Simple Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: under 25 minutes (including time to preheat)
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: basting brush
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 9
Boneless pork chops are a great choice for quality lean protein without a lot of fuss! With the air fryer, easily prepare some chops with a simple mix of seasonings and grated parmesan that gives a flavorful, crispy texture in no time.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Boneless pork chops in the air fryer are a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
- Grated parmesan cheese and the seasoning combination add a crunchy coating. This gives a flavorful and unique element without the need for frying or mixing up lots of ingredients!
- Most people love a bit of fried food now and then, but it’s not usually worth the mess to prepare. With this tasty coating, you get a similar crisp but much healthier option than frying. Plus, there is less oil required!
- The air fryer is a go-to option when you need a meal with minimal cleanup. No need to get out frying or baking pans – just add the pork chops right into the air fryer basket. It’s also easy to make just 1 or 2 pork chops at a time or prepare more servings in batches.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless pork chops – Use pork chops that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick to allow even cooking in the allotted time. This recipe is enough for 4 pork chops, but depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them 2 at a time.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is a healthy option to lightly coat the pork chops, adding flavor and adhering all the cheese and seasonings to the meat for that crispy coating.
- Grated parmesan cheese – This is a tasty addition! Parmesan adds extra flavor and creates a nice, browned exterior.
- Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika gives a little depth to the seasoning and the smokiness pairs well with the parmesan.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – Add a little savory garlic and onion powder to balance the seasoning blend.
- Dried mustard powder – Dried mustard powder is always a good option when you want more complexity and a bit of earthy flavor in a recipe. This adds just what you need to complete the seasoning layer.
- Salt and pepper – Round out the mix with salt to draw out the flavor of the pork chops and pepper to add a bit of spice!
How To Make Boneless Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 ℉.
- Mix together cheese and seasonings in a small bowl.
- Coat both sides of the pork chops with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Dip the pork chops into the cheese mixture and press to secure the mixture to each side of the chop.
- Carefully place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 11-12 minutes.
- Adjust cooking time if pork chops are thicker or thinner, and ensure the pork is cooked to a minimum of 145 ℉.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket, and leave space between the chops for proper air circulation.
- Cooking time will vary based on the meat’s thickness. Use these approximate times:
- Thin cut (0.5 inch): 6 – 8 minutes
- Thick cut (1.5 inches): 10 – 12 minutes
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temp of 145 ℉.
- Since the pork chops are relatively thin, there is no need to flip them during cooking.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute before slicing or serving.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
This recipe also works for bone-in pork chops, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time by 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness. Also, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 145℉. You might also like this herb-crusted option for Juicy Bone-In Pork Chops.
To customize this recipe, get creative with the seasoning options! Create your own mix from pantry staples. Some ideas to try are Italian herbs, Cajun spices, or lemon pepper.
You can also create a seasoned crust with or without the cheese. For some added spice, include cayenne or chili powder for heat.
How To Serve Boneless Pork Chops
Seasoned pork chops make a delicious main meal option, and since these are so easy, you can get as creative as you like with the sides!
Put your air fryer to use and prep Air Fryer Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Zucchini for some nutritious sides.
Other tasty, easy options that would pair well with pork are Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Balsamic Tomato Salad!
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover pork chops in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to recreate the crispy texture.
These will also freeze well for up to 3 months. You may wish to place individual pork chops in single freezer bags or wrap each piece in parchment paper to preserve the coating when frozen. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer until the outside is crispy and the meat is heated in the middle.
Simple Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops about ¾ – 1 inch thick each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 ℉
- Mix together cheese and seasonings in a small bowl
- Coat both sides of pork chops with a thin layer of olive oil
- Dip pork chops into cheese mixture and press to secure mixture to each side of the chop
- Carefully place pork chops in air fryer basket and cook for 11-12 minutes
- Adjust cooking time if pork chops are thicker or thinner, and ensure pork is cooked to a minimum of 145 ℉
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer. To freeze for up to 3 months, wrap chops individually in parchment paper or store them in individual freezer bags to preserve the coating. Defrost in the fridge, and reheat in the air fryer.
- Leave space between the chops for proper air circulation. Since the pork chops are relatively thin, there is no need to flip them during cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temp of 145 ℉.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute before slicing or serving.
- Cooking time will vary based on the meat’s thickness. Use these approximate times:
- Thin cut (½ inch): 6 – 8 minutes
- Thick cut (1.5 inches): 10 -12 minutes
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops FAQs
- Why are my air fryer boneless pork chops tough? Pork chops can get tough in the air fryer if they are cooked too long or at too high of a temperature. It’s best to err on the side of caution and test them at the specified cooking time with an internal meat thermometer, and then add 2-3 more minutes if needed for doneness.
- What is the best way to keep boneless pork chops from drying out in the air fryer? To keep pork chops from drying out, be sure to coat them with olive oil to create a layer that will help seal in juices. Adding salt is also another way to preserve the juiciness.
