I prepared Air Fryer Pork Loin Chops using four thick pork chops, olive oil, salt, and a dash of black pepper. The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika combines to create a dish that feels indulgent yet guilt free. It is a fresh, simple twist on a classic meal.

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I’ve recently been working on what I think might be the best air fryer pork chops no breading recipe ever. I wanted a healthy, low carb dinner that didn’t skimp on flavor and honestly these pork chops delivered every time.

Start with four nice, thick pork chops, about an inch each. Brush them lightly with a tablespoon of olive oil then season them generously with a teaspoon of salt, a half teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

If you fancy a hint of extra herby goodness, toss in a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary. I know some folks love the idea of oven style air fryer recipes or cooking those pork chops in the air fryer, and trust me, you’ll fall in love with this one too.

It’s super simple but has this unique flavor that will make you crave that perfect crunch without even the need for breading. Give it a go and see for yourself.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe becuz it’s super simple and quick to make. First, I love how the spices really bring out the flavor of the pork chops without being overpowering. I like that I don’t have to worry about messy breading and the ingredients just work perfectly together. Another reason is that the air fryer cooks the pork chops evenly, keepin them juicy and tender every time. Plus, its low carb nature makes it a much healthier choice when I’m craving something tasty that wont mess up my diet.

Air fryer pork chops with no breading is a great dinner idea when you want a healthy and low carb meal. The recipe is easy to follow, and I really enjoy how fast it comes together. Its all about simple ingredients, and when you use your air fryer, the pork comes out flavorful and a little crispy on the outside with just the right taste inside.

Ingredients

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Pork chops pack protein and iron; they make the meal hearty and real tasty.
Olive oil is loaded with healthy fats that boost flavor without being junky.
Salt adds flavor and balances the dish but use it sparingly so it don’t overwhelm.
Black pepper gives a little kick and makes the flavors pop just right.
Garlic powder ups the aroma and taste while lending that savory punch.
Paprika adds a vibrant color and a mild sweetness to make it extra appealing.
Thyme or rosemary (if you want) give extra aroma and subtle herbal depth.

Ingredient Quantities

4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick each)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional: a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary if you want a little extra flavor

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel and lightly coat both sides with olive oil.

3. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and if you like, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary.

4. Rub the spice mixture all over each pork chop, pressing lightly so it sticks.

5. Let the pork chops sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

6. Place the chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they lay in a single layer.

7. Air fry the pork chops for 12 minutes, then flip them over.

8. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until they’re nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

9. Once done, remove the pork chops and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty low carb dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with its basket
2. Paper towels
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Tongs
6. Meat thermometer

Hope this list helps you get set up quick and easy for your pork chops!

FAQ

How do I preheat the air fryer? You can preheat it at 400°F for about 3 minutes. It makes a big difference in how evenly the pork chops cook.

What temperature and time should I cook the pork chops? Cook them at 400°F for approximately 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for a nice, even cook.

How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out? Brushing them with olive oil and watching the cooking time is key. Overcooking is what usually leads to dry meat.

Can I swap out any of the spices if I don't have them? Yep, if you're missing one of the spices, feel free to adjust or even add another one you like. Most blended spices will work just fine.

How do I know the pork chops are done? They should hit an internal temp of 145°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Once they reach that point, let 'em rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Pork Chops No Breading Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the olive oil, you could use avocado oil or even canola oil if you’re in a pinch
If you don’t have the salt listed, kosher salt works great; just adjust the amount to taste
Instead of garlic powder, you might use about one clove of minced fresh garlic
If you can’t find onion powder, try using dried minced onions or a small amount of fresh chopped onions
For paprika, a light dusting of chili powder can be a fun twist for a little extra spice

Pro Tips

1) Before you cook, take the pork chops out of the fridge for about 15 minutes so they come to room temp and cook more evenly; cold meat can result in uneven cooking which might leave some parts underdone.
2) When you pat the chops dry, be super thorough about it because any extra moisture can prevent the spices from sticking properly and result in a less flavorful crust.
3) Use a meat thermometer if you can; even though the recipe says 145°F is perfect, sometimes different models can be off and you don’t want to overcook or undercook your meat.
4) Try letting the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking, even if it sounds boring—this helps retain all the tasty juices and makes sure your pork is nice and tender.