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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops – No Breading

crispy air fryer pork chops no breading - featured image

These crispy air fryer pork chops require no breading, just simple ingredients and a hot air fryer for a golden-brown crust and juicy interior. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch without the fuss or extra calories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick, 4–6 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. The surface should feel almost tacky, not wet.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Whisk together.
  3. Add the pork chops to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket with at least ½ inch of space between each chop.
  6. Cook for 8 minutes at 400°F. Do not open the basket during this time.
  7. Flip the chops using tongs. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
  8. Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the pork chops completely dry for the crispiest crust. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep them juicy. For thicker chops (1.5 inches), increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes per side. For a sweet and smoky version, add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to the seasoning mix.

Nutrition

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