Forget dry, leathery pork chops. After testing these Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops in the Ninja Foodi, Cosori, and Instant Pot Vortex, I’ve perfected the method for a restaurant-quality sear while keeping the center incredibly juicy.
The secret to a perfect chop is twofold: a savory brown sugar rub for a crusty exterior and pulling the meat at exactly 145°F. If you’re looking for a 15-minute weeknight hero, this ‘no-fail’ method is the only one you’ll need.
Recipe at a Glance
- Equipment: Any standard basket or oven-style Air Fryer.
- The Cut: Bone-in center-cut pork chops (1-inch thick is best).
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes total.
- The Secret: Pull the meat at an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Flavor Profile: Savory-sweet smoky rub with a caramelized crust.
Why “Bone-In” is Better
In the air fryer, bone-in chops are superior for three reasons:
- Moisture: The bone protects the meat from overcooking and helps retain natural juices.
- Flavor: You get a deeper, richer flavor that boneless cuts just can’t match.
- Physics: The bone acts as an insulator, ensuring the center of the chop stays tender while the air fryer’s high heat crisps the edges.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bone-In Pork Chops: Look for chops at least 1 inch thick.
- Olive Oil: Helps the rub adhere and creates the golden crust. You can also use avocado oil.
- Jeri’s Homemade Pork Rub: Brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. If you’re short on time, you can also use your favorite seasoning blend or store-bought rub. But I highly recommend trying this homemade version!
How to Make Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season: Generously coat both sides and the edges with the pork rub.
- Arrange: Place pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Air Fry: Air fry for 5 minutes. This initial cooking time starts to develop that beautiful crust.
- Flip and finish: Flip the pork chops and continue cooking for 4-7 minutes more, depending on thickness. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as juicy as possible. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
The Perfect Timing Table
| Thickness | Cook Time (400°F) | Flip At | Target Temp |
| 1-inch (Standard) | 9-11 Minutes | 5 Mins | 145°F |
| 1.5-inch (Thick Cut) | 14-16 Minutes | 7 Mins | 145°F |
| Boneless Swap | 8-10 Minutes | 4 Mins | 145°F |
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops
These juicy pork chops are incredibly versatile. To make it a complete meal, I recommend pairing them with one of these sides:
- The Classic Combo: Nothing beats a meat-and-potatoes dinner. Pair these with my Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes and Air Fryer Green Beans.
- The “Lighter” Plate: For a healthy weeknight option, serve the chops alongside a crisp green salad and my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
- Southern Comfort: If you have the smoker running, my Smoked Mac and Cheese and collard greens are the perfect companions for these savory chops.
- Fall Harvest: During the autumn months, I love the combination of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Crispy Air Fryer Squash.
- 15-Minute Meal: If you’re in a rush, use my “No-Mush” trick for Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli or make my Air Fryer Corn on the Cob and a quick batch of Instant Pot Rice.
Variations
- Honey Glaze: Brush with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- BBQ Glaze: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Asian-Inspired Glaze: Brush with teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each pork chop in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
Jeri’s Pro Tips
- The 30-Minute Rule: Take the pork chops out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Room-temperature meat cooks much more evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If the air can’t circulate, you won’t get that “fried” crust. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a Digital Thermometer: Every air fryer brand runs at a slightly different “true” temperature. Trust the internal temperature of the meat, not the machine’s timer.
Recipe FAQs
Why are my air fryer pork chops tough?
The #1 reason is overcooking. Most people wait until 160°F, but pork is safe and at its juiciest at 145°F. Rest the meat for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Can I cook these from frozen?
Yes, but you will lose some of that crust. Add 5-7 minutes to the total time and use your thermometer to ensure the center hits 145°F.
Printable Recipe
Juicy Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
Forget dry pork chops! These Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops are tested in Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot air fryers to ensure a restaurant-quality sear and a juicy center every time. They are ready in 15 minutes and seasoned with a savory-sweet smoky rub.
Calories: 384kcal
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4-6 Bone-In Pork Chops (at least 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Pork Rub (see recipe below)
For the Pork Rub:
- 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
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Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
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Prep and Dry: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels (this is the secret to a good sear). Brush both sides with olive oil or avocado oil.
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Season: In a small bowl, mix the pork rub ingredients. Generously coat all sides of the chops, pressing the seasoning into the meat so it sticks.
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Air Fry: Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook for an additional 4-7 minutes. Crucial: Use a meat thermometer and pull the chops when they hit an internal temperature of 145°F.
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The Rest: Remove from the air fryer and let the meat rest on a board for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Notes
- The 145°F Rule: Pork is safe to eat at 145°F. Most older recipes tell you 160°F, which results in dry meat. Pulling at 145°F is the key to juiciness.
- Room Temp: If you have time, let the chops sit on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly all the way to the bone.
- Air Fryer Models: I tested this recipe in a Ninja Foodi, an Instant Pot Vortex, and a Cosori basket style. Basket-style fryers often cook 1-2 minutes faster than oven-style units.
- The “Pat Dry” Secret: If your chops are damp when they go in, they will steam instead of sear. Always use a paper towel first!
Nutrition
Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 5mg
