The best part of owning a compact convection oven is how quickly it can make tasty dinners, like these BBQ-glazed Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops.
This dish is a delicious mix of smoky flavor, tenderness, and juiciness that everyone will surely enjoy.
If we had more time, we would choose to marinate the pork chops. That’s something you could improve on for a bolder flavor profile.
✦ Bonus: I will also provide tips for making tender, juicy boneless pork chops and reducing the gamey taste of the meat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Boneless 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.
This simple dish requires simple ingredients, as follows:
- Boneless pork chops (thick cut, 1/2-inch will do)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ready-made barbecue sauce
Selecting high-quality meat can determine the success of this recipe.
I have had mixed results when purchasing meat from the grocery store – sometimes it meets my standards, while other times it has a strong gamey flavor that I do not enjoy.
In my experience, Costco and local butcher shops are my go-to options when searching for a delicious cut of pork.
How to Cook Boneless Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?
Making boneless pork chops in the air fryer is easy. Just cut them to your desired thickness, season them, and let the convection oven do its magic.
Follow these eight simple steps for hassle-free indoor grilling.
Step 1: Prepare your boneless, skinless pork chops.
Slice the pork chops to your preferred thickness, and gently dry them with a paper towel. If they are frozen, allow them to thaw overnight, and if possible, let them come to room temperature before cooking.
Step 2: Get the seasonings ready.
In a small bowl, blend paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the barbecue sauce.
To make things simple, we’re using a ready-made BBQ glaze. It’s also a good idea to have a basting brush handy at this point.
Step 4: Preheat your 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 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 5: Season the pork loin chops.
Gently rub the seasonings into the pork loin chops, massaging the meat until the spices are evenly spread across it.
Step 6: Air fry boneless pork chops for 14-16 minutes.
Now, carefully add your seasoned pork chops once the air fryer has been preheated. Cook them for 14 to 16 minutes or until you achieve your desired doneness and browning.
Although it’s best to flip and baste them frequently, doing it once or twice should be sufficient.
Please note that we’re using a ½-inch thick pork chop for this recipe. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your meat.
For the perfect level of doneness, you can refer to this chart:
| 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 like my steak medium rare, but for my pork chop, I prefer them well done.
Step 7: Resting time.
To achieve a juicy and tender texture, let your BBQ pork chops rest for a minimum of 5 minutes, or if time allows, up to 8 or 10 minutes.
Step 8: Serve & enjoy your air fried boneless pork chops!
Now, that’s a proper barbecue without the hassle of grilling. Take the time to enjoy it with your favorite side dish.
Classic options include coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a green salad. Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or grilled vegetables also pair wonderfully with barbecue flavors.
Freezing & Storage
These air fried boneless pork chops make an excellent protein-packed meal prep choice. Follow the storage instructions below to maintain their freshness and quality.
Freezing: Once the BBQ 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, 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 barbecue pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook your leftover BBQ pork loin 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 boneless pork chops. It is a quick and easy way to cook this tender cut of meat to perfection.
Cooking time for boneless pork chops in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on their thickness and desired doneness. Please refer to the note section in the recipe card for more info.
The best cooking temperature for boneless pork chops is around 380°F to 400°F. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your meat. As a general reference, ½-inch thick meat will cook around 10-12 minutes; ¾ to 1-inch thick meat between 12-16 minutes, and 1½-inch thick meat will take 16-20 minutes to cook.
To air fry boneless pork chops, first season them and preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 204°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork loin chops, but it generally takes between 10-20 minutes. Flip the chops once or twice during cooking and continue until they reach your preferred level of doneness and become nicely browned.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 2 slices boneless pork chops ½-¾ thick slices, recommended
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ Sauce store-bought
Instructions
- Get your boneless pork chops ready. Cut them to your desired thickness, then pat them dry with a paper towel. If frozen, thaw them overnight, and if you have the time, bring them to room temperature before cooking.
- Prepare the dry rub. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until blended.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce and have a basting brush ready.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Please see note if your air fryer is 4 quarts or smaller.
- Season the pork loin chops with the spice mixture. Rub it in until the spices are evenly distributed all over the meat.
- Air fry boneless pork chops for 14-16 minutes. Baste them with barbecue sauce at the 5-minute mark, and after 2 minutes, flip and baste the other side. Cook for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. Ideally, you should achieve a nice golden brown finish. Please refer to the note section for information on doneness and recommended cooking times.
- Let your BBQ-glazed pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes to achieve a juicy and tender result.
- Serve and enjoy your barbecue-flavored air fryer boneless pork chops with your favorite sides. Coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a green salad are some classic choices.
Notes
- For 4-quart air fryers and smaller, 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, set your desired temperature and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- To reduce the gaminess of your boneless, skinless pork chops, you can marinate it in buttermilk or any acidic marinade.
- According to USDA guidelines, pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or higher. However, personal preference should be considered when cooking. I prefer my pork chops to be medium well or well done.
- Medium: 145°F (63°C), Medium Well: 150°F (66°C), Well Done: 160°F (71°C).
- Recommended Cooking Times: ½-inch, 10-12 minutes; ¾ to 1-inch thick, 12-16 minutes; 1½-inch thick, 16-20 minutes. The thicker your meat, the more you have to flip it.
- Juicy & Tender Meat: Use the right cut, cook them to your desired internal temperature, and allow the pork chops to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- I used a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus to test this boneless pork chops air fryer 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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