Air Fryer Thick Boneless Pork Chops (Juicy Every Time)
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Air Fryer Thick Boneless Pork Chops are one of those weeknight wins I lean on again and again. They’re seasoned with a simple pantry spice blend, cooked at 400°F, and ready in about 15 minutes.
No breading. No babysitting a skillet. Just juicy, flavorful pork chops that cook evenly every time.
If you’ve ever ended up with dry pork chops, this method fixes that.
Why I Trust this Cooking Method
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times using thick boneless pork chops ranging from 1 to 1½ inches. The biggest key to juicy results is pulling them at the right internal temperature and letting them rest before slicing. I’ve made these for weeknight dinners, for guests, and even when I needed something fast between activities, and they’ve never let me down.
Air fryers can vary slightly in heat, so I always recommend starting to check the temperature early. A simple instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out and guarantees tender pork every time. Once you dial in the timing for your air fryer, this becomes one of those recipes you can make almost without thinking.
Why You’ll Love
- Fast: Ready in 12–16 minutes.
- Juicy: Cooking at 400°F locks in moisture without overcooking.
- Pantry-Friendly: The spice blend uses ingredients you likely already have.
- Family-Approved: Mild enough for picky eaters, easy to adjust for heat lovers.
Cooking Times
Cook at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
- 1 inch thick: 9–11 minutes
- 1.25 inch thick: 11–13 minutes
- 1.5 inch thick: 13–15 minutes
Start checking temperature 2 minutes before the lowest time listed.
Remove the pork chops when they reach 143–145°F. They will continue cooking as they rest. Let rest 3–5 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Bring chops to room temperature (or close) before cooking.
- Always preheat the air fryer.
- Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Do not cook past 145°F or they may dry out. Most dry pork chop complaints come from overcooking.
- Use a thermometer. Every time.
Ingredients
Recipe Notes
- Boneless Pork Chops (Thick Cut) – Look for 1 to 1.5 inches thick for best results.
- Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Paprika – Adds smoky color and depth.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Celery Salt
- Brown Sugar – Helps create that subtle BBQ-style crust.
- Dried Mustard
- Pinch of Cayenne – If cooking for kids, you can skip the cayenne entirely.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, brown sugar, dried mustard, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Brush olive oil over one side of the pork and sprinkle with the seasoning rub. Turn and repeat on the second side.
Step 4: Place the pork chops in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Work in batches as needed.
Step 5: Bake for 12 minutes, turning half way through. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature is 145 remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Depending upon the thickness of the pork chops you may need to cook for an additional 1 – 3 minutes.
FAQ
Yes. Flipping halfway through ensures even browning on both sides.
Yes, but they may take 1–2 minutes longer depending on thickness.
They were likely overcooked. Use a thermometer and remove at 145°F.
What to Serve
I have served all of these with pork chops for my family.
- Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes: Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes are roasted with just a few simple ingredients, creating an easy meal.
- Asparagus Orzo: This parmesan orzo is great with BBQ flavors.
- Wedge Salad: A wedge salad looks “fancy” and goes perfectly with air fryer juicy pork chops.
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: The potatoes are brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt creating a crispy skin while keeping a fluffy and tender middle.
You can browse all of my 30-Minute Meals if you’re building a quick weeknight rotation.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store up to 3 days.
Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through.
Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!
Recipe
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Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Mustard
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper optional
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Boneless Pork Chops
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, brown sugar, dried mustard, onion powder and cayenne pepper.1 Tablespoon Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt, 1/2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Mustard, 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
- Brush olive oil over one side of the pork and sprinkle with spice blend. Turn and repeat on second side.1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- In a single layer add the pork chops to the air fryer basket.
- Bake for 12 minutes, turning halfway through. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature is 145, remove the pork and let it rest for 3 minutes.
Notes
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Make sure your pork chops are at room temperature and trimmed of any fat or gristle before placing them in the air fryer.
- Season Accordingly: Be generous with the seasoning and be sure to season all sides of the pork chops.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating will help ensure your pork chops get a nice golden-brown sear on the outside and stay moist on the inside.
- Don’t Overcook: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops, it’s important that you keep an eye on them so they don’t become dry! If you are making thin pork chops reduce the cook time to 8-10 minutes flipping halfway through.
- Use an Instant Read Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure you don’t overcook your pork chops.
Great idea!! I love this recipe! I have looked for different ways to prepare boneless pork chops and this is great!
Love it!
Fantastic recipe. Thank you for perfecting!
Really great recipe – they are very flavorful !! Thank you !