Air Fryer Pork Chops

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are sure to become a regular part of your weekly meal rotation. A savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, and herbs creates a crisp, golden crust while the air fryer locks in the natural juices, giving you perfectly tender pork chops every time.

With minimal prep and no messy frying oil, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Pair these juicy pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 5 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for several minutes while you prepare the pork chops.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
  3. Brush or rub each pork chop with olive oil, making sure both sides are lightly coated.
  4. Press each pork chop into the Parmesan seasoning mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Gently press the coating onto the meat so it adheres well.
  5. Arrange two pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them for proper air circulation.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even golden crust.
  7. Transfer the cooked pork chops to a cutting board or serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining pork chops.
  9. For even more flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan over the hot pork chops immediately after cooking and serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Chef’s Notes

  • Use pork chops that are similar in thickness for the most even cooking results.
  • An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of each chop.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as proper airflow is key to developing a crispy crust.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan creates a richer flavor and crispier coating than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy exterior.