Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer (Juicy, No Breading)

These thin boneless pork chops in the air fryer are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! Coated in a sweet and savory glaze made with simple pantry staples, these air fryer pork chops cook in under 15 minutes and come out perfectly moist every time.

Quick answer: Cook thin pork chops in the air fryer at 400°F for about 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Thinner chops cook faster, while thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes.

I wasn't immediately convinced that I needed an air fryer, but my daughter eventually convinced me to try one. Now, I'm so glad she did! Air fryers make recipes like these thin pork chops in the air fryer quick and easy while still creating delicious, flavorful results. Plus, cleanup is simple, making it one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table fast.

Serve these thin pork chops in the air fryer with my gluten-free mashed potatoes, crispy air fryer parmesan potatoes, or easy air fryer vegetables like asparagus for a complete weeknight meal. If you love this cooking method, try my air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs next!

Why You'll Love These Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

• Limited Ingredients: You only need thin boneless pork chops and a handful of simple pantry ingredients to make this flavorful air fryer dinner.
• Sweet and Savory: Brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and seasonings create a sweet and smoky glaze that gives these pork chops incredible flavor without any breading.
• Easy and Convenient: These thin pork chops cook in the air fryer in about 10 minutes, making them a quick weeknight dinner. No breading, complicated steps, or long cooking times required.
• Customizable: It's easy to adjust the ingredients to make this recipe your own.
• Great for Meal Prep: These air fryer pork chops store well and are perfect for making extra for future meals, just like my jerk chicken thighs.

Key Ingredients

You only need a few simple pantry staples to make these juicy thin pork chops in the air fryer. You'll find the complete ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

• Pork Chops: Thin boneless pork chops cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, making them perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Their thin cut helps them cook quickly while staying tender and juicy.
• Brown Sugar and Mustard: These ingredients create a sweet and savory glaze that coats the pork chops and helps build a flavorful crust in the air fryer without needing any breading.
• Seasonings: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme creates a savory, aromatic flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Variations

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a little extra heat.
• Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning to the spice mixture for a bold, smoky flavor inspired by Louisiana-style cooking.
• Different Pork Cuts: Love this sweet and savory seasoning blend? Try it on my pasta and pork chops recipe or pork tenderloin recipe for another flavorful dinner option.

Boneless vs. Bone-In Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Boneless thin pork chops cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer, which is why they are used in this recipe. Because there is no bone to slow down heat transfer, boneless chops are a great choice when you want a quick dinner with consistent results.

Bone-in thin pork chops can also be cooked in the air fryer, but they may require a few extra minutes because the bone affects how quickly the pork cooks. They tend to stay juicy and can have a slightly richer flavor. If using bone-in pork chops, add 2–4 minutes to the cooking time and always check that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer.

Prefer bone-in pork chops? Try my Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops recipe.

How to Make Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Step 1. Make the seasoning paste. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and remaining seasonings in a small bowl. Add the olive oil and mix until a thick paste forms.

Step 2: Prep the pork chops. Pat the thin pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Coat both sides generously with the seasoning paste, making sure the rub covers the entire surface of each pork chop.

Step 3: Air fry the pork chops. Place the thin pork chops in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each chop for proper air circulation. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Allow the pork chops to rest for 3 minutes before serving to help keep them juicy and tender.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Serve the air fryer thin pork chops with your favorite sides and enjoy a quick, flavorful dinner!

Cooking Times for Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer by Thickness

Cooking time depends on the thickness of your pork chops and your specific air fryer model. Use these times at 400°F as a guideline, then confirm doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer. Pork chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

• ¼-inch thin pork chops: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• ½-inch thin pork chops: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• ¾-inch thin pork chops: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For the juiciest results, avoid overcooking thin pork chops since they have less fat and cook very quickly.

How to Prevent Thin Pork Chops from Drying Out in the Air Fryer

Because they are thin, these pork chops can overcook quickly. To keep your thin pork chops in the air fryer juicy and tender, pat them completely dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate, and remove them as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 145°F rather than relying on time alone. Let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes before slicing to help the juices redistribute.

Expert Tips

• Always Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps the pork chops cook more evenly and ensures they reach the correct temperature within the recommended cook time. Most air fryers only take about 3 minutes to preheat.
• Give the Chops Room: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space between each pork chop so hot air can circulate properly. If the chops are touching, they may steam instead of developing the flavorful crust from the seasoning.
• Let Thin Pork Chops Thaw Before Cooking: While you can cook pork chops from frozen, thawing them first will give you the best texture and most even cooking. Frozen pork chops may require additional cooking time and can be more difficult to season evenly.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Thin pork chops cook quickly, so a meat thermometer is the best way to prevent overcooking. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest for safe, juicy results.

Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer FAQs

Great Sides to Enjoy with These Chops

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