Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fast, convenient, and healthy way to cook food. One of the most common questions people have when using an air fryer is how long it takes to cook pork chops. The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the chops, as well as the temperature and specific model of air fryer. With some simple guidelines, you can learn how long pork chops take to cook in an air fryer for tender, juicy, and flavorful results.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Pork Chop Cook Times
There are a few key factors that impact how long pork chops take to cook in an air fryer:
- Thickness – Thicker pork chops will take longer to cook than thinner chops. Bone-in chops are thicker than boneless.
- Size – Larger pork chops will require more time than smaller chops.
- Bone vs. Boneless – Bone-in chops take longer to cook than boneless. The bone acts as an insulator, slowing down the cooking process.
- Temperature – Higher air fryer temperatures will decrease cook time, while lower temps increase it.
- Air Fryer Wattage – More powerful, higher wattage air fryers will cook faster than less powerful ones.
- Quantity – Cooking more chops means increasing cook time slightly to account for the extra mass.
Taking these factors into account will help you estimate how long to cook pork chops in the air fryer for your specific circumstances.
Guidelines for Air Fryer Pork Chop Cook Times
While exact cook times vary, here are some general guidelines for how long to air fry different types of pork chops:
Thin Boneless Pork Chops
- Thickness: 1/2 inch
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes at 370°F
Thicker Boneless Pork Chops
- Thickness: 3/4 to 1 inch
- Cook Time: 14-18 minutes at 370°F
Small Bone-In Pork Chops
- Thickness: 1/2 to 3/4 inch
- Cook Time: 15-22 minutes at 360°F
Large Bone-In Pork Chops
- Thickness: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
- Cook Time: 20-26 minutes at 360°F
Keep in mind that these cook times are approximate. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer before removing pork chops from the air fryer.
Internal Temperature for Properly Cooked Pork Chops
Using a digital meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if your pork chops are fully cooked. Here are the recommended internal temperatures:
- 145°F (63°C) – Safe minimum internal temperature.
- 160°F (71°C) – For optimum safety and quality.
- 170°F (77°C) – For well done.
The internal temperature will continue rising around 5-10°F after removing the chops from the air fryer. Allow the chops to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking Juicy, Tender Air Fryer Pork Chops
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Pat chops dry before seasoning. Wet chops will steam instead of frying.
- Use a small amount of oil. Lightly brush chops with oil to promote browning.
- Preheat air fryer. This helps chops cook faster.
- Use a meat thermometer. Don’t rely solely on cook times.
- Allow chops to rest before serving.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave space between chops for air circulation.
Recipe Ideas for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
For juicy chops with a crispy, crunchy coating, try breading them before air frying. Use panko breadcrumbs or a mixture of crushed crackers, Parmesan, and seasonings.
BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops
Brush pork chops lightly with BBQ sauce or dry rub before cooking. Glaze with more sauce during the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
Garlic Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Mix shredded Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper and herbs. Coat chops with olive oil then press crumb mixture onto both sides. Air fry until golden brown.
Teriyaki Air Fryer Pork Chops
Marinate 1-inch thick boneless pork chops in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes (or overnight). Pat dry, then air fry until cooked through.
Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Pork Chops
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Pour over bone-in or boneless pork chops. Marinate 15 minutes then air fry.
Common Problems and Solutions for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Use this troubleshooting guide if your air fried pork chops don’t turn out right:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Undercooked | Increase temperature 25°F. Cook 5 minutes longer. Use a meat thermometer. |
| Overcooked, dry | Reduce cook time. Aim for 160°F internal temp. Allow chops to rest before serving. |
| Not browned | Pat chops dry before cooking. Lightly brush with oil. Make sure chops aren’t overcrowded. |
| Burned coating | Use lighter breading. Reduce air fryer temperature 25°F. Watch closely during last 5 minutes. |
The Best Cuts of Pork for Air Frying
While pork chops are most common, other cuts also cook up deliciously in the air fryer. Try these options:
- Pork tenderloin – Whole or sliced into medallions
- Pork loin chops – Have a meatier texture than rib chops
- Country-style ribs – Marinate or brush with BBQ sauce
- Pork cutlets – Pound thin, then bread and fry
- Ham steak – Fry until warmed through and lightly crisped
Is It Better to Air Fry Bone-In or Boneless Pork Chops?
Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well in the air fryer. Here are some differences:
- Bone-in chops take slightly longer to cook but have more flavor from the bone.
- Boneless chops cook faster and more evenly since the thickness is consistent.
- Boneless chops are easier to bread or coat in ingredients.
- Bone-in chops are less likely to dry out during air frying.
- Boneless chops allow you to portion control better.
For the juiciest results, opt for 1-inch thick bone-in or boneless pork chops when air frying. Monitor the internal temperature and adjust cook times as needed.
Conclusion
Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is fast, easy, and delivers tender and juicy results. Allow 10-14 minutes for thin chops and 15-26 minutes for thicker bone-in chops at 360°F-370°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness between 145°F-170°F based on preference. Pat chops dry, lightly oil, and watch closely to avoid overcooking. With the right guidelines, you can enjoy perfectly air fried pork chops any night of the week.