Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (No Breading)

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Make juicy air fryer pork chops with no breading for a quick, easy dinner. Simple seasonings and tender results make this recipe a family favorite. Easy recipe in the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer!

• Find out how long to cook pork chops in the Ninja Foodi so they turn out juicy, with the whole recipe ready in 20 minutes.
• Get the complete ingredient list for this easy air fryer recipe, which makes 2 servings.
• Learn practical Ninja Foodi tips that help you avoid dry, tough pork chops.
• Follow step-by-step instructions, with each serving coming in at 208 calories.

Ninja Foodi Pork Chops Recipe

Struggling with dry pork chops? These juicy air fryer pork chops come out perfect every time—no breading needed.

Made in the Ninja Foodi in just 15 minutes, they’re tender inside, crispy outside, and ridiculously easy.

This is the pork chop recipe you’ll come back to on busy nights.

I’ve also got recipes for pork tenderloin, pork ribs, and pork loin in the air fryer.

Ninja Foodi Pork Chops

Pork is so versatile and so delicious! I love finding new ways to cook pork chops in the Ninja air fryer oven. 

I have the Ninja Foodi XL Air Fryer Oven and a collection of air fryer recipes for everything! I couldn’t love it any more. My daycare parents surprised me with it as part of my Christmas gift and I was stunned and appreciative beyond belief.

I have used it nearly every day since. I don’t know how I was living before. I crank out tons of healthy food for my daycare kids in it and for my family too. Easy dinner ideas are my go to. In fact, I’m a big fan of all quick and easy dinners with pork, aren’t you?

Of course, any air fryer will work for these pork recipes. So if you have a different one, don’t sweat it.  

Check out these ideas for how to cook one pork roast and make 5 meals, and even more recipes for leftover pulled pork.

Pork Chops in Air Fryer with No Breading

Pork chops in the air fryer come out tender and juicy, but also browned nicely on the outside – so they don’t need any breading. Making pork chops in the air fryer with no breading makes them healthier.  

Add some savory herbs, finish them with a little bit of butter and you have a meal made in heaven. And try it with a spoon of this chimichurri sauce over the top. You’ll love it! And for even more air fryer recipes to wow your tastebuds, check out these summer air fryer recipes.

Why Air Fryer Pork Chops Turn Out Juicy

• Fast cooking = locks in moisture
• High heat = crispy outside
• No breading = less drying out

What Temperature Should Pork Chops Be?

Pork chops are safe at 145°F. Cooking to 165°F will make them dry.

FAQ About Air Fryer Pork Chops

Can you cook pork chops in the air fryer without breading?
Yes! They turn out juicy with a crisp exterior thanks to high heat.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out?
Don’t overcook them—use a thermometer and pull at 145°F.

How long do pork chops take in the air fryer?
About 9–15 minutes depending on thickness.

What seasoning is best for pork chops?
Simple salt, pepper, and herbs—or try garlic, paprika, or ranch seasoning.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops

• Air fryer smashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Simple salad
• Applesauce (classic!)

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops

• Use bone-in chops for more flavor
• Don’t overcrowd
• Flip halfway through
• Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving

Air Fryer Pork Ribs

These Smoky Air Fryer Ribs are super tender, so flavorful, and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy the classic taste of summer bbq all year round.

These air fryer pork ribs are tender and juicy and fall off the bone. Make them in just 30 minutes.

Ninja Foodi Pork Tenderloin

This is my favorite way to have pork tenderloin in the air fryer.

Pork tenderloin is always so good and so easy, but even easier in the air fryer. This juicy air fryer pork tenderloin is to die for!

This delicious Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Fajitas recipe is super versatile and flavorful. A perfect weeknight meal solution the whole family will love.

Pork Loin in Air Fryer

Tender air fryer pork loin comes out incredible. Add seasonings and serve with mashed potatoes for a delicious meal. 

Air Fryer Rotisserie Pork Loin is the ultimate way to whip up a juicy and flavorful pork loin. This air fryer pork loin is loaded with flavor, and absolutely satisfying.

