Sometimes dinner needs to be fast. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t want a sink full of dishes.
This is the meal for those nights.
These air fryer pork chop bites are juicy, packed with flavor, and done in about 15 minutes. They taste like you worked way harder than you did.
Easy Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
This recipe is simple. We’re talking basic pantry spices and a couple of thick-cut pork chops. It’s my go-to when I need something quick without just eating a bowl of cereal for dinner.
What You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, thick-cut pork chops (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Tools for the Job
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Tongs
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
Step 1: Cut the pork chops into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them all about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Put the pork cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them around to get a light coat on all sides.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the pork and toss again until every piece is coated.
Step 4: Place the seasoned pork bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t let them pile up on each other.
Step 5: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
Step 6: The pork bites are done when they are golden brown and cooked through. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
Pro Tips
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Don’t Crowd the Basket: This is the number one rule of air frying. If you pile the pork bites on top of each other, they will steam instead of getting crispy. Cook in two batches if you have to.
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Pat the Pork Dry: Before you cut the pork, pat it completely dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil and seasoning stick way better and gives you a nicer crust.
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Check with a Thermometer: The best way to know if pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork. It takes all the guesswork out.
| Quick Seasoning Ideas | |
|---|---|
| Style | Spices to Add |
| Smoky | Smoked Paprika, Cumin |
| Herby | Dried Rosemary, Thyme |
| Spicy | Cayenne Pepper, Chili Flakes |
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily change this recipe up.
If you don’t have pork, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great. You might need to adjust the cooking time a little.
Feel free to play with the spices. A little brown sugar can add a nice sweetness, or some dried oregano can give it a different flavor.
| Pork Bite Size Guide | |
|---|---|
| Cube Size | Approximate Time at 400°F |
| 1-inch cubes | 8-10 minutes |
| 1.5-inch cubes | 10-12 minutes |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can cut the pork into cubes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
You can also mix the spices ahead of time. Just keep the pork and the spice mix separate until you’re ready to cook.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again, much better than a microwave.
| Meal Pairing Suggestions | |
|---|---|
| Side Dish | Category |
| Roasted Broccoli | Vegetable |
| Mashed Potatoes | Starch |
| Apple Sauce | Classic |
| Simple Green Salad | Light Option |
FAQs
Q1. Why did my pork chop bites come out dry?
Ans: They were likely overcooked. Pork cooks very fast, especially in an air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at the 8-minute mark to be safe.
Q2. Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Ans: It’s much easier to use boneless chops for this recipe. Cutting the meat off the bone is extra work you don’t need for a quick meal.
Q3. Do I have to preheat my air fryer?
Ans: I usually don’t for this recipe because it cooks so fast. If your air fryer model suggests preheating, go ahead and do it for a few minutes.
Wrapping Up
This is one of those simple recipes that saves you on a busy night. It’s fast, tasty, and doesn’t make a mess.
Give it a try the next time you need a quick dinner solution. Come back and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out.
