whole cauliflower.

Mashed potatoes with garlic and Parmesan or mashed potatoes with spinach.

Grains: Bulgur salad, curried couscous salad, or buckwheat salad.

Sauces: Apple sauce, mustard-based sauces, BBQ sauce, hot peri peri sauce, or mint chimichurri.

Salad: Serve these juicy pork chops on a bed of mixed greens or alongside a fresh salad with yogurt dressing, vinaigrette, or cucumber salad.

More quick dinners in the air fryer

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