Pat dry and prep: Remove pork chops from the fridge and pat them very dry with paper towels.
This helps them brown. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you preheat.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. A hot basket delivers a better sear.
Season the chops: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Rub the chops with oil, then coat both sides evenly with the spice mix.
Arrange in the basket: Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry and flip: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness and whether they’re bone-in or boneless.
Check doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer. Target 140–145°F (60–63°C) in the thickest part.
They’ll rise a few degrees as they rest.
Rest and serve: Transfer to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest 3–5 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and parsley if you like. Serve warm.