Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Learn how to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer; it’s easy, economical, and takes less than 10 minutes. And you can serve these tender pork chops with almost any side you like.

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close up golden air fried chops on a black plate with herbs.

Cooking thin pork chops in the air fryer is so easy! Seasoned with simple spices, these juicy chops are quickly prepared, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. They are ideal for busy weeknights, making a delightful main dish that’s ready in minutes.

Pair the air-fried thin pork chops with our Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread Baguette, Sauteed Sweet Potatoes, French Green Beans, or a simple salad with Yogurt Dressing.

And if you have thick-cut pork chops with the bone in, learn how to cook Bone-In Pork Chops in the Air Fryer.

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Why should you cook thin pork chops in the air fryer?
Recipe ingredients
How to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer?
How long does it take to cook thin-cut pork chops in the air fryer?
Other tips
Recipe FAQ
How to store and reheat?
What to serve with them?
More pork recipes
More air fryer meat recipes
Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Why should you cook thin pork chops in the air fryer?

Quick and efficient: This kitchen appliance cooks chops faster than traditional methods. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner in no time.
Healthier option: Air frying requires little to no oil. By using the air fryer, you can achieve crispy and delicious pork chops with significantly less fat and fewer calories.
Crispy yet juicy: The hot air creates a crispy and golden-brown exterior on the meat, but due to the shorter cooking time, air-fried thin pork chops remain juicy and tender on the inside; the hot air seals in the natural juices, making the meat juicier and more flavorful.
Easy cleanup and, especially, no splattering oil.

Recipe ingredients

four raw thin cut pork chops on a plate, a bowl with oil and a small plate with spices.

Thin pork chops:

They are boneless cuts of pork that have been sliced thinly, typically about ¼ to ½ inch thick. They are taken from various parts of the pig, such as the loin or the rib section.
The pieces cook relatively quickly compared to thicker cuts, and their thinness allows for faster and more even cooking.
The thin boneless pork chops I had weighed 3 oz/ 85 g and were ⅓ inch/ almost 1 cm thick. The safe internal temperature was reached after 5 minutes of cooking time.

Oil:

Vegetable or olive oil helps the spices adhere to the boneless chops and help achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Spices:

I used a mixture of fine sea salt (or kosher salt), ground black pepper, brown sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
These are the spices I used, but rest assured that you can use almost any spices or spice rub you like.
For instance, you could try our Pork Seasoning for Ribs, the super hot Peri Peri Seasoning, our Pork Roast Seasoning, Ground Beef Seasoning, or any other homemade or store-bought seasoning mix for meat or dry rub.

How to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer?

Preheat the machine to 375°F/190°C for about 3 minutes or according to its instructions.
Spice mixture: Mix all the spices in a small bowl.
Season: Dry the meat with a paper towel and rub it with the oil to coat it lightly all over. Season liberally with the seasoning mixture (1).

four seasoned uncooked thin cut chops on a large plate.

Place the seasoned pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (2).
Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops (3).
Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should be 145°F/63°C.
Rest the meat for a few minutes before serving.

collage of two pictures of pork chops before and after cooking in the air fryer basket.

How long does it take to cook thin-cut pork chops in the air fryer?

Check the thickness of the chops; it makes a lot of difference. Overcooking the meat will make it tough and dry, and that’s no joy.
It’s preferable to check too soon and do it repeatedly than wait for the recommended cook time to be over and then realize it was too long for your thin chops.
Choose pieces that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
A meat thermometer (the Amazon link opens in a new tab) ensures perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer pork chops.
Remove them from the air fryer when they reach 145°F/63°C. The temperature will also rise slightly during the 2-3 minute resting time.

Other tips

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; leave a bit of space between the meat pieces. If needed, cook in batches to maintain proper air circulation.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Recipe FAQ

Can I cook frozen thin pork chops in the air fryer?

Yes. However, remember that cooking times will be slightly longer than when using thawed pork chops.
It's recommended to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I bread the meat before cooking?

Yes. As breading can affect cooking times and the overall texture, it’s recommended to use a thin and even layer of breading and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat cooks through and the breading becomes crispy.

How do I prevent the thin pork chops from drying out in the air fryer?

They can dry out if overcooked or cooked at high temperatures for too long. To prevent drying, ensure not to overcook them and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they reach the desired internal temperature.
Using a small amount of oil, and avoiding overcrowding the basket, can also help retain moisture.

How to store and reheat?

Refrigerate leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat.
Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 365°F/ 190°C for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.

close up golden brown thin cut pork chops.

What to serve with them?

More pork recipes

More air fryer meat recipes

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