How To Cook Thin Pork Chops – 3 Easy Ways

Thin pork chops make a quick and easy dinner for two, and you can cook them in a skillet, in the oven, or in the air fryer using the same simple ingredients. With a little oil and a few pantry seasonings, you can have the pork ready to cook in just a few minutes.

The key is knowing how to cook them without drying them out. Because thin pork chops cook quickly, there is a big difference between taking them off the heat when they are ready and leaving them cooking for a few extra minutes.

This recipe starts with two thin boneless pork chops seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. There is no breading to prepare, no egg wash, and no marinade that needs to sit in the refrigerator before you can start dinner.

Once the chops are seasoned, choose the cooking method that works best for you. Use a skillet when you want a nicely browned outside, the oven when you want less time standing at the stove, or the air fryer when you want to cook a small batch without heating the oven.

Best of all, you only need one ingredient list. The preparation stays the same, and you simply follow the cooking instructions for your preferred method.

What Exactly Are Thin Pork Chops?

For this recipe, use boneless pork chops that are approximately ½ inch thick. Look for two chops that are similar in size and thickness so they finish cooking at about the same time.

Packages labeled “thin cut” can vary quite a bit. Some contain chops closer to ¼ inch thick, while others are closer to ½ inch. That difference matters when determining how long to cook them.

The cooking times below are estimates for ½-inch-thick pork chops. If yours are thinner, begin checking them earlier. Very thin chops may finish cooking before they develop much color, especially in the oven.

Although you can use bone-in pork chops, their size and shape will affect the cooking time. Boneless chops are an easy choice when you want a quick meal with consistent portions for two.

You also do not need to pound the pork chops thinner. If they are already about ½ inch thick, they are ready to season and cook.

Ingredients You Will Need

Boneless Pork Chops

As mentioned above you will need two boneless pork chops, approximately ½ inch thick and 5 to 6 ounces each. Choose chops with a similar thickness throughout rather than ones with a thick center and very thin edges.

If the package says the pork contains an added salt solution, reduce the amount of salt in the seasoning mixture.

Olive Oil

A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and coats the surface of the meat for cooking. Avocado oil also works well.

The oil goes directly on the pork chops for all three methods, keeping the preparation simple and consistent.

Seasonings

The seasoning mixture that I prefer includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Regular paprika adds mild flavor and a little color. If you prefer the flavor of smoked paprika, you can use it in the same amount.

Garlic powder and onion powder work especially well here because they distribute evenly over the pork. You also do not have to worry about pieces of fresh garlic burning during a quick skillet cook.

How To Prepare Thin Pork Chops

Start by patting the thawed pork chops dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture helps the oil and seasonings coat the meat and is especially helpful when cooking in a skillet.

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Rub the olive oil over both sides of the pork chops. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides, gently pressing it onto the surface.

While you prepare the pork, preheat the skillet, oven, or air fryer even if your brand says it isn't necessary. Having the cooking surface or appliance ready helps keep the cooking time more predictable.

There is no need to let the seasoned chops sit on the counter before cooking. Once they are prepared and your appliance is hot, you can start cooking.

Three Ways To Cook Thin Pork Chops

1. Cook Them In A Skillet

Cooking thin pork chops in a skillet is a good choice when you want a browned outside and a quick cooking time.

Use a heavy skillet large enough to hold both pork chops with a little space between them. If they are crowded together, moisture can collect around the meat and make browning more difficult.

Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oiled and seasoned pork chops to the hot pan.

Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. Turn the chops over and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, checking the internal temperature early.

If the seasonings begin getting too dark before the pork is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium.

Remove each chop when the center reaches 145°F. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

For chops closer to ¼ inch thick, begin checking after approximately 1 minute per side. Seriously, they cook that fast.

2. Oven Baked Thin Pork Chops

The oven is convenient when you want to finish preparing the rest of dinner while the pork cooks.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the seasoned chops on a small rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment rated for that temperature, or use a lightly greased baking dish.

Arrange the chops in a single layer with space between them. Bake for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, beginning to check the internal temperature at 6 minutes.

There is no need to sear the chops first or turn them halfway through baking.

Remove each chop as soon as the center reaches 145°F. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for at least 3 minutes.

Oven baked pork chops may have less browning than skillet pork chops. Avoid leaving them in the oven longer just to get more color, because thin chops can dry out quickly.

For chops closer to ¼ inch thick, begin checking at 4 minutes.

3. Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops

An air fryer works well for a small batch of pork chops, making it a convenient option when cooking for two.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the prepared pork chops in the basket in a single layer, leaving space around them for the hot air to circulate.

Cook for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, turning the chops after 3 minutes. Begin checking the internal temperature at 4 minutes.

If they need more time, continue cooking in short intervals until the center reaches 145°F. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for at least 3 minutes.

Air fryer models vary, so check early the first time you make this recipe. For chops closer to ¼ inch thick, begin checking after 2 to 3 minutes.

How To Keep Thin Pork Chops From Drying Out

The most helpful tool for this recipe is an instant-read thermometer.

Insert the thermometer vertically or horizontally through the side of the pork chop so the sensing tip reaches the center. Just be careful because when you insert it from the top, it is easy to push through a thin chop and accidentally measure the temperature of the hot pan or basket.

Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by at least a 3-minute rest. Use the temperature to determine doneness, since color alone is not a reliable guide.

Check each chop separately. Even chops from the same package can finish at slightly different times. Remove the first one when it is ready instead of leaving it cooking while you wait for the second.

What To Serve With Thin Pork Chops

Because thin pork chops cook so quickly, it helps to choose easy side dishes or start longer-cooking sides first.

Rosemary roasted potatoes, rice, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a small baked sweet potato all pair well with the seasoned pork.

If you are roasting potatoes, give them a head start before adding the pork chops to the oven. Thin chops will finish much sooner than a pan of raw potatoes.

Microwave rice and leftover cooked vegetables are convenient choices when you want the entire meal ready quickly. A small serving of applesauce on the side is another easy addition.

Enjoy! Mary

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