Looking for a quick and easy way to make tender, flavorful pork chops? These air fryer thin pork chops are the perfect solution! Coated with a savory brown sugar, paprika, and garlic seasoning rub, these chops cook to perfection in just 10 minutes. With minimal prep and no messy frying, the air fryer creates a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this air fryer pork chop recipe is an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Enjoy healthy, delicious, and hassle-free air fryer pork chops today!

Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil
- 6 thin pork chops
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up while you prepare the pork chops. - Prepare the Pork Chops:
Rinse the pork chops with cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. - Make the Seasoning Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Once the dry seasonings are well combined, add the garlic olive oil and stir until the mixture forms a thick paste. - Coat the Pork Chops:
Rub the seasoning paste generously onto both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. - Cook in the Air Fryer:
Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a small gap between each chop. Avoid overcrowding to allow the chops to cook evenly.
Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork chops and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The seasoning rub adds a sweet and savory kick that complements the pork perfectly.
- Healthy Cooking: Air frying uses less oil, making these pork chops a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Tips
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space the pork chops out to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry before applying the seasoning rub to help the coating adhere better.
- Resting Time: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
Variations and Substitutions
- Seasoning Variations: Try adding chili powder for extra heat, or experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Pork Chop Thickness: If your pork chops are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side.
- Substitute Oil: If you don’t have garlic olive oil, regular olive oil works well, or try another flavored oil like rosemary-infused olive oil for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops, but you may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes due to their thickness.
How do I know when my pork chops are done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
Can I cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes, and be sure to check the internal temperature.
Serving
Serve your crispy air fryer thin pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Suggestions
- Sauces: Pair the pork chops with a dipping sauce such as BBQ, ranch, or a tangy mustard sauce.
- Side Dishes: Complement the dish with steamed broccoli, a baked potato, or a side of rice for a delicious and complete meal.
- Meal Prep: These pork chops are perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch and enjoy them with different sides throughout the week.
Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops Recipe
6
servings5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic olive oil
6 thin pork chops
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up while you prepare the pork chops.
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Rinse the pork chops with cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Seasoning Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Once the dry seasonings are well combined, add the garlic olive oil and stir until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Coat the Pork Chops:
- Rub the seasoning paste generously onto both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a small gap between each chop. Avoid overcrowding to allow the chops to cook evenly.
- Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork chops and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
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