Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

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Try thin pork chops in the air fryer for an easy dinner recipe that takes minimal effort and time!  This delicious pork chop recipe requires simple ingredients and only a few minutes of prep time. Now, you can have juicy pork chops on your table in just 15 minutes! 

Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is your new best friend for cooking pork chops quickly with great results. The air fryer’s hot air circulation makes for perfectly cooked pork chops that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer is a great alternative for people limiting their fat consumption because it requires less oil. It also cooks food faster than conventional techniques. You can skip turning on the oven or use the oven for your side dishes!

How Thin Are Thin-Cut Pork Chops?

Thin-cut pork chops are a popular choice for quick and easy cooking. These chops are typically sliced to a thickness of about ½ inch, which makes them cook faster and allows for more even cooking. The thinness of these pork chops also means that they tend to be more tender and juicy than their thicker counterparts. As an added bonus, thin pork chops absorb flavors and seasonings more readily, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Air Fried Pork Chops Ingredients

To make delicious thin pork chops in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless thin-cut pork chops: You can buy these from the grocery store already pre-cut to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. I used boneless thin cut center cut pork loin chops, to be precise.
• Olive oil: Coating the pork chops with olive oil helps achieve a crispy exterior and adds a subtle flavor.
• Garlic powder: This versatile ingredient enhances the savory taste of the pork chops, adding a hint of garlic flavor.
• Paprika: Paprika lends a mild and slightly smoky flavor to the pork chops.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a burst of aromatic flavors. If you don’t have this available, you can make your homemade Italian seasoning.
• Onion powder: Adding onion powder to the seasoning mixture adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the pork chops.
• Freshly ground pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and enhances the overall taste of the pork chops.
• Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the pork chops, bringing out their natural flavors.

By using this simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, you can create perfectly seasoned and crispy thin pork chops using your air fryer in just a few minutes. Easy dinner recipes that require 15 minutes or less, like this Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi, are my favorite for when I am short on time. If I can plan ahead, I love making use of my crockpot for dishes like Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella.

How to Cook Boneless Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Cooking these air fried boneless pork chops is easy with just a few simple steps.  

Step One:  Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to ensure that the pork chops cook evenly. Set the air fryer to 375°F (191°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Prepare Seasoning Mix

While your air fryer is preheating, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, freshly ground pepper and salt.

Step Three: Season the Pork Chops

Drizzle the olive oil over your pork chops, then season with your spices.  Make sure to season both sides of the chops generously.

Step Four: Cook the Pork Chops

Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and the model of your air fryer. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the recommended internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will help you achieve fully cooked, juicy pork chops every time.

Step Five: Rest and Serve

Once the pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to be redistributed, resulting in juicier chops.

Recipe Variations And Substitutions

There are many different spice combinations you can use when cooking thin pork chops in an air fryer. Here are a few tasty alternatives and tweaks that can take this dish to the next level, from the standard bone-in pork chops to luscious, boneless thick-cut pork chops.

Add additional heat with some red pepper flakes or ground mustard in addition to using a flavor combination. Smoked paprika, rather than regular paprika, can be used in seasoning blends for a smokey flavor. If you’re looking to switch things up from the standard olive oil flavor, try substituting avocado oil instead.

Bone-in or Thick-Cut Pork Chops: If you’re using bone-in pork chops, slightly adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely. Increase the cook time by an extra minute or two per side for thicker bone-in chops. If you use thicker boneless pork chops, the cooking time will need to increase to 14 to 17 minutes or longer, depending upon exact thickness of your pork chop. Regardless of thickness, you’ll want to cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (68°C).

Consider using this method to make other cuts of pork such air fryer pork belly, country style pork ribs, or pork loin for great results!

Can you put frozen pork chops in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen pork chops in an air fryer. Air fryers are known for their ability to quickly cook frozen foods to crispy perfection, and pork chops are no exception. To adjust this recipe, cook your frozen pork chops for a few minutes in the air fryer at 380°F to defrost them, then follow the remaining steps in the recipe. 

When it comes to serving thin pork chops cooked in an air fryer, there are numerous delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comforting side dish for juicy pork chops. Top them with a dollop of butter or gravy for added flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or radishes in the air fryer creates an irresistible char and enhances their natural sweetness.
• Vegetable Salad: A fresh and crisp salad with your favorite vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the pork chops as will a simple tomato cucumber salad.
• Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice pilaf with herbs and spices pairs wonderfully with the flavorful pork chops. It’s a versatile side dish that can be customized to your taste.
• Pasta Salad: Your favorite cold pasta salad, such as this creamy bowtie pasta salad, makes a delicious accompaniment to the pork chops.
• Crispy Potato Wedges: Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer potato wedges provide a delightful contrast to the juicy pork chops.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

Love cooking with your air fryer? Me, too! Here are a few more tasty recipes you can make with minimal effort in your air fryer!

• Air Fryer Donuts with Biscuits
• Red Potatoes in Air Fryer
• Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer
• Cooking Brats in Air Fryer
• Tilapia Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings Dry Rub