Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
These air fryer thin pork chops are a weeknight lifesaver. Using a savory dry rub and a fast air-fry method, you get juicy, tender boneless chops in about 10 minutes without the need for breading or marinating.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 184kcal
Ingredients
- 4 thin-cut boneless pork chops (approx. ½-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon dry pork rub recipe below - store leftovers in a jar for future use
Homemade Pork Rub
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Preheating ensures the pork chops begin browning immediately to lock in those juices.
- Season: Pat the chops dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil (or a thin layer of Dijon mustard). In a small bowl, mix your rub: 2 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Coat the pork generously on all sides, using your hands to press the spices into the meat.
- Air Fry: Place the chops in the basket in a single layer. Do not overlap. Air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through at the 5-minute mark. Start checking the internal temp with a meat thermometer at the 8-minute mark. Pull the pork chops when they reach 145°F.
- Rest: Transfer them to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute so they don't run out the moment you cut into them.
Video
Notes
- Check Early: Every air fryer is different. Thinner chops can finish as early as 7 or 8 minutes. Always pull at 145°F to prevent them from drying out.
- No Oil Option: You can swap the oil for a thin layer of Dijon mustard to help the seasoning stick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 2 minutes to keep them from getting rubbery.
Nutrition
Serving: 3oz | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.3g | Protein: 25.9g | Fat: 8.4g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Cholesterol: 71.4mg | Sodium: 237.7mg | Potassium: 408.9mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1.6g | Vitamin A: 24.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 27.5mg | Iron: 1.3mg
