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These juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops were tested and perfected for an easy dinner done fast, cooking up in the same time it takes to preheat your grill. Along with a flavorful, balanced marinade, I’ve got all your best tips for pork chop success.
Meggan’s notes
As a classically trained chef, I’ve learned that tough cuts of meat, like bone-in pork, benefit from marinating to enhance tenderness and taste. The same applies to thick boneless pork chops. Look for boneless center-cut pork chops, also known as loin chops or center loin chops. Thicker cuts take longer to cook, so start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark.
The combination of lemon juice, garlic, jalapeño, honey, thyme, and paprika in the marinade creates a perfect balance of flavors. And thanks to the air fryer’s quick cooking time, this dish is a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.
Pro Tip #1: The key to this marinade is giving it enough time to fully infuse the pork chops with flavor. For the best results, marinate them for at least three hours or overnight. You could also prep them in the morning so they have time to marinate all day before cooking them for that evening’s dinner.
Pro Tip #2: Before cooking, wipe off excess marinade to ensure a proper sear. If the pork chops are too wet, they won’t brown as well, which affects both texture and flavor.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Lemon: Always zest the lemon before you cut it in half for juice. Here’s How to Zest a Lemon five ways.
- Jalapeños: For a milder marinade, seed the chilies (wearing gloves is recommended). For a spicier marinade, use serrano chilies instead.
- Pork chops: Look for boneless center-cut pork chops (also known as loin chops or center loin chops). Thicker-cut chops take longer to cook, so start checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large plastic bag with a zipper-top closure, or in a baking dish, add olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, jalapeño pepper, dried thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add pork chop and mash or turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Remove pork chops from marinade and wipe off excess.
- Transfer pork chops to the air fryer basket, ensuring space between the chops for air to circulate.
- Cook until pork chops are well browned and reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees, about 10 to 14 minutes. Flip the chops over halfway through cooking.
- Remove from air fryer and allow chops to rest for 5 minutes to carry-over cook to 145 degrees. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 4 hearty entree-sized servings.
- Storage: Store leftover air fryer pork chops covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: Marinate pork chops the day before. Allow to come to room temperature before air frying.
- Freezer: Wrap leftover chops in freezer-safe packaging and freeze up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Favorite air fryer sides for pork: This recipe is delicious with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and more vegetables like Air Fryer Cauliflower, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Air Fryer Green Beans. Start with a crisp Orange Fennel Salad with crunchy fennel, juicy oranges, soft butter lettuce leaves, and fresh mint all drizzled with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette.
- More ways with pork: Craving more pork recipes? Discover Tacos al Pastor, an authentic Mexican recipe flavored with dried chiles and pineapple. Pork Schnitzel is a German recipe for pork cutlets pounded thin, breaded, and pan-fried (we have Chicken Schnitzel too if that’s more your speed). During the summer you absolutely cannot miss my Pork Burgers—they have a special pork seasoning blend and are topped with pickled beets and a spread of feta cheese, mayonnaise, and whole-grain mustard. It’s one of my most treasured recipes on the site!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not required but highly recommended! A marinade enhances flavor and tenderness, especially for boneless or lean cuts.
It’s important to wipe off the excess marinade. If the pork is too wet, it’s hard to brown them.
Overcooking is the main culprit. Use a meat thermometer and cook until 145°F (63°C), then rest for 5 minutes.
Both work! Bone-in chops take a little longer but stay juicier. Boneless chops cook faster but benefit from a marinade.
More pork recipes
Main Dishes
Pork Roast
Dinner Recipes
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Sandwich Recipes
Pork Burgers with Feta Mustard
Main Dishes
Pork Cutlets with Apples
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Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (see note 1)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper minced (see note 2)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme plus more for garnish (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless pork chops center-cut, about 1 ½ to 2 inches thick each (see note 3)
Instructions
- In a large plastic bag with a zipper-top closure, add olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, jalapeño pepper, dried thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Add pork chop and mash to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Remove pork chops from marinade and wipe off excess.
- Transfer pork chops to the air fryer basket, ensuring space between the chops for air to circulate. Cook until pork chops are well browned and reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees, about 10 to 14 minutes. Flip the chops over halfway through cooking.
- Remove from air fryer and allow chops to rest for 5 minutes to carry-over cook to 145 degrees. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve.
Notes
- Lemon: Always zest the lemon before you cut it in half for juice.
- Jalapeños: For a milder marinade, seed the chilies (wearing gloves is recommended). For a spicier marinade, use serrano chilies instead.
- Pork chops: Look for boneless center-cut pork chops (also known as loin chops or center loin chops). Thicker-cut chops take longer to cook, so start checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
- Yield: This recipe makes 4 hearty entree-sized servings.
- Storage: Store leftover pork chops covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.