Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer (No Breading)

Thin pork chops in the air fryer are the perfect dinner – just like my air fryer pork tenderloin, they turn out juicy, tender and flavoursome, with no breading required. Cooked in less than 10 minutes! 

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Big flavor: I love love love the flavour profile of the pork chop seasoning blend. It includes smoked paprika, brown sugar and onion/garlic powder. The perfect salty, smoky sweet combo to pair with your thin boneless pork chops without any breading needed.
• Never overcooked: The number one issue with pork chops is that they get tough the moment you push them too far. Cooking thin pork chops in the air fryer over a high heat for a short time is genuinely the best way to avoid this – the whole thing is done in 8 minutes.
• Fast cooking & easy clean-up: Ideal for a mid-week dinner when you’ve had a long day at work. You don’t have to mess around with any foil, just chuck them in and you have a delicious protein source in 10 minutes. Batch make something like my parmentier potatoes and tenderstem broccoli and you’re good for the week!

Need inspiration for some other tasty pork recipes? Try my Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly, Simple Pork Curry and Pork Stroganoff.

Ingredients for Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

• Thin pork chops: I bought a pack of 4 thin pork chops which equated to around 480g/1lb. 
• Spice rub: A smoky combo of paprika, onion and garlic powder works fabulously with airfryer thin pork chops as it’s a versatile flavour which pairs with many dishes. 
• Brown sugar: This promotes caramelization with your thin pork chops in the air fryer even with the short cook time. It contrasts nicely with the salty, smoky flavours of the rub — similar to what happens in my air fryer pork belly strips, which are worth trying if you haven’t already.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

• Use bone-in, thicker pork chop: If you do this, I would recommend only cooking 2 pork chops at once in your airfryer to prevent overlapping/promote even cooking/browning. You may have to adjust the cook time to 10-12 minutes, or until the temp reads 145°F/63°C.
• Different spices/dried herbs: A more festive pork chop recipe would include more of a neutral seasoning, i.e. garlic granules, onion granules and dried Italian herbs. You could then finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve with applesauce. Note: you will get less browning due to there being no brown sugar. Or try a coconutty twist like in my simple pork curry.
• Make it saucy: Once your thin boneless pork chops are cooked, brush them with a spoonful of BBQ sauce, honey and mustard, or my cowboy butter in the last minute of cook time for a sticky glaze.

How to make Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer

Preheat the airfryer to  390°F  (200°C) for 5 minutes. 

1. Add smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic granules, onion granules and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl and then mix together. Pat the thin pork chops with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture (Image 1).
2. Coat the pork chops in oil, then add to the bowl with the seasoning and use your hands to evenly distribute (Image 2). 

3. Place the thin pork chop into your airfryer basket (Image 3). 

4. Cook at 390°F  (200°C) for 5-8 minutes depending on size (Image 4).

5. Once it’s cooked, use a meat thermometre and check the internal temperature which should be 145°F/63°C (Image 5). 

6. Let the pork rest rest for a couple of minutes, then enjoy. Optionally drizzle or brush some additional hot sauce onto your pork chops. Serve with fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper (Image 6).

Love using the air fryer? Try these high protein recipes: Gammon Joint in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Ribeye Steak and Air Fryer Turkey Burgers.

How do you keep thin pork chops from getting tough?

• Opt for thin over thick: My pork loins were around 1.5 cm thick, this meant that the cook time was really quick, ensuring I didn’t have to cook them for a long time to ensure the middle was cooked. 
• Don’t overcook:  Air fry thin pork chops for 145°F/63°C max then cover and rest, so temp comes up by a few degrees. 
• Let rest: Letting your pork chops rest allows the succulent juices to be retained in the meat. This prevents dryness. If you slice them straight away, the juice will release from the meat. 

How long to cook thin pork chops in the air fryer

Cook thin boneless pork chops in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Mine were around 1.5cm thick and were perfectly done at 6 minutes. The most reliable way to know they’re ready is a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then a 2-3 minute rest.

If your pork chops are thicker than 1.5cm, add a minute or two and keep checking. If they’re closer to ½ inch (about 1.2cm), they may be done at the 5-minute mark. Thinner cuts cook fast, which is exactly what makes thin pork chops in the air fryer such a good weeknight option – you really don’t need long.

What Temperature for Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?

390°F (200°C) is the sweet spot for thin boneless pork chops in the air fryer. The high heat gets you a slightly caramelised crust from the brown sugar in the rub without drying the inside out before it’s cooked through. Don’t be tempted to lower the temperature to “play it safe”, that’s actually how you end up with dry, tough pork.

Serving Suggestions

These thin boneless pork chops in the air fryer are so versatile when it comes to sides. Potatoes are always a brilliant pairing, whether that’s mashed potatoes, fries, wedges, or Easy Diced Air Fryer Potatoes if you want to keep it all in one appliance. If you fancy something with a bit more flavour, my Creamy Cajun Pasta works really well alongside these, or try my Spicy Rice with some vegetables thrown in for a lighter plate.

Going low carb? Stir-fried veg, Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, or a simple salad are all great options with the smoky spice rub on these chops. And if you want something effortless straight from the air fryer, Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are both ready in about the same time.

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator:  store your thin pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freeze: it is possible to freeze for up to 3 months, however I think that this recipe is best served fresh or reheated within a couple of days. It only takes 10 minutes to make, so if you did have an abundance of pork then I would suggest freezing it uncooked and then following this recipe after thawing. 

Reheat: reheat in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, using 30 second increments to see when it’s heated through. To reheat in the airfryer, cook for 2 minutes at 400°/205°C.

Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer FAQs

Pair these yummy chops with some creamy pasta: Creme Fraiche Pasta, Cottage Cheese Pasta and Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta