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This boneless air fryer pork chop is coated in a simple spice rub and cooks in just 10 minutes. Tender, full of flavor, and sized right for a single serving dinner.
Quick Look
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Equipment: Air fryer
- Cook Method: Air fry
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Savory garlic and paprika seasoning with a golden, lightly crisp crust and juicy center.
One boneless pork chop, pantry spices, and almost no cleanup. The air fryer does the work while you prep a side dish.
Why I Love This Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipe
I make this air fryer pork chop any time I want a fast, flavorful dinner with barely any cleanup. Five minutes of prep, 10 minutes in the air fryer, and dinner is done.
The spice rub is what pulls this together. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika build a savory base, and the air fryer’s circulating heat turns that thin layer of seasoning into a golden, lightly crisp crust. The cook time is short enough that the inside stays juicy. High heat sears the surface fast, so moisture doesn’t have time to escape.
We tested this with both boneless and bone-in pork chops. Boneless is my go-to because a ¾-inch chop cooks evenly in 10 minutes with no fussing. Bone-in works too (add 2 to 3 minutes), but for a single serving, boneless is easier to portion and cooks more predictably.
This recipe was developed in a 4-quart basket-style air fryer and I also tested it in a toaster oven style air fryer. The toaster oven style took a little longer and didn’t crisp the outside quite as much, but both versions came out juicy and well-seasoned.
If you want to double this for two, two chops fit comfortably in either air fryer. Same seasoning, same cook time.
When you want a different take on pork chops for one, try my baked pork chop with smoked paprika, baked bone-in pork chop with a brown sugar rub, or smothered pork chops in a creamy onion gravy.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving air fryer pork chop recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Boneless pork chop (5 to 6 ounces, ¾ inch thick): Look for a center-cut pork loin chop, which is lean, evenly shaped, and cooks predictably in the air fryer. This thickness hits 145°F in exactly 10 minutes. Thinner chops dry out before the rub develops any color.
Bone-in chops work too, but add 2 to 3 minutes and check with a thermometer. If your store only sells multi-packs, freeze the extras individually for future meals.
Olive oil: A light coating on both sides helps the spice rub stick and promotes browning as hot air circulates around the chop. Avocado oil or grapeseed oil work the same way.
Garlic powder: Adds warm, roasted garlic flavor without the risk of fresh garlic burning at high air fryer temperatures.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the garlic and paprika.
Paprika: Gives the chop its golden color and mild warmth. Swap in smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Salt and black pepper: These are the baseline seasoning. The amounts in the recipe card are a starting point, and pork takes well to a heavier hand with pepper if that’s your preference.
Recipe Variations
These are easy ways to change up the flavor of your air fryer pork chop using pantry ingredients you probably already have.
Brown sugar rub: Add ¼ teaspoon of brown sugar to the spice mix. The sugar caramelizes in the air fryer’s high heat and creates a lightly sweet, golden crust.
Honey mustard glaze: Brush a thin layer of honey and Dijon mustard (equal parts, about ½ teaspoon each) onto the chop during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The glaze sets fast under the circulating heat.
Italian herb seasoning: Replace the paprika with ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a garlic-and-herb flavor. This pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of pasta.
Spicy Cajun: Swap the paprika for ¼ teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning and omit the salt since most pre-made blends already contain it.
Thick-cut pork chops: Using a 1 to 1½ inch chop? Thick pork chops in the air fryer need more time to cook through to the center. Increase the cook time to 14 to 16 minutes, still flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer and pull at 145°F. Thick chops benefit from resting a full 10 minutes so the heat finishes carrying through to the center.
Looking for more easy dinner ideas for one? Start here with our 35 favorite single serving dinners.
How To Cook A Pork Chop In An Air Fryer
This is how I cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer every time. The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes.
- Pat the pork chop dry with paper towels. This step matters. Moisture on the surface creates steam instead of browning, and the spice rub won’t stick to a wet chop. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub olive oil over both sides of the pork chop, then coat evenly with the spice mix. Press the seasoning into the meat with your fingers so it adheres to the surface.
- Place the pork chop in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 5-minute mark. I pull mine out at about 140°F and let it rest covered with foil for 10 minutes. The carryover cooking raises the temperature to between 145°F and 150°F, which gives you a tender, juicy chop.
- Remove from the air fryer and enjoy.
Expert Tips
Use a meat thermometer. This is the single most reliable way to get juicy pork chops in the air fryer. Pull the chop at 145°F. Anything past 155°F and the pork starts to dry out fast.
Pat the pork chop completely dry before cooking. Surface moisture creates steam and prevents the spice rub from forming a crust. Pat dry with paper towels on both sides, pressed firmly.
Let the chop rest for a full 10 minutes. During the rest, carryover heat raises the internal temperature another 3 to 5 degrees, and the juices redistribute through the meat. Cutting too soon means those juices end up on the plate instead of in the pork.
Season ahead if you have time. Rubbing the spice mix on the chop 20 to 30 minutes before cooking (or even the night before) gives the salt time to penetrate the surface. The salt draws out a small amount of moisture, which dissolves the salt, and the pork then reabsorbs that seasoned liquid. The result is flavor that goes deeper than just the crust.
Follow the time and temp for your cut. Cook at 390°F, flipping halfway through. These times are based on my testing in a 4-quart basket-style air fryer. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer at 145°F.
| Cut | Thickness | Cook time |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless | ¾ inch | 10 minutes |
| Boneless | 1 inch | 12 to 14 minutes |
| Bone-in | ¾ inch | 12 to 13 minutes |
| Bone-in | 1 to 1 ½ inches | 14 to 16 minutes |
Troubleshooting
If your air fryer pork chop isn’t turning out quite right, here’s how to fix common issues like dry meat, a pale exterior, or tough texture.
