Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Crispy Outside, Tender Inside)
These are the pork chops that finally convinced me pork doesn’t have to be dry. The air fryer gives them a gorgeous golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. It’s quick, low-mess, and honestly hard to mess up once you do it this way.
What You’ll Need
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Optional Finish
A small pat of butter
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)
Lemon wedges
How to Make Them
Bring the pork chops out early
Let the chops sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Season generously
Pat the chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and herbs. Make sure to season the edges too.
Preheat the air fryer
Set it to 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Air fry
Place the pork chops in the basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
Cook for 10 minutes
Flip, then cook another 6–8 minutes
They’re done when the internal temp hits 145°F.
Rest before serving
Remove the chops and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step matters — it keeps all those juices inside.
Finish & serve
Top with a little butter or a squeeze of lemon if you like. Simple and perfect.
Helpful Tips
Thicker chops stay juicier than thin ones — aim for at least 1 inch.
If your chops are thinner, reduce cooking time by a few minutes.
For extra crust, lightly spray the chops with oil before cooking.
What to Serve With
Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
Green beans or Brussels sprouts
Applesauce or a simple side salad