If you have an air fryer, get that thing started and put some pork in it. If you’ve been thinking about getting one, don’t hesitate. You can save money on power by not using your big oven, you won’t heat up your house in the summer, and you’ll make meals faster!

These air fryer smashed potatoes pair great with pork and are going to be a regular around your house like they are ours. They are amazing!

Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet

Download and use this handy air fryer cooking times cheat sheet in your kitchen!

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These simple tips will help you make juicy air fryer pork chops with a flavorful, golden exterior every time.

• Choose thick pork chops. Chops that are at least 1 inch thick are less likely to dry out. Bone-in pork chops usually stay juicier and have more flavor, but boneless chops also work.
• Adjust the cooking time for thickness. Thin pork chops may be ready in 7 to 10 minutes, while thick bone-in chops may need 12 to 15 minutes. Cooking times can also vary between air fryer models.
• Use a meat thermometer. Remove the pork chops when the thickest part reaches 145°F. Be careful not to touch the bone when checking the temperature because it can give an inaccurate reading.
• Do not overcrowd the tray. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer with space between them so the hot air can circulate. If your oven-style air fryer has several rack positions, place the tray near the center unless your manufacturer recommends otherwise.
• Flip the chops halfway through cooking. Turning the pork chops helps them brown evenly on both sides.
• Let them rest before serving. Allow the cooked pork chops to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute instead of running out when the meat is cut.
• Try a different herb. Replace the thyme with rosemary, sage, Italian seasoning, or a poultry seasoning blend. Check seasoning blends for added salt before using them.
• Add garlic flavor. Mix garlic powder with the salt, pepper, and herbs before seasoning the pork chops. Garlic powder works better than fresh minced garlic in the air fryer because fresh garlic can burn.
• Finish with butter. Place a small pat of butter on each hot pork chop while it rests for extra richness and moisture.
• Use boneless pork chops. Boneless chops can be substituted for bone-in chops, but they often cook faster. Begin checking their temperature several minutes early.
• Make them ahead. You can season the pork chops, cover them, and refrigerate them for several hours before cooking. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the air fryer preheats.

Serving Suggestions

These juicy air fryer pork chops are easy to pair with vegetables, potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. For a classic comfort-food dinner, serve them with mashed potatoes, green beans, and applesauce. The slightly sweet applesauce is especially delicious with savory pork.

For a lighter meal, pair the pork chops with roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sautéed cabbage, or a simple garden salad. Many vegetables can be cooked in the air fryer before the pork chops and kept warm while the meat cooks.

Air fryer pork chops also go well with baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, seasoned rice, buttered noodles, or homemade dinner rolls. Spoon any juices left on the resting plate over the chops just before serving for even more flavor.

Leftover pork chops can be sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, fried rice, casseroles, or a quick vegetable skillet. Reheat them gently so the meat does not become dry.

How to Choose the Best Pork Chops for the Air Fryer

Bone-in center-cut pork chops are an excellent choice for this recipe because the bone and surrounding fat help protect the meat from drying out. Look for chops with a fresh pink color and a small amount of marbling throughout the meat. That marbling melts as the pork cooks, adding both flavor and moisture.

Pork chops that are approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick are the easiest to cook without drying them out. Very thin pork chops cook quickly, which leaves little room for error. If thin chops stay in the air fryer just a minute or two too long, they can become tough.

You can use several different cuts for this recipe:

• Bone-in rib chops: Tender, flavorful, and usually well-marbled.
• Bone-in loin chops: These have a T-shaped bone with meat on both sides. Because the two sections may cook at slightly different rates, check the temperature in the thickest portion.
• Boneless loin chops: Lean and convenient, but they generally cook faster than bone-in chops.
• Thin-cut pork chops: These will work, but they need to be checked early and watched carefully.

Avoid pork chops that are unusually pale, have dry edges, or contain a large amount of liquid in the package. No matter which cut you choose, cooking according to internal temperature is more reliable than depending on time alone.

How to Prepare Pork Chops for Air Frying

For the best browning, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasonings. Removing excess surface moisture helps the outside roast instead of steam.

