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Air Fryer Low Carb Pork Chop – Juicy, Fast, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • Pork chops bone-in or boneless, 1 to 1.5 inches thick; 2–4 chops
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • Dried thyme or dried Italian seasoning
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
  • Optional garnish: Fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  • A hot basket helps the surface brown nicely.
  • Pat the pork dry: Use paper towels to remove moisture from both sides. Dry chops brown better and cook more evenly.
  • Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like spice.
  • Oil and rub: Drizzle both sides of the chops with about 1 tablespoon of oil total.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly on all sides and rub it in to coat.
  • Arrange in the basket: Place chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches.
  • Air fry: Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Start checking at 9 minutes for thinner chops.
  • You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).
  • Rest: Transfer to a plate and let rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
  • Finish and serve: Squeeze a little lemon over the top if you like and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with low-carb sides like roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad.