You are going to be amazed by how juicy these Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops are. Cooking them in the air fryer makes an easy meal anytime of the week. These pork chops will come out juicy, flavorful and not dry.
I love making pork chops. Pork chops are a favorite at dinnertime, whether I cook them on the grill or in the crock pot. If cooked properly, they are so juicy and flavorful and a good change to a chicken meal.
This recipe is great for my family because it doesn’t need many ingredients and I can make dinner in no time. Using the air fryer for cooking meats is starting to be one of my favorite ways of cooking. You may also love this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe.
Cuisinart air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances for making quick, healthy meals. Their ability to cook food to a crispy, fried texture using just hot air makes them perfect for cooking lean proteins like pork chops. Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook pork chops in a Cuisinart air fryer for tender, juicy results every time.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Chops in an Air Fryer
Air frying is a great way to cook boneless or bone-in pork chops of any thickness. Here are some of the benefits
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Uses less oil for a healthier meal – Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying, keeping calories down. A light spray of oil is all you need.
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Quick cooking time – Pork chops cook fast in the circulating hot air, reducing your time at the stove.
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Even browning – The hot air surrounds the pork chop to brown and crisp the surface evenly on all sides.
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Tender and juicy interior – The natural moisture of the pork chop stays locked in for a juicy interior, even with well-browned exterior.
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Versatile – Cook frozen or thawed pork chops with equal quality results.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Pork Chops
Follow these simple steps for perfect pork chops from your Cuisinart air fryer every time.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Seasoning of choice (see seasoning recommendations below)
Prepare the Pork Chops
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For bone-in – Trim off any excess fat or sinew, then cut 2-3 slits through the outer fatty edges. This prevents the fat from shriveling up.
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For boneless – Trim any excess fat or membranes. No need to cut slits.
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Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Make sure they are as dry as possible.
Season the Pork Chops
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Spray both sides of the chops lightly with oil. Just a light mist is needed.
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Generously season both sides with your favorite pork chop seasoning blend.
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For added flavor, let them sit 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Air Fry the Pork Chops
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Preheat your Cuisinart air fryer to 400°F.
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Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
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Cook for 6 minutes then flip and cook 6 minutes more. Boneless chops may need only 5 minutes per side.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer, cooking longer if needed until internal temp reaches 145°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Chop Seasoning Recommendations
Pork chops pair well with a wide range of seasonings. Consider the flavors below:
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Italian – oregano, basil, rosemary, fennel, garlic
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Tex-Mex – chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion
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Herb – thyme, sage, marjoram, garlic, pepper
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Asian – ginger, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce
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BBQ – chili powder, brown sugar, garlic, mustard, paprika
Experiment with spice combinations to find your perfect pork chop seasoning blend.
Helpful Tips for Air Fried Pork Chops
Use these tips for the best results when cooking pork chops in your Cuisinart air fryer:
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Don’t overcrowd – Cook pork chops in a single layer with space between to allow air flow. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
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Use instant-read thermometer – This avoids overcooking. Check in different spots to account for uneven thickness.
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Adjust time for thickness – Thicker chops need more time. Extend cooking by 2-3 minutes if needed.
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Cut slits in bone-in chops – This prevents the fat from shriveling around the bone, keeping chops juicy.
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Let rest before serving – Resting allows juices to redistribute for a moist, tender chop.
Enjoy Juicy, Flavorful Pork Chops Tonight
The Cuisinart Air Fryer makes it so easy to enjoy deliciously cooked pork chops any night of the week. Season the chops to match your cravings, then air fry for a quick, healthy meal packed with flavor and juiciness.
This versatile countertop appliance can do so much more too. Try cooking chicken, fish, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, and even cake!
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
- First, heat up an air fryer to 400 degrees F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a “preheat” setting, warm it up by running it at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix all of the spices together in Step 2.
- Step 3: Brush the pork chops with olive oil and then rub the spice mix all over both sides of the chops. Use all of the rub for the pork chops.
- Step 4: Put the pork chops in the air fryer basket and make sure they don’t touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the pork for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches at least 145 degrees F on the inside. Your pork chops will be golden brown.
- Step 5: If your air fryer doesn’t move the chops around, flip them over every 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Put the pork on a paper towel and let it rest for three to five minutes. There you go!
- Buy Thick Pork Chops—We like to buy thick pork chops. Look for ones that are about an inch thick. We even asked the butcher to help us find the best pork chop.
- Bone-In Pork Chops: Make sure you choose the bone-in pork chop. It looks like boneless pork chops cook faster, which makes them dry. When pork chops are cooked with the bones in, they tend to be more meaty and flavorful.
- Cooking – Try to not overcook the pork chops. For the tastiest pork chops, use a meat thermometer to help you do this.
- Rest Pork Chops: Make sure you give your meat a break. I usually let meat rest for a few minutes after cooking it so that all the juices can soak in.
- Should You Flip the Pork Chops? I didn’t flip the pork chops because the air in my air fryer can reach all sides, even the bottom. The pork chops should be flipped over halfway through the cooking time if the air in your air fryer doesn’t move under them.
Does it Take Long to Cook Bone-In Pork Chops?
It doesn’t take long to cook in the air fryer. I like to make sure that my air fryer has preheated to about 400 degrees F. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Put a little olive oil on each side so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the air fryer.
Place your pork chops in the air fryer and cook for about 12 minutes. Use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
It is really that easy. In about 20 minutes you can have dinner on the table.
The beauty of having pork chops is you can pretty much serve it with anything. Try some of our favorites:
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Steamed Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- See Best Pork Chop Sides for more ideas
- Green Beans
- Brussel Sprouts
- Salad
We usually don’t have leftover pork chops. I don’t think they last long because my kids are always looking for meat to eat before practice. If you do have leftovers, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. I like putting them in individual containers for husband to grab as he heads out to work.
We recommend reheating in the microwave or the oven depending on how much you have leftover.
I find that it’s best to use a meat thermometer when cooking pork to make sure it’s done without being overcooked. I love this digital meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe temperature.
How To Air Fry Pork Chops – Tender and Juicy!
How to cook pork chops in air fryer?
Coat the pork chops with olive oil and rub in the mix. Rub it in well and liberally. Use almost all of the rub mix for the 2 pork chops. Cook pork chops in air fryer on the air fry setting at 400°F for 12-14 minutes or until internal temperature of 140°F. Flip pork chops over after 6 minutes. Air fryer temperatures can vary.
Can a Cuisinart air fryer cook pork chops?
There are several reasons why using a Cuisinart air fryer is a great option for cooking pork chops. Firstly, air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The Cuisinart air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, which means you can achieve the same crispy texture without using excess oil.
How does a Cuisinart air fryer work?
The Cuisinart air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, which means you can achieve the same crispy texture without using excess oil. This is especially beneficial for pork chops, which can be high in fat.
Are air fryer boneless pork chops healthy?
These juicy air fryer boneless pork chops are so good! They are SO juicy, tender, and full of flavor yet made with simple ingredients. The high heat and quick cook time seal in the juices. A healthy recipe: Our boneless pork chops are made without breading, making these low carb, keto, paleo, and gluten-free.