Coat both sides lightly with olive oil or olive oil spray. You do not need a heavy coating, but the thin layer of oil helps the seasonings stick and encourages the surface to brown.

Season both sides of each pork chop, including around the edges. After seasoning, allow the chops to rest for approximately 5 minutes while the air fryer preheats. This gives the seasoning time to adhere to the meat.

If you season the pork chops several hours ahead, cover and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook. Take them out of the refrigerator while the air fryer preheats, but do not leave raw pork sitting at room temperature for an extended period.

Cooking Pork Chops in an Oven-Style Air Fryer

An oven-style air fryer works a little differently from a traditional drawer-style model. Instead of placing the food in a deep basket, arrange the pork chops on the mesh rack or crisper tray that came with the appliance. Place a small sheet tray or drip pan underneath it to catch the juices and make cleanup easier.

Leave space between the pork chops so the hot air can reach the sides of each piece. If the chops are crowded together, they will release moisture and steam instead of developing a browned exterior.

The middle or upper-middle rack position usually provides the most even cooking. However, oven-style air fryers vary, so follow the rack-position recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Turn the pork chops halfway through the cooking time. If your air fryer oven cooks more strongly on one side, rotate the tray at the same time. This is especially helpful when cooking two pork chops that are slightly different in size.

Because oven-style models have a larger cooking chamber, they may take a little longer than compact basket air fryers. Begin checking the internal temperature early, but do not be surprised if your particular appliance needs another minute or two.

How to Get Pork Chops Brown in an Air Fryer Oven

If your pork chops cook through but do not brown well, excess moisture or the tray position may be the problem. Start by thoroughly drying the pork chops before seasoning them. A wet surface has to release its moisture before it can begin to brown.

Use the mesh crisper rack rather than laying the pork chops directly on a solid sheet pan. The openings allow hot air to circulate underneath the meat. Keep the solid tray beneath the rack only as a drip pan.

You can also try these browning tips:

• Preheat the air fryer before adding the pork chops.
• Brush or spray the surface lightly with oil.
• Avoid overcrowding the tray.
• Place the tray in the upper-middle portion of the appliance.
• Flip the pork chops halfway through cooking.
• Rotate the tray if the back of the oven cooks faster than the front.
• Make sure the appliance is set to air fry rather than bake.
• Add one or two minutes under the broil setting at the end, if your machine allows it.

Watch the pork chops constantly when using the broil setting. Broilers work quickly, and the herbs and seasonings can burn in less than a minute.

Do not continue air frying the pork simply to make it darker after it has reached 145°F. If the inside is finished but the exterior needs more color, a very brief broil is better than several additional minutes of cooking.

Why Are My Air Fryer Pork Chops Dry?

Overcooking is the most common reason pork chops turn out dry. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a short rest. It does not need to be cooked to 165°F like poultry.

Begin checking the pork chops near the lower end of the suggested cooking range. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat without allowing the tip to touch the bone.

Thin and boneless pork chops tend to dry out more quickly than thick bone-in chops. If your chops are thinner than the ones shown in this recipe, reduce the cooking time and check them several minutes early.

Dry pork chops can also result from:

• Cooking directly from frozen without adjusting the method.
• Using chops that are very lean and thin.
• Crowding the air fryer tray.
• Skipping the oil entirely.
• Cutting the meat immediately after cooking.
• Reheating leftovers for too long.

Allow the pork chops to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. Resting helps keep the flavorful juices inside the meat when it is sliced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not preheating the air fryer

Placing pork chops in a cold air fryer can increase the cooking time and prevent the surface from browning properly. Preheating gives the meat an immediate burst of heat.

Using too much oil

A light coating is all you need. Excess oil can drip, smoke, and make the outside of the pork greasy instead of crisp.

Crowding the tray

The pork chops should not touch. Hot air needs room to circulate around each chop. Cook them in separate batches if your tray is too small.

Cooking strictly by the clock

Pork chops vary in thickness, and air fryers vary in power. Use the suggested cooking time as a guide and let the internal temperature determine when the pork is ready.

Checking the temperature against the bone

The bone heats differently from the meat and may produce an inaccurate reading. Insert the thermometer into the thickest meaty section.

