Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer: The 15-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly into your fridge at 6 PM on a Tuesday, wondering how you’ll get dinner on the table before bedtime? I’ve been there countless times. That’s why I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for thin pork chops in air fryer – a game-changer for busy weeknights.

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, with over 40% of American households now owning one. It’s no surprise when you consider they cook food up to 50% faster than conventional ovens while using significantly less oil. These thin pork chops in air fryer take just 15 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.

Ingredients for Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Thin-cut pork chops (½ inch thick)	6	Pat dry before seasoning
Brown sugar	2 tablespoons	Helps with caramelization
Paprika	1 tablespoon	Adds color and mild flavor
Black pepper	1 teaspoon	Freshly ground preferred
Ground mustard	1 teaspoon	Enhances savory flavors
Salt	1 teaspoon	Kosher salt works best
Onion powder	½ teaspoon	For depth of flavor
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon	Complements the pork
Dried thyme	½ teaspoon	Adds herbal notes
Garlic-infused olive oil	2 tablespoons	Helps seasonings adhere

Substitution Options:

• Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile
• For a spicier kick, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• If you’re watching your sodium, reduce salt to ½ teaspoon
• No garlic-infused oil? Use regular olive oil and increase garlic powder to 1 teaspoon

Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

• Air fryer (3.5 quart or larger recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs for flipping
• Paper towels

If you’re in the market for a new air fryer, I recommend models with digital controls for precise temperature settings. The Ninja Max XL and Cosori Pro II are excellent options that provide consistent results for thin pork chops in air fryer.

How to Cook Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. This crucial step ensures your pork chops start cooking immediately when placed inside, resulting in better browning.
2. Prepare your pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, allowing for better seasoning adhesion and crispier results.
3. Mix your seasonings in a bowl: combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Stir until well incorporated.
4. Add garlic-infused olive oil to your seasoning mixture and stir to create a paste-like consistency. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the pork chops while adding moisture during cooking.
5. Coat each pork chop thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring both sides and edges are well covered. Use your fingers to gently massage the mixture into the meat.
6. Arrange thin pork chops in air fryer basket, leaving small spaces between each chop. Working in batches if necessary is better than overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
7. Cook for 5 minutes at 400°F, then flip the pork chops using tongs.
8. Cook for another 5 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This temperature ensures they’re safe to eat while remaining juicy.
9. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

• Don’t skip preheating – Those 3 minutes make a significant difference in cooking quality
• Keep them spaced – Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than air frying
• Check temperature early – Thin pork chops can cook quickly, sometimes in less than 10 minutes
• Pat dry before seasoning – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness
• Let them rest – This simple step can be the difference between juicy chops and dry ones

These thin pork chops in air fryer pair beautifully with a simple green salad and steamed rice for a complete meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

Do I need to flip the pork chops? Yes, flipping ensures even browning on both sides. Skip this step, and you’ll end up with one perfectly golden side and one pale side.

Can I cook frozen thin pork chops in air fryer? Absolutely! Reduce the temperature to 375°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always verify they’ve reached 145°F internally before serving.

How do I know when the pork chops are done? The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to verify they’ve reached 145°F. Visually, they should have a golden-brown exterior and slightly pink center.

My pork chops turned out dry. What went wrong? The most common culprit is overcooking. Thin pork chops cook very quickly, so watch them closely and remember they’ll continue cooking slightly during the rest period.

Can I use this recipe for thicker pork chops? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. For 1-inch thick chops, cook for approximately 12-14 minutes total, flipping halfway.

Recipe Card for Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 110 kcal per serving

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Potassium: 320mg
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

This thin pork chops in air fryer recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Join the Conversation!

Have you tried these thin pork chops in air fryer? Rate this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Did you add any special touches or serve them with a unique side dish? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own.