Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops

Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops use a simple seasoned flour coating held together with an egg and Dijon dredge. The result is a crunchy outside with juicy, tender pork inside — all made better for you in the air fryer without deep frying.

Weeknights can be a whirlwind, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. These pork chops come together fast with ingredients you probably already have on hand, and the air fryer gets them crispy and cooked through in under 15 minutes. It’s a go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and satisfying.

Ingredient Notes

These are pretty standard pantry ingredients, but I’ve included a few details for your reference.

• Bone-in Pork Chops– Bone in are more juicy and flavorful. Mine are about an inch thick. If you have thicker ones, your cook time may need to be adjusted.
• Flour- All purpose works well here. I prefer the King Arthur brand, and I recommend unbleached, but any flour will do.
• Spices- Garlic powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt & Pepper add flavor to your breading mixture. Salt also helps to tenderize meat. You can get creative and change up the flavor by swapping these out if you want to.
• Egg and Dijon Mustard– This duo is your binding agent. The mustard will also add some flavor, but acting as an emulsifier, it helps the egg stick better to the pork.
• Fresh Parsley- This garnish does add a little flavor and it makes your dish look pretty. My kids always think something is super fancy when I sprinkle some herbs on it. If you don’t have it, don’t sweat it.
• Oil– I recommend Avocado oil or Olive Oil. I use a spray mister to lightly coat the food. You can also use just general cooking spray.

How to Make Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops

1. Prep your ingredients– Mix the flour and spices together in a shallow bowl. Whisk the egg and dijon together in another shallow bowl, and pat those pork chops dry with a paper towel. Lay it out in an assembly line for yourself.
2. Dip the pork chop into the egg mixture so it’s completely covered on both sides.
3. Dredge it in the seasoned flour, coating both sides and pressing it in a bit.
4. Spray it lightly with a little oil or cooking spray and Air Fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping half way through

Time and Temperature Tips

Getting pork chops just right in the air fryer comes down to a few key things: thickness, temperature, and spacing. Here’s what you need to know to make sure they turn out juicy and golden every time.

• Preheat your air fryer
  Just like an oven, a quick preheat (about 5 minutes at 400°F) helps get that crispy coating right away.
• Cook at 400°F
  This high temp is perfect for crisping the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Lower temps may dry out the pork before it crisps up.
• Time range: 12–14 minutes
  For 1-inch thick, bone-in pork chops, plan on 12–14 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Thinner chops may need less time, and thicker ones a bit more.
• Don’t crowd the basket
  Make sure the pork chops are in a single layer with a little space in between. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crisp.
• Check for doneness with a thermometer
  Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, measured at the thickest part. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
• Let them rest
  After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist.

Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on yours the first time and adjust if needed. I have the Ninja Air Fryer and I’m very happy with it.

Seasoning Variations

Start with the basic blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper), and try mixing things up with these ideas:

• Smoky Southwest – Add 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin to the base mix.
• Herb Blend – Add 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning for an herby crust.
• Zesty Cajun – Use Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning in place of paprika for a spicy kick. You may want to up the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
• Lemon Pepper – Omit the smoked paprika, replace black pepper with lemon pepper seasoning and add a pinch of dried dill. There’s only 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, so again, you may want to up this to really taste the lemon.
• Parmesan Crust – Mix ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan into the flour for a cheesy, golden finish.
• More Crunch- Replace part of the flour mixture with panko bread crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops pair well with most sides. We like ours with Boursin Mashed Potatoes and Garlic Butter Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts. If you like a cold side, Broccoli Salad is a winner every time.

Storing and Freezing

Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, let them cool completely first, then wrap each chop tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep best in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Vacuum sealing makes a huge difference on preserving and protecting from freezer burn. This is a nice one. Also great if you do any Sous Vide Cooking. If you don’t have one, just press as much air out as possible before putting it into the freezer.

Reheating

If they are coming from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator. To reheat the pork chops in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and air fry for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.