Cutting the pork chops immediately

If you slice them as soon as they leave the air fryer, more of the juices will run onto the plate. Give the meat a few minutes to rest first.

Adding fresh garlic before air frying

Fresh minced garlic can burn at 400°F. Garlic powder is a better choice for the seasoning mixture. If you want fresh garlic flavor, add garlic butter after the pork chops finish cooking.

Can You Cook Frozen Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?

You can air fry pork chops from frozen, but thawed pork chops cook more evenly and develop better browning. Frozen chops may cook on the outside before the centers are completely done, especially when they are thick or bone-in.

If you must cook them from frozen, begin by air frying them for several minutes until the surface softens. Separate the chops if they are frozen together, add the oil and seasonings, and then continue cooking until the thickest portion reaches 145°F.

Expect frozen pork chops to need additional cooking time. Check them frequently with a meat thermometer rather than relying on an exact number of minutes.

For the best texture and the most predictable results, thaw frozen pork chops overnight in the refrigerator before preparing this recipe.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Pork Chops

Refrigerate leftover pork chops within two hours of cooking. Place them in a shallow airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

If possible, keep the pork chops whole until you are ready to use them. A whole chop retains more moisture than meat that has already been sliced.

Cooked pork chops can also be frozen. Wrap each cooled chop tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container with as much air removed as possible. Freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months for the best quality. Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do not leave cooked pork sitting on the counter for several hours, and do not store warm pork chops in a deep, tightly packed container. Shallow containers allow leftovers to cool more quickly and safely.

How to Reheat Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out

The air fryer can reheat pork chops, but use a lower temperature than you used for the initial cooking. Reheat the chops at approximately 325°F until warmed through. Check them frequently so they do not overcook.

Adding a small pat of butter or a spoonful of broth before reheating can help replace some moisture. If the pork chop is already sliced, cover it loosely with foil or reheat it in a covered skillet with a splash of broth.

The microwave is convenient for individual portions. Place the pork on a microwave-safe plate, add a small amount of broth or butter, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Reheat it in short intervals at reduced power.

Leftover pork should be reheated to 165°F. Heat only the portion you plan to eat rather than repeatedly cooling and reheating the same pork chops.

Ways to Use Leftover Air Fryer Pork Chops

Leftover pork chops can become an entirely new meal. Remove the meat from the bone and slice or dice it before adding it to another recipe.

Try using leftover pork in:

• Pork fried rice
• Vegetable stir-fry
• Pork and potato hash
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Pork tacos or quesadillas
• Noodle bowls
• Pasta with a creamy sauce
• Salads with apples and cheese
• Pork and vegetable soup
• A simple rice and pork skillet

Because the pork is already cooked, add it near the end of the recipe and heat it only until warmed through. Cooking it for too long a second time may make it tough.

More Questions About Air Fryer Pork Chops

Should pork chops be at room temperature before air frying?

You do not need to bring pork chops completely to room temperature. Letting them sit out for approximately 10 to 15 minutes while the air fryer preheats can help take off the refrigerator chill. Do not leave raw pork at room temperature for more than two hours.

Do you need to brine pork chops before air frying?

Brining is optional. Thick pork chops can benefit from a short brine, but this simple recipe remains juicy without one when the pork is not overcooked. If you use a brine, reduce the salt in the seasoning mixture.

Can pork chops overlap in the air fryer?

No. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each chop. Overlapping blocks the circulating air and results in uneven cooking.

Why is there still a little pink in my pork chop?

A safely cooked pork chop can remain slightly pink in the center. Color alone is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Use a meat thermometer and cook the pork to 145°F before allowing it to rest.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as the pork chops still fit in a single layer without touching. If four chops crowd the tray, cook them in two batches. The second batch may cook slightly faster because the air fryer is already thoroughly heated.

Do I need to line the air fryer tray with foil?

Do not cover the mesh crisper rack with foil because it blocks airflow. You may line the solid drip tray underneath the rack if the appliance manufacturer allows it. Keep foil away from exposed heating elements and make sure it is secured so it cannot blow around inside the appliance.