Juicy, flavourful, and done in minutes – thin pork chops in the air fryer are my weeknight hero for a speedy, no-fuss dinner. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, they’re a dream for busy evenings. Just add sliced potatoes or fries for the ultimate meal. In this article, I’ll show you how to air fry thin pork chops and give you tips to deliver juicy pork every time.
Table of contents
- The Air Fryer Makes Cooking Pork So Simple
- Why the air fryer is perfect for thin pork chops
- What is a thin pork chop?
- Why you’ll love making thin pork chops in the air fryer
- What you’ll need for air fryer thin pork chops
- How to cook thin pork chops in air fryer
- How long to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer
- Tips for perfect pork chops in the air fryer
- Alternatives / Substitutions
- What herbs go well with pork chops
- What to serve with pork chops
- Reheating and Storing Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
- FAQs
The Air Fryer Makes Cooking Pork So Simple
Since getting an air fryer, cooking pork has become so much easier. So far, I’ve tried air fryer pork belly and thicker pork steaks in the air fryer and every time they’ve come out beautifully cooked and full of flavour.
This week, I had a pork chop that was a little thinner than usual. I thought - why not try it in the air fryer anyway? I simply adjusted the cooking time a bit, and it turned out just as juicy and delicious as always. I love how forgiving and flexible the air fryer can be!
Why the air fryer is perfect for thin pork chops
Thin pork chops are one of my favourite quick dinners - fast, flavourful, and endlessly versatile. But they can be a little fussy to cook on the hob or in the oven: too long and they dry out, too short and they’re underdone.
Enter the air fryer. It brings out the best in thin pork chops - juicy middles, crisp golden edges, and perfectly even cooking. Plus, you can have a little fun with the flavours: smoky BBQ, garlicky herbs, zesty spice blends - whatever you fancy. And since they’re ready in under 10 minutes, they’re now my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast.
What is a thin pork chop?
I class a thin pork chop as one that is around ½ inch thick. For pork chops of 1 inch thick or more, this air fryer pork chop recipe works great. But don’t worry if your pork chops are a little thinner or thicker. Simply add or subtract a couple of minutes from the cooking times – then check the pork is thoroughly cooked through before serving.
Why you’ll love making thin pork chops in the air fryer
- Super quick and ready in under 10 minutes!
- Juicy inside, with golden edges
- Simple seasoning or go bold with flavour
- No splattering oil
- No need to turn on the oven
- Great with salad, mash, veg or rice
What you’ll need for air fryer thin pork chops
Ingredients:
- 1 thin pork chop per person (about ½ inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
- 1 - 2 teaspoon olive oil (or your preferred oil for air frying)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, BBQ seasoning, or your favourite spice blend
Learn more about the different oils you can use in an air fryer here.
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional, but handy!)
- Air fryer liners (optional)
How to cook thin pork chops in air fryer
Here are the basic instructions for air frying thin pork chops. You can download or print the recipe using the recipe card at the end of this post.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 390°F (about 3–5 minutes).
Pat the pork chops dry and then rub them with a little olive oil and your chosen seasonings.
Place chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
Cook for 6–9 minutes, depending on thickness. No need to flip unless you like both sides extra golden.
Check for doneness – your pork chops should be golden on the outside and at least 63°C / 145°F in the centre.
Rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
How long to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer
Thin pork chops (around ½ inch thick) take 6 - 9 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 200°C / 390°F.
Bone-in pork chops may take a minute longer than boneless. Use a meat thermometer if you can - they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 63°C / 145°F.
If you have a thicker pork chop add an extra minute or two.
Tips for perfect pork chops in the air fryer
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed.
- Pat dry before cooking for best browning.
- Add a little brown sugar to your seasoning for a caramelised crust.
- Resting helps lock in the juices-don’t skip it!
Alternatives / Substitutions
- You can choose boneless or bone-in chops- both work great.
- Swap olive oil for garlic oil for more flavour.
- Add fresh herbs after cooking for a fancy touch (rosemary or thyme are lovely).
What herbs go well with pork chops
Classic pairings
- Sage - earthy, slightly peppery; a traditional favourite with pork
- Thyme - subtle and savoury; works well in almost any pork dish
- Rosemary - bold and piney; great for roasting or grilling chops
- Parsley - fresh and bright; lovely as a garnish or in herb butter
For a Mediterranean vibe
- Oregano - robust and slightly bitter; pairs well with garlic and lemon
- Marjoram - milder cousin of oregano; sweet and aromatic
Quick herb blend ideas
- Garlic + rosemary + thyme
- Sage + parsley + black pepper
- Oregano + garlic + lemon zest
- Tarragon + mustard + honey glaze
What to serve with pork chops
Classic Comfort
- Mashed potatoes - buttery and creamy, a perfect match for pork
- Gravy - especially with pan juices or a herby gravy
- Roasted root vegetables - carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes
- Buttered green beans - fresh and simple
Light & Fresh
- Crisp green salad - with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pork
- Steamed broccoli or broccolini - add a squeeze of lemon
- Apple slaw - apples + cabbage + light dressing = perfect contrast
- Grilled asparagus - works especially well with herby pork chops
Sweet & Savoury (Great with Glazed Pork)
- Sautéed apples - a classic pairing; cook with a bit of butter and cinnamon
- Braised red cabbage - sweet and tangy, adds beautiful colour
- Roasted squash - earthy and a little sweet, balances savoury pork
Quick & Easy (for Weeknights)
- Air fryer potatoes - wedges, cubes, or fries
- Couscous or quinoa - ready in minutes
- Frozen peas with butter - no fuss, always good
Reheating and Storing Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
Store leftover pork chops in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C / 360°F for 3–4 minutes, or until hot through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen thin pork chops?
Yes, add 3–5 minutes and check they’re fully cooked before serving.
How do I keep them from drying out?
Don’t overcook - a meat thermometer helps with this. After cooking, let them rest before serving.
Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 thin pork chops about ½ inch thick, bone-in or boneless
- 1 - 2 teaspoon olive oil or your preferred oil for air frying
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoon Dried herbs/spices e.g. smoked paprika, BBQ seasoning, or your favourite spice blend
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 390°F (about 3–5 minutes).
- Pat the pork chops dry, then rub them with a little olive oil and your chosen seasonings.
- Place chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
- Cook for 6–9 minutes, depending on thickness. No need to flip unless you like both sides extra golden.
- Check for doneness – your pork chops should be golden on the outside and at least 63°C / 145°F in the centre.Rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Jenny
I really enjoyed cooking these pork chops. Have you tried them too? If so, let me know by leaving a rating and comment. It really helps us see which recipes you like best. Thanks!
Michael Catton
First time cooking pork chops on an air fryer; so succulent, not as dry as grilling.