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Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air fryer pork chops with a deeply golden spice crust all over and juicy, perfectly cooked centers in just 12 minutes. This quick pork chop recipe keeps the outside crisp while reaching a safe 145°F finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rest 3 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork chops and seasoning
  • 4 pork chops boneless or bone-in, about 1 inch thick
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 4 lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Season the pork chops
  1. Pat the pork chops dry, then brush them with olive oil so the coating adheres evenly. For best results, pat until the surface looks matte rather than wet.
  2. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops. Make sure every side is coated, including edges.
Air fry
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. This helps the crust set quickly so it turns golden.
  2. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping. Leave space between chops so hot air can circulate.
  3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes total, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the crust is golden. Watch for a deeply golden, spice-speckled exterior all over.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the pork chops for 3 minutes before serving to let juices redistribute. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for brightness.

Notes

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer and pull the chops at exactly 145°F for juiciness—carryover heat finishes them without drying. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a lower-sodium option, reduce salt and use more black pepper and dried thyme for flavor.