Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops Recipe

Are you tired of dry, tough pork chops? I’ve been there, but I found a game-changer – the air fryer! It cooks thin pork chops quickly, making them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

I promise this recipe will have you hooked after the first bite. It’s so easy and quick to make – no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty dinner in no time! Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes, making it the ideal recipe for busy weeknights.
• Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer delivers a crispy, golden crust while keeping the pork chop tender and juicy inside.
• Minimal Prep: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious meal with little effort.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning to match your flavor preferences.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings. Adjust the number of pork chops according to your needs.

Difficulty:
This recipe is beginner-friendly but can also be enjoyed by experienced cooks looking for a quick, tasty meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

• Air Fryer: The star of the show, providing that crispy finish without all the oil.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your pork chops are cooked to perfection (160°F is the safe internal temperature for pork).
• Bowl: For mixing your seasoning blend.
• Tongs or Tongs with Silicone Tips: To flip the pork chops in the air fryer basket.

Ingredients

To make these simple yet flavorful pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the pork.
• Paprika: Provides a mild smokiness that enhances the seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight kick of heat to the flavor profile.
• Ground Mustard: Brings tang and a touch of sharpness to the seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Onion Powder: Adds a savory depth to the seasoning mix.
• Garlic Powder: Complements the onion powder and adds a rich, garlicky flavor.
• Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that gives the pork an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the pork chops.
• Pork Chops (Thin Cut): Choose thin, boneless pork chops for quick cooking in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning

Start by gathering all your dry ingredients—brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. In a small bowl, mix these ingredients together until well combined. The sugar will help the pork chops achieve a beautiful caramelized crust in the air fryer, while the spices give them a rich and savory flavor.

2. Coat the Pork Chops

Pat your thin pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a crispier texture. Drizzle a little garlic olive oil over each pork chop and rub it in gently, ensuring the surface is evenly coated. Next, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the pork chops. You want each chop to be fully covered with that flavorful mix.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the pork chops cook evenly and gives them that golden-brown crust you’re looking for.

4. Cook the Pork Chops

Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to allow air circulation, which will help achieve the crispy texture. Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides cook evenly. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked.

5. Rest the Pork Chops

Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making the pork chops more tender and juicy when you cut into them.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

Air fryer thin pork chops are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair your pork chops with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• In a Salad: Slice the pork chops thinly and toss them into a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for these tender pork chops, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
• In a Sandwich: Make a quick and tasty sandwich by adding a pork chop to a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce.
• With Rice: Serve your pork chops over a bed of rice, whether it’s plain white, brown, or even a flavorful seasoned rice.

Garnishing Suggestions

For an extra touch of color and flavor, consider garnishing your pork chops with:

• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing citrus kick that pairs perfectly with the richness of the pork.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little extra heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.

Storing Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

• Leftovers: Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent them from drying out when reheating, cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave them in short intervals.
• Freezing: If you have extra pork chops, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheati

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the pork chops, always use a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest pork chops, make sure they’re arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
• Rest the Pork Chops: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures each bite is juicy and tender.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix based on your taste. Add a little cayenne pepper for heat or experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Protein	27g
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	320mg

Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops FAQs

Q: Can I use thick pork chops?
A: Yes, you can use thick pork chops, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker chops may require 15-18 minutes of cook time.

Q: Can I marinate the pork chops before cooking?
A: Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops for up to 2 hours can enhance the flavor, but it’s not necessary for a delicious result.

Q: Can I cook frozen pork chops?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes and make sure they reach 160°F in the center.

Conclusion

These air fryer thin pork chops are an easy, flavorful, and quick dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick dinner for the family, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!