Like many home cooks, I’ve fallen completely in love with my air fryer. It has become an indispensable kitchen appliance, simplifying so many of my favorite recipes. Its ability to create crispy textures without excessive oil, while maintaining the juiciness of meats and vegetables, is truly remarkable.

I find myself reaching for it constantly, preparing everything from Air Fryer Cod and Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin to Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Salmon, and even Air Fryer Pork Taquitos. The ease of air frying, the consistent crispiness it delivers, and the surprisingly simple cleanup make it a top choice for quick and healthy meals. This Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops recipe is a shining example of why I adore my air fryer – it’s effortlessly delicious and fits perfectly into any busy schedule.

This recipe starts with high-quality boneless pork chops, which are generously rubbed with a blend of simple yet effective seasonings. This initial seasoning layer is crucial for building deep flavor. Following the dry rub, a layer of tangy and sweet BBQ sauce is applied. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to seal in moisture during the air frying process, ensuring incredibly juicy air fryer pork chops. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a spectacular main dish. For an extra boost of flavor and a beautiful glaze, I like to add another layer of BBQ sauce just before serving. It truly takes these BBQ pork chops to the next level!

If you’re a fan of pork, I highly recommend exploring some of my other popular recipes. You might enjoy learning How to Bake Juicy Pork Chops in the Oven, How to Make Pork Tenderloin (especially in a slow cooker for maximum tenderness), Easy Pineapple Pork Chops, BBQ Baked Pork Chops, Easy Pork Chili, and this comforting Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile meat.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Pork Chops

The air fryer truly shines when it comes to cooking pork chops, especially boneless ones. Here’s why it’s my go-to method:

• Speed: Traditional cooking methods can take longer, but an air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, significantly reducing cooking time. You can have these tender pork chops ready in under 20 minutes!
• Even Cooking: The constant circulation of hot air ensures that every part of the pork chop cooks evenly, preventing dry spots and ensuring consistent tenderness throughout.
• Crispy Exterior, Juicy Interior: This is the hallmark of perfectly air-fried food. The high heat creates a delightful crust on the outside, while the quick cooking time and BBQ sauce help retain the natural moisture within, resulting in incredibly juicy air fryer pork chops.
• Less Oil: Compared to pan-frying, air frying requires minimal to no oil, making it a healthier cooking option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze – a huge bonus for any busy cook.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops

Here’s a detailed look at the simple ingredients that come together to create these incredibly tasty air fryer boneless pork chops. For exact measurements and printable instructions, you can jump to the recipe card below.

• Pork Chops: For this particular recipe, I prefer using boneless pork chops. They cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer. However, if you have bone-in chops on hand, you can certainly use them, but be aware that the cooking time might need to be adjusted by a few extra minutes. For optimal results, aim for chops that are around 7-8 ounces and approximately 1-inch thick, as these tend to stay wonderfully juicy. This recipe specifically calls for 4 thick boneless pork chops.
• Spices: The foundation of flavor for these pork chops comes from a straightforward yet impactful spice mixture. We’ll be using paprika and garlic powder. Paprika adds a lovely color and a mild, sweet, peppery flavor, while garlic powder provides a savory depth that complements pork beautifully. This initial rub ensures every bite of your seasoned pork chops is bursting with flavor, even before the BBQ sauce is added. If you have a favorite pre-made BBQ rub, feel free to substitute it for the individual spices – just make sure to coat both sides of the pork chops generously. Other great additions could be onion powder, a pinch of chili powder, or even a touch of brown sugar for extra caramelization.
• BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is what makes these air fryer pork chops truly special. While I enjoy making my own homemade BBQ sauce (and provide the ingredients for one in the recipe card), using a high-quality store-bought BBQ sauce is perfectly acceptable and makes this easy pork chop recipe even quicker. Choose a sauce that you love – whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or a little spicy – as its flavor will shine through in the final dish. The sauce not only adds incredible taste but also helps to create that desirable crust and keeps the pork incredibly moist.

How to Make These Delicious Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Crafting these flavorful boneless pork chops in the air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a quick and satisfying meal:

Step 1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Begin by preheating your air fryer to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature when you’re ready to cook. While it preheats, place your boneless pork chops on a clean cutting board or plate. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crust and ensuring even cooking: thoroughly pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the spices adhere better and allows the surface to crisp up beautifully.

Step 3. Air Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the prepared pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder air circulation and prevent the chops from cooking evenly and developing a crisp exterior. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and air fry for approximately 15 minutes. Remember to flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are beautifully browned and cooked evenly. The most reliable way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) in the thickest part of the chop. This temperature ensures a perfectly juicy and safe result.

Step 4. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the tender pork chops from the air fryer basket. For maximum flavor and juiciness, I recommend brushing another generous layer of BBQ sauce on each pork chop immediately after they come out of the air fryer. This creates a glossy, flavorful finish. Allow the pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful experience. Serve your warm, perfectly cooked air fryer boneless pork chops with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.