Name: Juicy Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops (1 1/2 - 2 inches thick); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ tablespoon salt; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground thyme

Air fryer bone-in pork chops are the perfect way to get a nice crispy crust on the outside of your pork chops while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Seasoned with a quick and simple homemade dry rub that's made with chili powder and smoked paprika for a hint of smokey spice and brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Two pork chops on a plate with a knife and fork. One pork chop is sliced.

This is going to your new favorite way to cook pork chops! When the weather is nice, you can't beat grilled pork chops, but when you're stuck inside or just looking for a quick way to get a delicious dinner on the table, this is the best way to do it!

It's a great alternative to searing pork chops on the stove. It's lot less messy and you're still able to get that nice crust on the outside of the chops that we all love!

Why you'll love this recipe

Tender, juicy pork chops. Cooking thick bone-in pork chops in the air fryer always results in the perfectly juicy, tender chops with the best crispy exterior.
Homemade sweet and savory dry rub. Simple homemade seasoning blend made with chili powder for hint of spice and brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. It's extremely delicious on pork chops! I also use a version of this when making pork roast!
Quick dinner. Season the pork chops while the air fryer preheats, then air fry for 10-15 minutes. Simple, quick and delicious!

Ingredients

Pork chops. Thick-cut bone-in pork chops that are 1 ½ - 2 inches thick are best. You'll get a nice crispy crust on the outside but still have a tender, juicy center.
Olive oil. Avocado oil would work as well.
Brown sugar.
Salt.
Smoked paprika. Regular paprika can be substituted.
Chili powder.
Onion powder.
Garlic powder.
Black pepper.
Ground thyme.

*Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list with measurements.

How to make the best air fryer bone-in pork chops

Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is my absolute favorite way to cook them! The air fryer gives you a crispy crust on the pork chops, similar to what you would achieve searing them in skillet on the stove but with a lot less mess. Here's an overview with some helpful tips.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting. Let the air fryer run at 400°F for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the pork chops.
Step 2: Season the pork chops. Using a simple homemade dry rub that adds a hint of spice from chili powder and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Be generous when seasoning the pork chops and rub it in to make sure it sticks.
Step 3: Air fry the pork chops. Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until your desired internal temperature. I like to cook mine to an internal temperature of 155°F. They're still tender and juicy but no longer pink on the inside.
Step 4: Let rest. Remove the chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. When cooking the pork chops, the juices are drawn to the outside, but letting the chops rest allows the juices to reabsorb into the pork.

*Scroll down to the recipe card for the full instructions.

pork dry rub in a bowl — Mix together a quick and simple dry rub using pantry-staple spices.

pork chop on a plate sprinkled with dry rub — Pat the pork chops dry, drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle generously with dry rub.

The best internal temperature for pork chops

I highly recommend using a digital meat thermometer when cooking any meat to ensure you don't overcook it, which can result in dry, tough meat. For pork chops, here are the internal temperatures.

Rare: 140 degrees F.
Medium-rare: 145-150 degrees F.
Medium: 150-155 degrees F.
Medium-well: 155-160 degrees F.
Well: 160 degrees F.

I like to cook pork chops to around 155°F. They are still tender and juicy at this temperature with minimal pink in the center. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the pork chops will continue to rise about 5 degrees after they're removed from heat.

When it comes to meat thermometers, I like to use a bluetooth thermometer that is oven safe. You insert the thermometer into the meat before it goes into the oven, and you're able to read the internal temperature through an app on your phone. It's the best! Click here for a link to the one I use.

You can definitely use a regular instant read digital thermometer. You will just have to pull the meat out and check periodically.

close up of a sliced pork chop on a plate with a knife and fork

Frequently asked questions

How long should you cook pork chops in an air fryer?

The cooking time for air fryer pork chops depends on the thickness of the chops and the degree of doneness you prefer. Air fry pork chops at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remember that after you remove the chops from the heat, the internal temperature will continue to rise another 5 degrees while resting.

How to prevent pork chops from drying out in the air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops don't overcook, resulting in a dry pork chop. I recommend cooking to no more than 155°F for an internal temperature, which is considered medium-well. A well done pork chop will be on the drier side.

Is it better to cook pork chops at 350 or 400?

Cooking pork chops at a higher oven temperature, such as 400°F, allows the pork chops to develop a crispy crust on the outside.

What temperature do you cook bone-in pork chops?

Air fry your pork chop at 400°F to get a crispy crust on the outside and a tender, juicy inside.

What is the secret to juicy and tender pork chops?

For tender and juicy pork chops, you want to cook up thick pork chops. I recommend at least 1 inch thick or more, but ideally 1 ½ - 2 inches thick. This ensures you're able to get a nice crust on the outside without overcooking the inside, keeping it juicy and tender.

What cooking method is best for pork chops?

Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is my favorite because it gives you a nice, crispy crust on the outside of the pork chop and a tender, juicy inside.

two pork chops on a plate with a knife and fork sitting next to a glass of beer and a pinch bowl with salt

Helpful tips

Pat the pork chops dry. This removes excess moisture, allowing the dry rub to create a nice crispy crust on the outside of the chops.
Thick pork chops. I like to use pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. You can use thinner pork chop, but the pork chops will cook fast. With thick pork chops you're able to get a nice crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Bring pork chops to room temperature. If time allows, remove the pork chops from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, allowing them to come to room temperature for more even cooking.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Don't overlap the pork chops and ideally there should be space between each pork chop.
Use a meat thermometer. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking pork chops to ensure you don't overcook or undercook them. Overcooking will leave you with a dried pork chop. You can use an instant read meat thermometer and check the chops periodically or you can use a bluetooth meat thermometer that is oven-safe, which is what I love to use! It connects to an app on my phone and makes cooking meat almost foolproof.
Let the pork chops rest. Once the chops finish cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Storing and reheating

Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Best reheated in the airy fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until warm.

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

If you're in the mood for comfort food, I recommend serving pork chops with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. Otherwise, you can never go wrong with a delicious pasta salad or potato salad!

close up of a sliced pork chop on a plate

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