An air fryer is a must-have kitchen gadget for anyone looking to prepare easy, healthy, and delicious meals with minimal effort. Compact and efficient, it takes up little counter space, requires no additional frying oils, and uses hot air circulation to deliver consistently crispy results. From chicken wings and burgers to ribs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even pork chops, the possibilities are nearly endless.
While pork chops are traditionally cooked in a pan or on the grill—methods that demand time, energy, and constant attention—an air fryer simplifies the process. Chef Chris Nirschel of New York Catering Service recommends this handy tool for cutting your cooking time in half while still producing a juicy, flavorful pork chop in under 15 minutes.
"My secret to a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious pork chop is, surprisingly, an air fryer. It guarantees a perfectly juicy, flavorful pork chop every time," says Chef Chris Nirschel.
Keep reading to discover Chef Nirschel's expert tips for making the ultimate air fryer pork chops. And for more cooking inspiration, don’t miss The 5 Healthiest Oils to Cook With—and 5 to Avoid.
How to Cook Pork Chops in Your Air Fryer
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat the air fryer.
Step 2: Season and place pork chops in the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Cook your pork chops in the air fryer.
Step 4: Let rest and serve.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat the air fryer.
Before you get started, gather all the essentials: your pork chops, favorite seasonings (details below), and ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. Once everything is prepped, Chef Nirschel suggests preheating your air fryer to 400°F for optimal results.
When it comes to choosing an air fryer, the chef’s top pick is the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer (pictured), but he assures that any air fryer will work just fine for this recipe.
Step 2: Season and place pork chops in the air fryer basket.
Feel free to use any seasonings you like, or try Chef Nirschel’s signature spice rub recipe, which you’ll find at the end of this guide for inspiration. Once you’ve prepared your rub, Chef Nirschel advises: “Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then evenly coat both sides with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well covered.”
Before placing the pork chops in the air fryer, Chef Nirschel suggests: “Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.” Then, “Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each chop to ensure even cooking.”
Step 3: Cook your pork chops in the air fryer.
With your air fryer preheated and your pork chops perfectly seasoned, it’s time to cook them to perfection!
“Cook the pork chops at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time,” says Chef Nirschel. “Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your pork chops, so be sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.”
To ensure your pork is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This simple step guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.
Step 4: Let rest and serve.
Now comes the best part: enjoying your perfectly cooked pork chops!
“Once the pork chops are cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown crust, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving,” says Chef Nirschel. “This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.”
Not sure what to pair with your pork chops? Chef Nirschel suggests serving them with “mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad” for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Chef Nirschel's Air Fryer Pork Chop Spice Rub:
Mix these flavorful ingredients to your taste, and you’ll have a quick and delicious spice rub for your pork chops:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Combine everything well, and voilà—your perfect pork chop seasoning is ready to elevate your dish!