I’m sharing Pork In The Air Fryer as a smart, healthy low carb dinner option featuring boneless pork chops, simple pantry ingredients, and almost no cleanup.
I always thought pork chops needed a crunchy coat to be worth eating, but this no breading idea changed my mind. Using olive oil and a hit of smoked paprika wakes the meat up without feeling heavy, it actually lets the pork taste like pork which is kinda wild.
I kept poking around Air Fryer Loin Chops threads and browsing Boneless Pork Chops Air Fryer Recipes just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, and every time it surprised me. If you like simple dinners that still feel a little clever you’ll be curious how something so basic can feel so satisfying.
Ingredients
- Pork chops are rich in protein low carb filling, good for muscle repair.
- Olive oil adds healthy fat helps absorption of vitamins it’s mildly fruity.
- Garlic powder brings savory punch may boost immunity very low calories.
- Smoked paprika gives smoky warmth adds color no sugar low calories.
- Onion powder offers sweet onion flavor small fiber little carbs aromatic.
- Dried thyme adds herby notes contains antioxidants light floral aroma subtle.
- Lemon wedges brighten flavors with acid adds vitamin C balances rich pork.
- Kosher salt enhances flavor but adds sodium use modestly for better health.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick (roughly 1 to 1 1/4 lb total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil, if you want)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- cooking spray or extra oil, optional
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional
- lemon wedges, for serving, optional
How to Make this
1. Take the 4 boneless pork chops out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking so they come closer to room temp, and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl mix 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
3. Drizzle about 1 tbsp olive oil over the chops and rub it in, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides and press it in so it sticks.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes; spray the basket lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little extra oil so the chops dont stick.
5. Arrange the chops in a single layer in the basket, dont overcrowd them or they’ll steam, cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping once about halfway through (around 5 to 6 minutes).
6. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness: aim for 145°F in the thickest part, if it needs more time put it back in for 1 to 2 minute increments until it reaches temp.
7. Take the chops out and let them rest loosely tented for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, this step is important or theyll be dry.
8. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to squeeze over if you like, enjoy.
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer with basket
2. Instant read meat thermometer
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Silicone brush or cooking spray
6. Tongs or spatula for flipping
7. Paper towels
8. Cutting board and chef’s knife plus a plate or tray for resting
FAQ
Air Fryer Pork Chops No Breading Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Olive oil: canola or vegetable oil, or melted butter or ghee for a richer taste
- Kosher salt: fine table salt (use about half the amount), sea salt or flaky finishing salt
- Smoked paprika: regular paprika plus a pinch of cumin, or chipotle powder for smoky heat
- Dried thyme: dried rosemary or oregano, or fresh thyme (use about 3 times the fresh vs dried)
Pro Tips
1) Brine them quick for extra juiciness: soak the chops 30 to 45 minutes in cold water with about 1 tablespoon kosher salt per 2 cups water and a teaspoon of sugar if you like. Rinse briefly and pat dry before seasoning, this makes a big difference with thinner or older chops.
2) Use a high smoke point oil and use it sparingly. A thin rub of avocado or canola oil helps the seasoning stick and gives a better crust, too much oil just makes things greasy or smoky. If your air fryer basket likes to grab meat, try a perforated parchment liner or a light spray, dont drown it.
3) Pull earlier than you think, because of carryover cooking. Take the chops out when the thickest part reads about 140°F and tent them loosely for 5 to 10 minutes, they will climb to about 145°F while resting. Insert the thermometer from the side into the center so you get a true reading.
4) Finish and slice right: let them rest, then slice across the grain and add a little acid or fat for flavor. A squeeze of lemon or a small pat of compound butter right before serving brightens the whole dish and masks any tiny dryness.
Air Fryer Pork Chops No Breading Recipe
I’m sharing Pork In The Air Fryer as a smart, healthy low carb dinner option featuring boneless pork chops, simple pantry ingredients, and almost no cleanup.
4
servings
320
kcal
Equipment: 1. Air fryer with basket
2. Instant read meat thermometer
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Silicone brush or cooking spray
6. Tongs or spatula for flipping
7. Paper towels
8. Cutting board and chef’s knife plus a plate or tray for resting
Ingredients
-
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick (roughly 1 to 1 1/4 lb total)
-
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil, if you want)
-
1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
-
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
-
cooking spray or extra oil, optional
-
fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional
-
lemon wedges, for serving, optional
Directions
- Take the 4 boneless pork chops out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking so they come closer to room temp, and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl mix 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
- Drizzle about 1 tbsp olive oil over the chops and rub it in, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides and press it in so it sticks.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes; spray the basket lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little extra oil so the chops dont stick.
- Arrange the chops in a single layer in the basket, dont overcrowd them or they'll steam, cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping once about halfway through (around 5 to 6 minutes).
- Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness: aim for 145°F in the thickest part, if it needs more time put it back in for 1 to 2 minute increments until it reaches temp.
- Take the chops out and let them rest loosely tented for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, this step is important or theyll be dry.
- Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to squeeze over if you like, enjoy.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 128g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated: 1.5g
- Monounsaturated: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Vitamin A: 50IU
- Vitamin C: 0.5mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1.2mg