Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

Why This is the Best Recipe

I love to use my air fryer to make quick family dinners on busy nights but I think this is the best air fryer thin cut pork chop recipe because:

1. So Versatile: Learn this easy method once and then mix and match the seasonings to make countless different family dinners.
2. Light and Lean: Pork chops are the perfect lean protein for a nutritious dinner. Serve them with tons of veggies for a meal you'll feel great about serving.
3. Budget-Friendly: With prices at the store always going up, I love to buy a family pack of these pork chops when I see them on sale. I know there's always a new way to serve them with this simple cooking method.

Ingredients

This budget-friendly dinner recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients:

1. Thin Cut Pork Chops: This is a budget-friendly cut of pork that has been sliced thinner than regular pork chops and cooks extra quickly. If you can't find them, you'll need to adjust the cooking time for a thicker chop.
2. Olive Oil
3. Pork Seasoning: There are several options you could choose from, many are likely in your pantry right now. See below for my favorite suggestions.

How to Season the Pork Chops

This versatile pork chop recipe can be used countless different ways for delicious dinners just by varying the seasoning you use.

Here are my favorite combinations:

1. Lemon Pepper: For pork chops to enjoy with simple sides or on top of a bed of baby spinach for a simple pork salad.
2. Garlic Salt and Pepper: For pork chops to enjoy as part of a pork sandwich or that you plan to chop up to use in a pork casserole. My homemade seasoned salt would be a great option, too.
3. Cajun / Blackening Seasoning: When you want spicy pork chops, this is a great option for chopping up the pork to add to a pasta dish or to use as a pork sandwich. You can make my homemade blackening seasoning or use your favorite prepared jar.
4. Barbecue Rub: For tasty pork chops you'll enjoy alongside potatoes, corn, or mac and cheese. My homemade wing dry rub would have very similar flavors.
5. Stir Fry Seasoning: If you want to serve your pork with Asian-flavored sides or veggies, use my homemade stir fry seasoning to season the chops.

Use about 2 teaspoons of whatever your favorite seasoned salt or pork seasoning is to flavor this simple dish.

Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

If you have an air fryer with a basket, you will need to cook the pork chops in batches so that everything is in a single layer.

I have the Ninja Foodi air fryer that looks like a large convection oven with racks. It came with a vented baking sheet that works perfectly for cooking pork chops or other main dish proteins.

To keep clean up easy, I lined the bottom pan with aluminum foil and then placed the vented pan on top.

Arrange the pork chops in an even layer like this:

Preheat your air fryer to 450°F.

Cook the pork chops for 4 minutes.

Use a fork or tongs to flip them over and cook them for an additional 4 minutes or until they register 145°F with an instant probe thermometer.

Serving Suggestions

Since the thin cut pork chops cook so quickly, they make an excellent easy dinner for a busy night.

There are several ways to use the cooked pork. You could serve it family-style on a platter with a few easy side dishes, pile them up in buns to make pork sandwiches, or chop them up for a salad with pork on top.

You could serve them like I did for our family dinner by plating them up on a bed of baby spinach with a side of chicken-flavored Rice-a-Roni.

The juices from the pork flavor the baby spinach so I didn't feel there was a need for salad dressing. If you wanted to add some, Italian dressing would be a good choice.

If you want to liven up the simple pork, you could also add a spoonful of one of my favorite condiments. My chow chow relish goes amazing with pork. Brush some BBQ sauce over the top for the last minute of baking. Top the chops with a spoon of chunky corn salsa or let the kids dunk bites into a cup of honey mustard dip.

Chow Chow Relish {No Canning Required}

Light and Sweet BBQ Sauce

Chunky Corn Salsa

Honey Mustard Dip

Side Dishes for Pork Chops

Here's a peek at how I served the pork chops for family dinner:

If you want other side dish recommendations, pork chops pair really well with potato dishes like my Crockpot mashed potatoes or cheesy cornflake potatoes.

I personally prefer quick-cooking rice side dishes for busy nights. My homemade Instant Pot rice pilaf, sticky butter rice, or this herb butter rice would all be excellent choices.

Roasted vegetables like my air fried butternut squash or air fryer green beans are quick recipes for any night.

With a little more time, you could prep a veggie casserole like my old fashioned squash casserole, roasted gnocchi with butternut squash, or this Crockpot corn casserole.

And in the fall, don't underestimate how well a cup of homemade applesauce will go over with the family!

Air Fried Butternut Squash

Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

Roasted Gnocchi

Old Fashioned Squash Casserole

More Air Fryer Recipes

My air fryer is put to use in making fast family dinners most evenings of the school week. I use it for fast main dish proteins or our lighter veggies sides.

Here are a few more of my favorite essential recipes:

Healthy Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer

How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Green Beans

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus {Air Fryer or Oven}