Juicy Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Name: Juicy Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 1-2 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick); Juice of ½ of a lime; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 1 tbsp mined garlic; 1 stalk of sliced green onions; Pinch of salt and pepper

Say goodbye to dry, overcooked pork chops with my air fryer bone in pork chops recipe! You’ll be amazed at how juicy, tender, and flavorful these air fryer pork chops are with very little effort. And when I say very little effort, I mean it. All you need to do is marinade the pork chops and let your air fryer do its magic! It's definitely one of my favorite air fryer recipes! The best part? These air fryer pork chops are ready in 20 minutes!

Asian air fryer bone in pork chops with cucumber and rice

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Why you will love these air fryer pork chops

Quick and easy air fryer pork chops are perfect any day of the week! You won’t need to spend hours preparing the pork chops or worry about them drying out in the oven.
The marinade gives these pork chops fantastic flavor! Combining garlic, ginger, honey, lime juice, and fish sauce ensures you get succulent yet flavorful meat every time.
Great for meal prep. Make a big batch of these delicious pork chops and freeze them for later! Just defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook them in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Pork Chops: Ingredients

Pork chops: I prefer bone-in chops for these air fryer pork chops, which are juicier and more flavorful. However, you can also use boneless chops if that is what you want or have on hand.

Lime juice: Adds a nice acidity to the marinade and helps tenderize the pork chops. You can also substitute it with lemon juice.

Oil: I use a neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil, but you can use canola or vegetable oil. You can even use a little olive oil.

Soy Sauce: I used low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos would work well.

Honey: Balances out the acidity while adding a subtle sweetness to the marinade. You can substitute with maple syrup, agave syrup, or brown sugar.

Garlic and Ginger: Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best aromatic flavors! You can use ginger or garlic powder, but it might be less flavorful.

Green onions: Put a nice pop of color and earthy flavor into the marinade.

Salt and Black pepper: Season to taste.

Equipment to make Air Fryer Pork Chops

Knife
Cutting board
Large bowl with lid
Air fryer

How to make Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Pound the pork. Make slits at the end to prevent curling up with air frying.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Cover with a lid and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Cook pork chops in an air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping a few times.
The internal temperature of the pork chop should be 145 degrees.
Let it rest, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for making the best air fryer pork chops

When buying the perfect pork chop, look for thicker pork chops at least 1 inch thick. You can also use thin pork chops, but the cooking time will be shorter, and they might get dry.
Bring the temperature of the pork chops close to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the chops from drying out.
COOK YOUR PORK CHOPS ON HIGH — 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket for a faster cooking time. You want enough room for hot air to circulate the pork chops, so place them in a single layer as much as possible.
Use an instant-read or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork chops. They should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F for safe and juicy pork chops.
Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving with your favorite sides.

Opt for freshly minced garlic and ginger over garlic powder and ginger powder for the best flavor!

How to Meal Prep, Store, Reheat, and Freeze Pork Chops

MEAL PREP - Marinade and store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer until you are ready to cook. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and air fry, following the instructions below in the recipe card.

STORE – Store the leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

REHEAT – Reheat just enough to warm it through in a microwave or air fryer.

FREEZE – Freeze the uncooked pork chops in the freezer for up to 3 months

What to serve with these air fryer pork chops

Steamed rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Steamed vegetables like green beans and broccoli
Sesame Braised Cabbage
Garlic Braised Kale
Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

More Pork Recipes you will love

Air Fryer Pork Chops: FAQs

How long does it take to cook pork chops in an air fryer?

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is quick and easy—it takes less than 20 minutes! This makes it an excellent option for quick dinners when you are short on time. Plus, the air fryer seals in all the juices, so there is no need to worry about dry, overcooked pork chops.

What temperature should pork chops be in an air fryer?

Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, the ideal temperature for air fryer pork chops is between 350 and 375 degrees. This will ensure that the pork chops are cooked through and remain juicy. If you want an extra-crispy exterior, you can bump the temperature to 400 degrees.

Can I use boneless pork chops for this air fryer recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this air fryer recipe. Although bone-in pork chops are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, boneless pork chops are a suitable alternative. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary slightly due to the absence of the bone, which can affect how the heat is distributed.

How do I prevent my pork chops from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent pork chops from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensure the basket is clean and lightly greased with a cooking spray or oil. Additionally, you can place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the basket, but make sure it does not cover all the holes, as air circulation is crucial for even cooking.

Why do my pork chops dry out in the air fryer, and how can I prevent this?

If your pork chops dry out in the air fryer, it might be due to overcooking or not marinating them sufficiently. To prevent this, marinate the pork chops per the recipe and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the ideal internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can also contribute to uneven cooking, which might result in drier meat.

What are the benefits of using thick pork chops in this air fryer recipe?

Using thick-cut pork chops is beneficial because they are juicier and more flavorful. Thicker chops also cook more evenly in the air fryer, reducing the risk of drying out. Aim for chops that are at least 1 inch thick for optimal results. If using thinner chops, adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

Can I substitute onion powder for fresh onions in this air fryer pork chops recipe?

Yes, you can substitute onion powder for fresh onions in this air fryer pork chop recipe. While fresh onions provide a more robust flavor, onion powder is a convenient and effective alternative for adding a subtle onion flavor. Use a small amount, as onion powder is more concentrated than fresh onions. This can be particularly useful if you need more time or don’t have fresh onions available.