In a small bowl, stir to combine the paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Brush all of the pork chops evenly with the olive oil. Then sprinkle the dried seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chops.
Place the pork chops in the basket of an air fryer, leaving space in between each chop. (Cook them in batches, if necessary.).
Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for 7 minutes. Flip to the other side, then cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature of each chop reaches 145°F.
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Set the chops out in advance. Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start cooking so they can rise to room temperature. That way, the whole chop will cook evenly, rather than the outside cooking much faster than the still-cold center.
Don’t skip the oil: Since pork chops are a leaner cut, oil is needed to seal in moisture. It also helps the seasonings stick to the chops.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: The chops need to have space all around them so the heat from the air fryer can circulate freely and cook them properly. If the air fryer is crowded, the pork chops will not cook evenly.
For thinner chops: Reduce 2 to 3 minutes of the cook time on the second side.
Don’t overcook the pork chops. According to the USDA, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking them will turn them dry and chewy. Use your meat thermometer to make sure they are done and not cooking for too long.
Let the air fryer pork chops rest: It might seem like a skippable step, but allowing the chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking is arguably the best way to ensure you have tender, juicy pork chops. While they rest, the juices in the chops redistribute, infusing the meat with moisture and flavor.