Thin Pork Chops Recipe

Thick and meaty pork chops are delicious. But so are their thinner counterparts. The thing, however, about making thin pork chops recipes is the always-present fear of overcooking them. Fear not! It’s time to get over it. This air fryer recipe is hands-down a no-fail alternative to a more intimidating pan-fried version. 

Forget your oven, this recipe guarantees tender and juicy pork chops every time. Let’s get cooking.

What You’ll Need for Thin Air Fryer Pork Chops

Thin pork chops. I recommend using boneless pork chops, they’re easier to work with. But if bone-in chops are all you can find, that’s totally fine too. Sometimes bone-in chops have slightly more flavor. So it’s a win-win either way. What should you look for when buying pork chops? Look for a pinkish-red color. Cutlets should be firm to the touch. And of course, check the sell-by date.

Olive oil. Even though we’re air-frying this recipe and we’re not using a ton of excess oil, you want enough olive oil to spray or paint a thin layer of oil on both sides of your chops. There are a variety of different types of olive oil but go with the extra virgin kind.

Seasoning. Seasoning is really up to you. You can go with a typical sprinkling of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Or, if you’re looking to up your seasoning game, try our recipes for Slap Ya Mama seasoning or our copycat version of Hello Fresh’s fry seasoning. Either is a great option for these tender pork chops.

Thin Pork Chops Recipe

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Total time: 11 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 thin pork chops (bone-in pork chops or boneless)
• Olive oil
• Seasoning of choice

Instructions

1. Before you cook your chops, remove them from the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes and let them come to room temperature. This will let them cook more evenly.
2. Set your air fryer to 375 degrees and preheat. 
3. Next, pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel.
4. Now, spray your pork chops on both sides with olive oil.
5. Season liberally on both sides.
6. Air fry your chops for six minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through.
7. Remove from air fryer and let rest.
8. Finally, serve with your favorite sauce or salsa and a delicious side dish. 

What to Serve with Pork Chops

What’s the perfect side dish for savory pork chops? Well, that depends on your mood and preference. But below are a few of our favorites. 

Mashed Potatoes

Whether you’re going for skin-on-mashed red potatoes or decadent Irish colcannon with heavy cream, dipping a thin and succulent piece of pork chop into creamy mashed potatoes is NEVER a bad idea.

Rice

From rice and beans to Mexican-inspired cilantro lime rice, rice and pork go perfectly together. We also have a sauce for every rice.

Ranch Potatoes

If you’re a fan of ranch, you could go all in and use ranch seasoning on your pork chops and then make ranch potatoes. It might be a little much, but regardless, these ranch potatoes are flavorful and savory and a perfect side dish for any main course.

Loaded Tater Tots

Whether you call them totchos or tater tot nachos, there won’t be a single hand not reaching for seconds. Savory meat, hearty potatoes and gooey cheese make this dish the perfect side dish for any meal.

Fruit Salsa

if you’re looking for a healthier side or sauce for your pork chops, a fruity slightly sweet salsa is a great option. Try pineapple salsa or mango. And to solve the issue once and for all, here’s how to tell if a mango is ripe.

Cream of Carrot Soup

If you’re looking to go in a slightly healthier direction, try a cream of carrot soup with a dash of miso and ricotta cheese. I was told this was the best soup I’ve ever made. That’s quite an endorsement, huh?

More Pork Chop Recipes

Baked Pork Chops

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Pork Schnitzel

Pork Chop with Honey Mustard Sauce

Alternative Stove Top Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. As we did above with the air fryer instructions, bring your thin pork chops to room temperature. 
2. Again, like above, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning of choice.
3. Next, place a skillet (preferably cast iron or a heavy non-stick pan) on medium-high heat. Let it heat up for a couple of minutes.
4.  Finally, add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. The oil should shimmer, indicating it is hot enough for cooking.

Cooking

1. Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan but cook in batches if necessary. For thin pork chops, cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. They should develop a golden-brown crust.
2. Optional Basting: If using, add a couple of tablespoons of butter and fresh herbs to the pan halfway through cooking. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and herbs over the pork chops continuously for added flavor.
3. Check for Doneness: The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
4. Rest the Pork Chops: Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

FAQs About Thin Pork Chops

How do you keep thin pork chops from drying out?

Keeping thin pork chops from drying out requires careful attention to a few key aspects of the cooking process. Below are a few ways to make sure your pork chops stay moist and tender:

1. Brine or Marinate: Soaking pork chops in a brine (a solution of water and salt) or a flavorful marinade can help them retain moisture. For brining, a basic ratio is 1/4 cup of salt dissolved in 4 cups of water. Brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours. If marinating, use acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice mixed with oil and herbs. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the pork chops sit out of the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
3. Proper Seasoning: Pat the pork chops dry and season them well. This helps to create a good crust that can lock in juices.
4. Use the Right Pan and Oil: A heavy skillet (like cast iron) provides even heat distribution. Using an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, helps in cooking them at the right temperature without burning.
5. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming rather than searing.
6. Don’t Overcook: Thin pork chops cook quickly. They typically need only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking is the most common cause of dry pork chops.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid guesswork, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork chops are safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), at which point they should be removed from the heat.
8. Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.

Why do some people soak pork chops in milk?

Soaking pork chops in milk is a technique used to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. The enzymes and lactic acid in the milk help to break down the proteins, resulting in a softer, more succulent texture when cooked.

Have questions or suggestions about either thin pork chops recipe above? Leave them in the comments below.