20-Minute Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Prep: 5 minCook: 15 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops with Paprika Spice Rub

Juicy, thick-cut boneless pork chops seasoned with a savory blend of paprika, garlic, and mustard powder, then air fried to perfection. The high heat of the air fryer creates a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender and moist inside. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. The simple spice rub adds depth without overpowering the natural pork flavor, making this a family-friendly meal that pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeKeto

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 4 boneless pork chops, approximately 1 1/2-2 inches thick
    bone-in pork chops1:1

    add 2-3 minutes cooking time

  • 1 tsp paprika
    smoked paprika1:1

    adds smoky flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    avocado oil1:1

    higher smoke point for air frying

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F, or run for 5 minutes if no preheat option

  2. 2

    Stir all seasonings together in a small bowl

  3. 3

    Coat pork chops with olive oil and rub seasoning mixture into both sides

  4. 4

    Place pork chops in air fryer without overlapping, cooking in batches if needed

  5. 5

    Cook for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F

  6. 6

    Let pork rest for 3-5 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overlap pork chops in the air fryer basket - cook in batches for even browning and proper air circulation.

Tip 2

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches exactly 145°F for food safety while avoiding overcooking.

Tip 3

Let the seasoned pork chops sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked pork chops for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Make Ahead

Season pork chops up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Serve With

Serve immediately after resting with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the resting period or juices will run out when cut

Watch

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking

Substitutions

olive oil→
avocado oil1:1

higher smoke point for air frying

Full guide →
paprika→
smoked paprika1:1

adds smoky flavor

Full guide →
boneless pork chops→
bone-in pork chops1:1

add 2-3 minutes cooking time

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use thinner pork chops?

Yes, reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes for chops under 1 inch thick and check temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.

What if I don't have ground mustard?

Substitute with dry mustard powder in the same amount, or use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder as an alternative.

How long do leftovers keep?

Cooked pork chops will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.