Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession – air fryer pork! I was skeptical at first, but after one bite of that crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside magic, I was hooked. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy. No babysitting a skillet, no messy splatters, just toss your seasoned pork in the air fryer basket and let that little machine work its wonders. I make this at least twice a week now – it’s become my go-to when I want something delicious without the fuss. Trust me, once you try pork in the air fryer, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked it any other way.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Recipe
This recipe is a total game-changer, and here’s why:
- Minimal effort: Rub, season, and let the air fryer do the work—no hovering over the stove!
- Fast cooking: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy texture: That golden, slightly crunchy exterior? Pure magic.
- Juicy results: No more dry pork—just tender, flavorful bites every time.
- Easy cleanup: One basket to wash? Yes, please!
Seriously, it’s the easiest way to make pork that tastes like you spent way more time on it.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork
Here’s what you’ll need to make the crispiest, juiciest air fryer pork:
- 1 lb pork chops or tenderloin (½-inch thick) – pat them dry with paper towels first (this helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to help the spices adhere
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for better flavor distribution
- 1 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you have it
- 1 tsp garlic powder – my secret flavor booster
- 1 tsp paprika – for that beautiful golden color
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No pork chops? No problem! Pork loin works great too – just slice it into ½-inch medallions. Out of olive oil? Any neutral oil like avocado or canola will do. Want extra smoky flavor? Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika – it’s my favorite little upgrade. And if you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of brown sugar in the rub adds a delightful caramelized crust.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork
Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is so simple, you’ll have perfectly cooked pork in no time. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This gives you that instant sizzle when the pork hits the basket!
- Season the pork – rub each piece with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy—get those spices into every nook and cranny!
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No overlapping—give each piece some breathing room for even cooking.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. I always set a timer for 6 minutes to remind me to flip—no guessing!
- Check the temperature with a meat thermometer—you want 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. If it’s not quite there, add 1-2 more minutes.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those delicious juices right where they belong—inside your pork!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pork
Want pro-level results every time? Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Use that thermometer! Even a few degrees over can mean dry pork. For more information on safe internal temperatures, check out the USDA safe minimum internal temperature guidelines.
- Don’t crowd the basket—cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding = steamed pork, not crispy.
- For extra crunch, spritz the pork lightly with oil before cooking.
- Thicker cuts? Add 2-3 minutes per side. Easy!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pork
Oh, the possibilities! I love pairing my air fryer pork with simple roasted veggies—asparagus or Brussels sprouts get extra crispy right alongside it. Creamy mashed potatoes make it feel extra cozy, while a bright apple slaw cuts through the richness. For sauces, a quick honey mustard or tangy bbq takes it over the top. Trust me, you can’t go wrong! If you enjoy crispy sides, you might also love these air fryer potato wedges.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Pork
Leftovers? No problem! Store your cooled pork in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. That quick blast brings back that gorgeous crispiness better than any microwave ever could. Pro tip: If you’re reheating thicker pieces, add a tiny splash of water to the container to keep things juicy!
Air Fryer Pork Nutrition
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious dish—but remember, nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. These are just ballpark estimates per serving to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying. The beauty of this recipe is how simple and clean the ingredients are—just good protein with a light coating of spices. No weird additives or hidden sugars here! And since we’re using the air fryer, you’re getting all that crispiness without needing to drown the pork in oil. That’s what I call a win-win!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pork in the air fryer?
Oh honey, I don’t recommend it! Frozen pork won’t cook evenly—you’ll end up with dry edges and a cold center. Thaw it overnight in the fridge first for perfect results. In a pinch? Use cold water in the sink (in its sealed package) to speed up thawing.
How do I prevent my pork from drying out?
Two words: thermometer and timing! Pull it at 145°F—it’ll carry over to 150°F while resting. And don’t skip those 5 minutes of resting time—that’s when the juices redistribute. Also, thicker cuts (¾-inch) tend to stay juicier than super thin ones.
What are the best pork cuts for air frying?
Pork chops (bone-in or boneless) and tenderloin are my go-tos—they cook fast and stay tender. Shoulder or butt cuts? Too fatty for quick air frying. Rib chops? Divine but pricier. For everyday, I grab center-cut chops—they’re the Goldilocks of pork cuts!
Why isn’t my pork getting crispy?
First, pat those chops DRY before seasoning—moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Second, don’t skip the oil—it helps the surface brown. Lastly, make sure your air fryer’s preheated properly. If all else fails, a quick 1-minute blast at the end can work wonders.
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely—just don’t stack the pork! Cook in batches if needed (I keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven). Or if your air fryer has multiple racks, space them evenly. More pork just means more delicious leftovers—not a bad problem to have!
Share Your Air Fryer Pork
I’d love to hear how your air fryer pork turns out! Leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or snap a photo—nothing makes me happier than seeing your crispy, juicy creations! If you’re looking for another quick, crispy main dish, check out these air fryer chicken tenders.
Print
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops in Just 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Make crispy and juicy pork in your air fryer with minimal effort. This recipe ensures a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork chops or tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the pork with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of pork cuts.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray with oil before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American