PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical element in which a hard coat layer having a target film thickness is formed without forming a crack, and an optical element manufacturing method that is capable of manufacturing the optical element.SOLUTION: The optical element of the present invention comprises: a lens base material that includes a curved surface; an intermediate layer that is a porous membrane which is formed in such a manner as to cover an edge portion of the lens base material; and a hard coat layer that is formed in such a manner as to cover the lens base material and the intermediate layer. The hard coat layer includes a thick film portion having a film thickness larger in an edge portion than in a central portion. When the maximum value of the film thickness of the intermediate layer is A [μm] and the maximum value of the film thickness in the thick film portion of the hard coat layer is B [μm], A/B is from 3[%] to 20[%] inclusive.