Air fryer pork chops are a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy pork with a perfectly crispy exterior without deep frying. The air fryer cooks the meat evenly, locking in flavor while producing a golden-brown crust. This recipe works with bone-in or boneless chops and can be paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1–1.5 inches thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Optional Marinade (for extra juiciness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl for seasoning or marinade
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- If using the optional marinade, combine olive oil, soy sauce or Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, and garlic in a bowl.
- Rub the pork chops with the marinade and let them sit for 15–30 minutes at room temperature. This step is optional but enhances flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and thyme or rosemary if using.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.
- Lightly brush or spray the chops with olive oil to help with browning.
Air Frying Instructions
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Step 5: Rest the Pork Chops
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer.
- Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
- Spoon pan juices or melted butter over the pork chops for extra flavor.
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, brush the chops lightly with oil halfway through cooking.
- Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier than boneless.
- Letting the meat rest after cooking is key to keeping it tender.
Storage and Reheating
- Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
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