The short answer: Air fryer pork chops are one of the fastest ways to get a browned, juicy chop on the table with almost no cleanup. Cook 1-inch boneless air fryer pork chops at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 145°F inside, then rest them for 3 minutes. Thin chops take about 7 to 9 minutes and thick bone-in chops about 14 to 18.
Our picks for air fryer pork chops
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Below you'll find a time chart by cut and thickness, step-by-step directions, five easy rubs, sides and storage tips.
I love cooking, and pork chops are a smart buy when a family pack goes on sale. The air fryer makes them a true weeknight dinner.
Air fryer pork chop time and temperature chart
Times are for chops in a single layer in a preheated air fryer. Air fryers vary, so start checking with a thermometer at the low end.
| Pork chop | Thickness | Temperature | Cook time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin boneless | About ½ inch | 400°F | 7 to 9 min |
| Boneless | ¾ to 1 inch | 400°F | 10 to 14 min |
| Bone-in | About 1 inch | 400°F | 12 to 16 min |
| Thick-cut bone-in | 1¼ to 1½ inch | 380°F | 14 to 18 min |
| Breaded boneless | About 1 inch | 400°F | 12 to 14 min |
| Frozen boneless | About 1 inch | 380°F | 18 to 22 min |
Every cut is done at 145°F with a 3-minute rest, which is the safe minimum internal temperature for pork chops. Flip all of them halfway through.
How to make pork chops in the air fryer
- Dry the chops. Pat both sides with paper towels so they brown instead of steam.
- Oil and season. Brush or spray each chop with about 1 teaspoon of oil, then press on your rub.
- Preheat. Run the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange in one layer. Leave a little space between chops so the hot air reaches every side.
- Cook and flip. Air fry for half the time in the chart, flip with tongs, then finish cooking.
- Check the temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the thickest part, away from the bone. Pull the chops at 145°F.
- Rest. Let them sit on a plate for 3 minutes so the juices settle before you slice.
For extra-juicy chops, brine them first. Stir ¼ cup of kosher salt into 4 cups of water, soak the chops for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge, then rinse and pat dry. Skip added salt in the rub if you brine.
5 easy rubs for air fryer pork chops
Each rub covers 4 chops. Mix it in a small bowl and press it onto the oiled meat.
- Classic: 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder and paprika, plus ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Watch the last 2 minutes, since sugar browns fast.
- Ranch: 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning and a pinch of pepper.
- Italian: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cajun: 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Taste your blend first, since many already contain plenty of salt.
For breaded chops, dip each one in beaten egg, then press it into 1 cup of panko mixed with ¼ cup of Parmesan and your seasonings. Spray the tops with oil before cooking.
Common air fryer pork chop mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Thin, lean chops | They dry out before they brown | Buy ¾ to 1 inch thick, or cut the time |
| Crowded basket | Chops steam and stay pale | Cook in batches, one layer |
| No thermometer | Overcooked, tough meat | Pull at 145°F |
| Slicing right away | Juices run onto the board | Rest 3 minutes first |
| Wet surface | No crust | Pat dry before oiling |
Easy sides for pork chop night
Pick one side that cooks while the chops rest, or use the air fryer twice.
| Side | How to make it |
|---|---|
| Air fryer potatoes | See air fryer baked potatoes |
| Applesauce | Try this homemade applesauce |
| Green beans | Roast in the air fryer at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes |
| Rice | Steam a pot while the chops cook |
| Coleslaw | Toss bagged slaw with a quick dressing |
| Corn | Microwave frozen corn with butter |
Storing and reheating air fryer pork chops
Refrigerate cooked chops within 2 hours. Keep them out of the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F where bacteria grow fastest. Leftover chops keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and raw chops keep 3 to 5 days, according to the cold food storage chart. The USDA's guide to fresh pork from farm to table covers thawing and freezing in more detail.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also slice cold leftovers thin for fried rice, salads or sandwiches.
If you want to compare air fryer chops with pan-seared, baked and smothered versions, see our full guide to how to cook pork chops.
Plan your pork chop dinners
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Put pork chop night on the weekly grid and add chops, rub spices and sides to one list.
- Budget Planner Printable, $5.99. See how sale-priced family packs and freezer meals keep your grocery line on track.
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Save your favorite rub and the exact time that works in your air fryer.
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More easy dinners
- How to cook pork chops
- Ground pork recipes if the package is ground, not chops
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Easy dinner ideas
- Meal planning on a budget
See all of our air fryer recipes, including a 5-night air fryer dinner plan.
Meal Planner & Grocery List
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Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook pork chops in the air fryer? Air fry 1-inch boneless pork chops at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway. Thin chops (about ½ inch) need 7 to 9 minutes, and thick bone-in chops can take 14 to 18 minutes. Pull them when the thickest part reads 145°F.
What temperature do you air fry pork chops at? 400°F is the best air fryer temperature for pork chops. It browns the outside in the time it takes the center to reach 145°F. If your air fryer runs hot or your chops are very thick, use 380°F and add 2 to 3 minutes.
What internal temperature should air fryer pork chops reach? Air fryer pork chops are safely cooked at 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest. That's the USDA guideline for whole cuts of pork, and the center may still look a little pink, which is normal.
Do you flip pork chops in the air fryer? You should flip pork chops halfway through air frying. The side touching the basket browns less, so turning them gives both sides the same golden crust and helps them cook evenly.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pork chops? Preheating isn't required, but it gives air fryer pork chops a better sear. Run the empty air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or add about 2 minutes to the cook time if you skip it.
How do you keep air fryer pork chops from drying out? Choose chops at least ¾ to 1 inch thick, brush them with a little oil and pull them at 145°F. A 30-minute brine of 4 cups water and ¼ cup kosher salt adds extra insurance for thin or lean chops.
Can you cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Air fry them at 380°F for about 18 to 22 minutes for 1-inch boneless chops, season after the first 8 minutes once the surface thaws, flip halfway and check for 145°F.
Are boneless or bone-in pork chops better in the air fryer? Both work well in the air fryer. Boneless chops cook faster and fit the basket more easily, while bone-in chops take a few extra minutes and tend to stay a bit juicier near the bone.
Should you bread pork chops for the air fryer? You don't need to bread pork chops for the air fryer, because breading is optional. A simple rub gives a browned crust, while a panko and Parmesan coating makes them crunchy like fried chops. Spray breaded chops lightly with oil so the coating crisps instead of staying dusty.
How many pork chops fit in an air fryer at once? Most 5- to 6-quart air fryer baskets hold 2 to 4 pork chops in a single layer. Leave a little space between them so hot air can reach every side, and cook in batches rather than stacking.
How long do cooked pork chops last in the fridge? Cooked pork chops last 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a covered container. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat them to 165°F, or slice them cold for salads and sandwiches.
How do you reheat pork chops in the air fryer? Reheat cooked pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, until hot all the way through. A light brush of oil or a splash of broth on top keeps them from drying out.
How can I plan air fryer pork chops into a budget week? The Meal Planner & Grocery List from HomeBase Paper Co. ($3.99) lets you put a pork chop night on the weekly grid and add chops, a rub and sides to one shopping list. Buy a family pack on sale and freeze the rest in meal-size bags.
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Sources
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart (FoodSafety.gov) foodsafety.gov
- Fresh Pork from Farm to Table (USDA FSIS) fsis.usda.gov
- Cold Food Storage Chart (FoodSafety.gov) foodsafety.gov
- Danger Zone 40°F to 140°F (USDA FSIS) fsis.usda.gov