I’m quite impressed with how the air fryer bone-in pork chops turned out. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. It’s also quite tender and juicy.
My only regret is not using a more tender cut. I initially thought the center-cut (T-Bone steak-like cut) would be perfect. However, I soon realized that the rib cut is actually more tender and has a higher fat content.
Nevertheless, this recipe still turned out well, and the bone really added a depth of flavor to the dish.
✦ Bonus: Stay tuned, as I will also share tips on achieving tender and juicy bone-in pork chops and reducing the gaminess of the meat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this sweet and savory bone-in pork chop recipe.
- Bone-in pork chops (rib chop or center cut chop)
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Ground mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Neutral cooking oil
Again, if you want a more tender result go for the rib chop. The center cut is also amazing but not as tender as the rib chop.
One factor that affects the tenderness of any meat is its thickness. A ½-inch pork chops are prone to overcooking, so opting for a thicker cut, at least 1-inch, will help you achieve a more tender and juicier result.
On the other hand, a thin-cut pork chop also has its merits. It will absorb flavors and seasonings more effectively, masking any gamey taste that pork may have.Recipe Video: Air Fryer Pork Chops with BoneDon’t have time to read? We made this short recipe video just for you.
Recipe Video
How to Cook Bone in Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?
The whole process of air frying bone-in pork chops will take 25 minutes or less depending on the thickness of your chops. Follow these seven simple steps.
Step 1: Get the bone-in pork chops ready.
Get the bone-in pork chops ready. If they’re frozen, thaw them overnight and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
💡 Pro Tip: To neutralize the gamey taste of pork, marinate it in buttermilk or any acidic marinade overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the seasonings.
In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasonings: paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In separate small bowls, have the brown sugar and neutral cooking oil ready.
The brown sugar has a tendency to clump together, so we have prepared it in a separate container to ensure it remains loose and easy to work with.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and let it run for 5 minutes without any food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 4: Season the bone-in pork chops.
While preheating, season the bone-in pork chops. Begin by coating them with oil, ensuring all sides are covered.
Next, generously sprinkle each side with the brown sugar and dry rub mixture. Use your hands to gently massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Air fry bone in pork chops for 6-8 minutes on each side.
Air fry bone-in pork chops for 6-8 minutes on each side (1-inch thick). If you have a thinner slice (½-inch thick), adjust the cooking time to 4-5 minutes.
As I mentioned earlier, thin-cut pork chops are prone to overcooking. They tend to reach the desired internal temperature before you can even achieve a golden brown finish.
Now, if you have a thicker cut pork chop, you can go for a medium (145°F or 63°C), medium well (150°F or 66°C), or well done (160°F or 71°C) finish.
Pork chops are generally safe to eat at 145°F (63°C) as per USDA.
Unless you have a high-quality meat or have marinated your pork chop, I wouldn’t recommend cooking it to a medium doneness.
✦ I used a 6-quart air fryer to test this recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Step 6: Let the air fried bone in pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes.
To lock in all those juices and achieve a more tender bone-in pork chop, let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy your bone-in pork chops with your favorite side dish!
Now that’s a dinner-worthy air fryer bone-in pork chops!
Apart from peas and carrots there are several delectable side dishes that complement pork chops perfectly.
Consider serving them with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, bringing a colorful and caramelized element to the plate.
Alternatively, pair the pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting combination.
For a lighter option, opt for grilled asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil, or sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal.
Another great choice is applesauce, with its sweet and tangy flavors providing a delightful contrast to the savory pork chops.
Feel free to explore these options and create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Suggested Cooking Time & Temperature
| Thickness | Cooking Time | Cooking Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½-inch thick | 10-12 minutes | 400°F (204°C) | Flip halfway |
| 1-inch thick | 12-16 minutes | 400°F (204°C) | Flip halfway |
| 1½-inch thick | 16-20 minutes | 400°F (204°C) | Flip halfway |
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
As a general rule, always preheat your air fryer for a faster and more accurate cooking time. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat mode, simply run it without food for 4-5 minutes.
The safe internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C). However, you can refer to the chart below for your preferred level of doneness.
Pork Chop Internal Temperature
It would be best to use an internal thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the perfect level of doneness.
| Doneness | Temperature | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 145°F (63°C) | Warm pink center |
| Medium Well | 150°F (66°C) | Slightly pink center |
| Well Done | 160°F (71°C) | Little or no pink |
I prefer mine medium well. How about you?
Freezing & Storage
This air fryer pork chops with bone would be a great protein-packed meal prep option. Follow the storage instructions below to preserve the freshness and quality of your bone-in chops.
Freezing: Once the bone-in pork chops have cooled down, store them in an airtight container and place them in the freezer. They are generally safe to eat for 2-3 months.
Fridge: As per USDA guidelines, cooked meat can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is also recommended to store it in an airtight container for optimal result.
Reheating: To reheat your air-fried bone-in pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook your leftover chops for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep in mind that the reheated chops may have lost some moisture, so the texture may not be the same as a freshly cooked one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can air fry bone-in pork chops. Air frying is a great method for cooking pork chops as it helps to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
A 1-inch thick pork chop will generally take 14-16 minutes to cook at the maximum temperature in an air fryer. Thin-cut pork chops, on the other hand, will cook in 8-10 minutes. However, please note that cooking time may vary depending on the specific type of your air fryer. Please see recipe card for more info.
To air fry 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops, start by preheating your countertop convection oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, season the meat with your favorite dry rub mixture. Once preheated, place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook each side for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops 1-inch thick
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil or any neutral oil
Instructions
- Get the bone-in pork chops ready. If they're frozen, thaw them overnight and allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Next, prepare the seasonings. In a medium bowl, combine paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub. In a separate bowl, have the brown sugar ready and prepare a small bowl of cooking oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Please see note if your air fryer is 4-quart or smaller.
- Meanwhile, season the bone-in pork chops. Start by coating them with oil, then generously sprinkle each side with the brown sugar and dry rub mixture. Gently massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Air fry bone-in pork chops for 6-8 minutes on each side. If you're using a thinner slice, adjust the cooking time to 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until golden brown or the internal temperature of the thickest part, near the bone, reaches 150°F (66°C).
- Once cooked, let the air fried bone in pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and be absorbed back into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chop.
- Serve and enjoy your juicy and tender bone-in pork chops with your favorite side dish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For smaller air fryers (4-quart and below), reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C). They generate more heat because of the heating element’s proximity to the food.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- To reduce the gamey taste of your bone-in pork chops, you can marinate it in buttermilk or any acidic marinade.
- As per USDA guidelines, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or higher. However, it will ultimately depend on your personal preference.
- Medium: 145°F (63°C), Medium Well: 150°F (66°C), Well Done: 160°F (71°C).
- Thick-cut pork chops are better than thinly sliced ones as the latter is prone to overcooking. A ½-inch thick pork chop will reach the recommended internal temperature in just 5-6 minutes, but there may not be much browning on the surface.
- For a Juicy & Tender Pork Chops: Use the right cut, cook them to your desired internal temperature, and allow the pork chops to rest for at least 3-5 minutes.
- I used a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus to test the air fryer bone-in pork chop recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of your meat and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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