Craving juicy, tender pork chops? These Air Fryer Pork Loin Chops cook in just 15 minutes tops. This tried and true air fryer recipe locks in moisture for consistently flavorful and juicy pork chops, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for busy home cooks.
Why air fryer pork loin chops are on a weekly rotation
- Ready in 15 minutes - From prep to plate, these boneless pork chops cook quickly in the air fryer.
- Simple easy ingredients - The seasoning uses basic spices that are probably already in your pantry!
- Juicy and tender results - The air fryer cooks the pork loin chops quickly while locking in moisture.
- Easy and failproof - this recipe delivers restaurant quality results without the need for stovetop babysitting or long oven wait times.
What are Air Fryer Pork Loin Chops?
This recipe is made with boneless pork loin chops, seasoned and cooked in the air fryer instead of a grill, skillet, or oven. The air fryer circulates hot air rapidly around the food and cooks the meat evenly while creating a lightly crisp exterior. This recipe uses pork loin chops, which come from the loin section of the pig. They are lean, tender, and best cooked quickly.
Ingredients
- Pork loin chops - This air fryer recipe uses boneless pork loin chops about 1 ½ inch thick to prevent dryness and cooks quickly. You can also use bone-in pork chops, but make sure to add an extra minute or two in the air fryer.
- Olive oil - Helps the seasoning stick to the pork and promotes browning in the air fryer.
- Brown sugar - Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust as the pork cooks.
- Garlic - Provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with pork.
- Paprika - Adds mild smokiness and gives the pork chops a beautiful color.
- Onion powder - Balances the garlic and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cayenne pepper - Adds a small amount of heat. Adjust to taste if you prefer spicier pork chops.
- Ground pepper - Adds a mild peppery kick.
- Salt - Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Equipment Needed
I am using a Philips Premium Air Fryer that fits up to 2- 3 pork loin chops.
I’ve had the Philips air fryer for over 5 years and it has consistently cooked up great recipes like my air fryer panko breaded chicken wings, air fryer turkery meatballs, and so much more.
Any air fryer basket or oven-style air fryer will work, though cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model.
How to Make the Air Fryer Pork Loin Chops
1. Prep
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating, prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels.
2. Season
Mix all your dry ingredients together. Rub olive oil onto both sides of the pork loin chops.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops to create a flavorful dry rub.
3. Air fry pork loin chops.
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
Or until internal temp reaches 145 °F.
If using bone-in pork loin chops, add an extra minute to ensure it’s cooked through.
4. Rest and serve.
After air frying, allow the pork loin chops to rest for at least 2 minutes for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve it with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
Pork Loin Chops Cooking times in the Air Fryer?
Cooking times will vary based on whether the pork chops are bone-in or boneless as well as thickness. Thinner and boneless pork chops will take less time, while bone-in and thicker pieces will take more time.
Approximate air frying times at 400°F:
- Boneless (¾-inch thick): 9–10 minutes.
- Boneless (1 ½-inch thick): 11–12 minutes.
- Bone-In (1 ½-inch thick): 12–13 minutes.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Common Mistakes When Air Frying Pork Loin Chops
Air frying pork chops is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to dry or unevenly cooked meat.
- Skipping the preheat. Preheating the air fryer ensures the air fryer is hot enough to cook the pork chops evenly and develop a flavorful crust.
- Not drying the pork chops first. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and allows the surface to brown properly.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air. If the chops overlap, the air can’t circulate properly and the pork may steam instead of crisp.
- Overcooking. Pork loin is lean and can dry out quickly. Once it reaches 140-145°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest.
- Skipping the resting time. Letting pork chops rest for about 3 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them tender.
Seasoning Variations
Garlic Herb Pork Chops - Use garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This version tastes classic and pairs well with roasted vegetables.
BBQ Style -Finish with a light brush of barbecue sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Panko Crusted Pork- Make crispy breaded pork chops with panko breading and season with Italian herbs for bold flavor.
Spicy Cajun -Use Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for a bold, spicy version.
Side Dishes to Serve with Pork Loin Chops
- Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes with Skin - A classic pairing that makes this dish extra filling.
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli - For a healthy contrast to the rich meat, this air fryer broccoli recipe also keeps dinner an easy 30-minute cook using your trusty air fryer.
- Cold Orzo Broccoli Pasta Salad - If you want fiber, protein, and carbs in one meal, pair the air fryer pork chops boneless with this salad.
- Rice - A classic pairing if you need to load up on carbs. Alternatively, you can elevate your plain white rice by serving the pork loin chops with butter garlic rice, mushroom rice, or cilantro lime rice.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Cooked pork chops can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.
You can also freeze the pork chops while they are marinating. Simply coat the pork loin chops with the olive oil and dry rub, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed in the recipe.
Freezing them with the marinade can actually help the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply as they thaw.
Reheating: Microwaving is best to avoid drying out the meat. Reheat in 1 minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
No breading is required for air fryer pork loin chops. A dry rub with olive oil is simple and creates a flavorful crust.
Use thicker cuts (around 1 ½ inch or more) and rub them with oil before seasoning. Cook at 400°F for a short time and avoid overcooking past 140-145°F internal temperature. Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking.
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork chop. Pork is safely cooked when it reaches 140-145°F. If needed, return the chops to the air fryer for another 1–2 minutes until they reach the proper temperature.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Pork Loin Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pork loin chops, 1 ½ inch thick, boneless about 8 ounces
- tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper add ¼ teaspoon more if you like spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400
- Dry both sides of the pork with a paper towel
- Rub olive oil on both sides.
- Combine all seasoning in small bowl and evenly season both sides of the pork.
- Air fry for 11-12 minutes or until internal temp reaches 140-145 F.
Notes
- Boneless (¾-inch thick): 9–10 minutes.
- Boneless (1 ½-inch thick): 11–12 minutes.
- Bone-In (1 ½-inch thick): 12–13 minutes.
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