Air Fryer Cheesy Baked Pork Chops are one of those dinners that feel hearty, cozy, and totally satisfying. The pork chops cook up tender and juicy in the air fryer, then get topped with a flavorful cheesy layer that melts into a golden, savory crust.
As a mom and wife, I love meals like this that look and taste impressive but are actually simple to make. There’s no complicated breading station, no frying in oil — just seasoned pork, a creamy cheesy topping, and the air fryer doing most of the work. It’s a dinner that feels a little indulgent but still fits into a busy weeknight.
Serve these with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal that everyone at the table will happily dig into.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pork chops are cheesy, flavorful, and easy.
You’ll love them because:
- The air fryer keeps the pork juicy
- The cheesy topping adds rich, savory flavor
- It’s made with simple pantry ingredients
- No breading or frying required
- It pairs well with so many side dishes
It’s a comforting dinner that feels like a treat.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Baked Pork Chops
1. Prep the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the air fryer.
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each chop is well coated.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
3. Cook the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The pork should be almost cooked through at this stage but not fully done yet.
4. Make the Cheesy Topping
While the pork cooks, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise (or sour cream), Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
This mixture should be thick and creamy — perfect for spreading over the pork.
5. Add the Cheese Layer
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the basket. Spread a generous layer of the cheesy mixture over the top of each pork chop.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest Before Serving
Remove the pork chops and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy and allows the cheese topping to set slightly.
Tips for Juicy Pork Chops
- Use thicker chops for the best texture
- Don’t overcook — a thermometer is very helpful
- Let them rest before cutting
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
The air fryer cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them toward the end.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Easy Flavor Variations
You can switch up the cheesy topping to match what you have.
Try:
- Adding cooked crumbled bacon
- Mixing in chopped spinach or green onions
- Using cheddar instead of mozzarella
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
It’s a great base recipe that’s easy to customize.
What to Serve With Cheesy Pork Chops
These rich, cheesy pork chops pair well with simple sides.
Some family favorites:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter rice
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- A crisp side salad with vinaigrette
- Air fryer baby potatoes
The creamy topping goes perfectly with starchy sides that soak up the flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps keep the outside from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Cheesy Baked Pork Chops are a simple way to turn everyday pork chops into something extra comforting and flavorful. The juicy meat and melty, savory cheese topping make every bite satisfying.
It’s the kind of dinner that feels cozy and filling, perfect for nights when you want something homemade that everyone will be excited to eat. 🧀🍖
