These air fryer pork chops cook fast, stay juicy, and develop a well-seasoned, golden exterior without any fuss. This recipe is designed specifically for lean, boneless loin chops — a cut that’s easy to overcook, but turns out reliably tender in the air fryer when done right.
Why this recipe works
A lot of air fryer pork chop recipes land in one of two camps: dry, or bland. This one avoids both by doing a few small things on purpose.
- Lean boneless loin chops cook evenly in the controlled heat of the air fryer
- Preheating the air fryer leads to quick searing and better browning
- We add our oil before the seasoning so the pork chops are seasoned evenly
- Cooking to temperature (not time alone) prevents drying out
If you’ve struggled with dry pork chops in the past, this method is the fix. The air fryer does the heavy lifting — your job is simply not to overcook them.
Printable Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (about ¾–1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Feel free to use canola oil or any cooking oil you prefer.)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (I always use either Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence. You can even use just dried parsley if that’s what you have.)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- cracked black pepper (to taste)
Tips
- Pork chops: You want to go for the lean, boneless loin chops here. Other cuts of pork may need a longer cooking time than the loin chops.
- Optional marinade: If you have extra time and want deeper flavor, you can marinate the pork chops ahead of time using a simple pork chop marinade — just pat dry lightly before air frying.
- Seasoning: Massaging the seasoning into the pork makes it more flavorful. But if you prefer not to touch the meat much, brushing with oil and sprinkling the seasoning still works!
Instructions
- Prep:Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. Get your ingredients ready.Note: The preheating step is important — starting with a hot air fryer helps the pork chops brown quickly instead of steaming.
- Prepare the pork chops:Pat the pork chops dry, then place them in a bowl with the olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.Note: Removing surface moisture helps with browning, and oil first ensures even seasoning.4 boneless pork loin chops, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Season the pork chops:Mix the seasoning together, then add to the pork chops. Gently toss or massage the seasoning into the meat for the best flavor coverage.1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, cracked black pepper
- Air fry:Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping so the hot air can circulate properly.Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes (exact time will depend on the thickness of your chops, the safe internal temperature according to the USDA is 145°F). Note: Flipping halfway is optional — it helps slightly with browning but isn’t required.
- Serve:Allow the pork chops to rest for 3 minutes, then serve immediately.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
make your kitchen smell like home?Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops FAQs
This recipe is written specifically for boneless pork loin chops. Bone-in chops cook differently and will need a longer cook time. If you use them, expect to adjust timing and always check doneness with a thermometer.
About ¾ to 1 inch thick works best. Very thin chops cook too fast and dry out; extra-thick chops may need a few additional minutes.
Yes. This seasoning blend is neutral and flexible. Cajun seasoning, steak seasoning, or a simple garlic-and-herb mix all work well. Just keep the oil-first method for even coverage and browning.
The safest way is to use a thermometer. Pork is done at 145°F, and these chops are best after a 3 minute rest, then served immediately. Overcooking is what causes dryness, not the air fryer – although pork chops can get dry and tough if they are left to sit for too long after cooking.
The most common reasons for dry pork chops when you air fry them are:
skipping preheating
using a different or a very thin cut of pork
cooking past 145°F
letting the chops sit too long after cooking
How to serve
These pork chops are a staple protein and flexible, which makes them easy to pair with simple sides.
- Fast carbs:
Lemon rice, mashed potatoes, creamy orzo - Easy vegetables:
Roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, sautéed Zucchini - Something fresh:
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or cucumber salad - Optional dip (if you feel like it):
Chipotle mayo, yogurt ranch or dill dip
Susan Smith says
Delicious
Nora says
I’m so glad, Susan!
Sandy says
I made this recipe with the pork tenderloins
I made 3 using the marinade. I left in fridge for 2 hours. Followed the rest of the recipe exactly and they turned out so tasty and moist. My favorite air fryer recipe for boneless pork for sure!!