Why is my air fryer pork chop dry?
The chop was overcooked past 145°F. Pork dries out fast once it passes 155°F because the muscle fibers contract and push moisture out. Use a meat thermometer and pull at exactly 145°F. The 10-minute rest will bring it up a few more degrees through carryover heat.
Why isn’t my pork chop crispy on the outside?
The surface was too wet when it went into the air fryer. Pat the chop dry with paper towels on both sides before adding oil and seasoning. Toaster oven-style air fryers have less concentrated airflow than basket models, so the crust won’t get quite as crisp.
Why does my pork chop have no flavor?
The seasoning didn’t stick to the surface. Rub a thin layer of olive oil on the chop first, then press the spice mix into the meat with your fingers. Without oil, most of the seasoning falls off into the basket.
Why is my pork chop tough and chewy?
It wasn’t rested after cooking. When you cut in right away, the juices run out and the meat tightens up. Let the chop rest covered with foil for 10 minutes. The juices redistribute and the texture loosens noticeably.
Serving Suggestions
This easy air fryer pork chop recipe pairs well with just about any single serving side dish. Here are my favorites.
- Mashed potatoes for one are the classic pairing. Starchy, buttery, and ready in about the same time as the pork chop.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts cook at a similar temperature, so you can make them right before or after the pork chop in the same basket.
- Sautéed green beans take 10 minutes on the stovetop, which means they’re done while the pork chop rests.
- Applesauce for one is a classic with pork. The sweetness and acidity cut through the savory spice rub.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions about making a pork chop in the air fryer, including time, temperature, and storage.
A ¾-inch boneless pork chop takes 10 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway through. Bone-in chops need 12 to 13 minutes at the same thickness. Always check with a meat thermometer and pull at 145°F.
390°F works well for most pork chops. If your chop is browning too fast before the center reaches 145°F, drop to 375°F and add a minute or two.
Yes, but they need extra time. Cook a frozen boneless chop at 360°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway. Season after the first 5 minutes so the spices stick. Verify the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Both work well. Air fryer boneless pork chops cook faster and are easier to portion for one. Bone-in chops have slightly more flavor but need a few extra minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Cooked chops freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Air Fryer Recipes For One
If you like how fast this air fryer pork chop comes together, try these single serving air fryer recipes next.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this air fryer pork chop recipe for one or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen, please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Air Fryer Pork Chop
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (5 to 6-ounce) boneless pork chop -about ¾-inch thick
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the pork chop dry with paper towels on both sides. Rub olive oil over the entire surface, then press the spice mix evenly into the meat.
- Place the pork chop in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark. The chop is done when it reaches 145°F on a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the air fryer and let the pork chop rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Delicious! This worked out beautifully for a quick dinner on Monday night!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
I dont have an Air Fryre, I had one two years ago, and never again!
Do you have recipes for an oven, bbq or fry pan cooking?
Yes, absolutely! I have hundreds of recipes using all kinds of cooking methods, including oven, stovetop, air fryer, and slow cooker. You can even browse recipes by cooking method on the site to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Just made this earlier this evening and it came out great! Very easy and very flavorful. Also, thanks for the suggestion on checking the temperature since my compact Cusinart combo toaster oven/broiler/air fryer has analog dials and I often set it a bit low or a bit high.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Hi Joanie, have you ever heard of using brown sugar on your pork chops? I would appreciate your thoughts! Thank you Gene
Yes, brown sugar can work nicely on pork chops. In fact, one of the variations in the recipe suggests mixing in ¼ teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and a light crust. It adds flavor without overpowering the pork. Just keep the amount small, especially in the air fryer, so it doesn’t burn.
Me and my family enjoy this recipe very much! I have made it three times now and shared with three sisters and my mother! Thanks for the simple spice combo that leads to a nearly perfect dinner. I serve with roasted yams and a salad..
That sounds wonderful! I’m so glad you and your family are enjoying the recipe—and what a perfect meal with roasted yams and a salad. Thank you for sharing it with your family!
I have an Emerald Dutch Door Air Fryer and I made this last night. OMG – so very moist and tasty. I used a small cast iron pan to air fry it in. I also made 1 mashed russet potato in my microwave . I was able to use 1 bowl to cook the potato in, one bowl to mash it in, after I’d drained the water, and 1 bowl to serve it in. Thanks for positing this recipe. I will definitely be making it again.
My wife of 42 years passed away just before Xmas of 2024. I am almost 77 years old and in the process of learning to cook some. This recipe was the best tasting and easiest to make of any I have tried in my journey.
Thanks so much.
Could you share more of the easy recipes for the air fryer and/or a slow cooker to my may?
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m truly sorry for your loss, and I admire your strength as you learn to cook during such a difficult time. It means a great deal to know that this recipe has been helpful to you. Wishing you comfort and continued success in your cooking journey, I’m so glad you’re here.
Your recipes are perfect. Pork chop came out great. I’ve tried many of your recipes and I have your cookbook. Keep the recipes coming. Best.
Thank you!
I have been making my own pork chop (bone in) in my Emerald French Door Air Fryer and made one again last night. I used all of your seasonings even before I saw this recipe. I love the way it cooks in my air fryer and it takes about 20 minutes because I also place it in a 3 X 5 cast iron baking pan. In a second cast iron baking pan I have a red potato cut into quarters and then quartered again with garlic powder, salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon of butter. Love my air fryer and now I know that I have been cooking it the One Dish Kitchen way for sure. Thanks for posting the recipe.
I love this so much! It sounds like you’ve been cooking “the One Dish Kitchen way” all along—your pork chop and potatoes in those cast iron pans sound absolutely perfect. I’m so glad the recipe resonated with how you already cook, and thank you for sharing exactly how you do it. What a great setup!
Great recipe.
Thank you!