An easy spice rub brings pizzazz to this 15-minute recipe for succulent, juicy, brown-sugar–glazed thin pork chops cooked in the air fryer. In under 20 minutes you’ll have a flavorful main dish that’s likely to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer
Ferris Bueller said it well: dinner time comes at you fast. When you need a quick, satisfying meal between errands or activities, this recipe delivers great flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Thin pork chops are quick-cooking and budget-friendly, but they can become tough if overcooked. The trick is to get good color while keeping the meat juicy.
Because the chops are thin, you need a method that seals in moisture while adding flavor. The brown sugar in this rub helps keep the chops moist and adds a glossy finish, while smoked paprika gives color and a subtle smoky note.
Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipe
This recipe uses a simple dry rub of pantry spices that builds bold flavor quickly. Press the rub into the meat so it adheres well, and make sure the air fryer is preheated so the chops begin cooking immediately—this helps lock in juices.
Use bone-in thin chops when possible for slightly more flavor and a touch more forgiveness on timing. Boneless thin-cut chops will cook a little faster, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
Serve these brown-sugar pork chops with a crisp salad or a comforting side such as mac and cheese for a complete meal in minutes.
Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
This recipe was developed with bone-in thin pork chops, but boneless works too—just shorten the cook time if needed. Be generous with the rub and press it into both sides of the chops so it forms a good coating.
Preheating the air fryer is important: a hot cooking environment starts the sear right away, helping to keep the pork tender and juicy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate around each chop.
Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer
Rebecca Lindamood
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 thin pork chops
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, black pepper, ground mustard, salt, granulated onion, and thyme.
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Brush or drizzle olive oil on both sides of the pork chops. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over each chop and press it in so the rub adheres.
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Arrange the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
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Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the chops and cook 4–5 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition based on the exact ingredients you use if precise values are needed.
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