Sandy says
Omg .these pork loin chops were awesome. I did the marinade provided first for about 2 hours. I still put the other seasonings on along with the ones in marinade. i had 3 thick pork loins air fried for 6 and then 6 more minutes after I flipped them. These were so moist and yummy. Will definitely make again!!
Valerie S Vincent says
I am going to marinate these overnight tonight, with your marinade, and air fry tomorrow. Will I still have to season them or no because of the marinade? Thank You!!
Nora says
I think you’ll be fine without seasoning, Valerie!
Janet m. says
always tender & juicy! can use for chicken also.
Nancy says
The pork chops were amazing. They were easy to make and very juicy. We loved them.
Maria says
I loved this recipe! quick and easy to make, and oh so delicious. I added 3 more minutes, so it was done in 13 min at 370. I also made white rice, and carrots with summer squash o the side. my compliments to the chef!
Ashley says
wonderful steak! I used herbs de provence for my herb blend because that’s what I had most on hand and although it was a little salty in some bites everyone liked this recipe! (might have been my own failure to mix the seasoning well enough or the fact that I had 3 steaks but made the same amount of seasonings!) will bookmark this recipe for future use! thanks so much!
Linda Miller says
The chops were very flavourful and tender. This is the first time I have air fried pork chops and it won’t be the last. My husband loved them. I used Herbs de Provence and followed the recipe.
Susan Banks says
Made this tonight following the directions (used boneless sirloin chops, air fryer for 9 minutes, coated the chops in olive oil, chose McCormick Mesquite Marinade packet for seasoning – no actual marinade time, just used the seasoning). This recipe made the most juicy, delicious pork chops I’ve ever had! I usually don’t care for pork because it’s too dry. This recipe solves that issue. Very juicy! Very simple to make. Very delicious!
Sheri Cates says
Moist, flavorful. Everyone loved them and they were so easy to make. Thank u
PORTIA says
Oh nvmd about my last comment, I see it now! Sorry! Cooked them and they turned out great!
Nora says
Glad you found the instructions, Portia, and glad the pork chops turned out well!
Portia says
I don’t see anywhere where you list temperature and time to air fry the pork chops….
Sonia Vieira says
I have been cooking for 30 years. Who would have thought that putting the pork slices in the Air Fryer would produce such amazing results? I loved it and the recipe was spot on, time and flavor wise. My kids were fighting for the last slice. Thank you!
Gloria says
Hi Nora ! I made these delicious pork chops for dinner last night. They were sooo good ! I followed the recipe exactly, but the only change I made was using dried sweet basil, the only herb I had. Also I prepared them a few hours before and put them in the fridge. Thanks so much for this recipe and making it so easy to follow! I will definitely be looking for more of your air fryer recipes!!
Nora says
I’m so glad, Gloria!
Steve says
This is one of the few Internet recipes I have tried that actually lived up to the hype. It was just as described – juicy and flavorful. Next time however I’ll cut back on the salt in the spice mixture. Although it may have been too salty because I used 3 chops rather than 4. But still, it was excellent
Nora says
Steve, it may have been too much salt for 3 chops – but it could also be that your salt has a different volume than mine. Salt can be a tricky thing to measure out for recipe development, because different kinds of salt can taste/measure quite differently. I’m glad it was still a great recipe for you, though!
Sandi says
What setting in the air fryer do you use? I have air fry, air roast and bake.
Nora says
Sandi, I just have a regular old air fryer without any special settings. I’m guessing you would choose air fry.
Stephanie Blevins says
I am a huge cook but looking to simplify my life while maintaining the level of food we are used to. I am shocked at how good these chops are – simple and fabulous! I roasted a bunch of veggies in oven with a similar marinade. Passed my foodie test!!
Nora says
I’m so glad, Stephanie! And same reaction from my husband and myself when we first tried air frying pork chops – it’s unbelievable how good they are.
Linda says
My daughter had a stroke Dec 2019. I am re-acquainting her with cooking for herself. She loved this recipe. Simple, easy, readily available ingredients. Couldn’t ask for more.
Nora says
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Linda. I’m so glad this recipe is helping your daughter cook again.