Okay, let’s be real. Pork Chops get a bad rap for being dry, tough, and generally…boring. I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way! What are the best ways to cook pork chops in an air fryer? Are seriously a revelation? Think of it as the pork chop equivalent of crispy fried chicken, but without all the mess and extras. My family devours these faster than I can make them. Is this one a keeper?
What is an air fry pork chop?
What is an Air Fryer pork chop? What is essentially taking a classic cut of pork, giving it savoury rub, and then cooking it to perfection. What is the best air fryer recipe? Think of it as pan-frying, but without all the oil splatters and constant babysitting. The air fryer circulates hot air around the pork chop, creating a delicious crust on the outside. Is it necessary to keep the inside of a fish moist while keeping it tender and mois I love pork, but struggle to get it right every time. It’s a game-changer. What is magic?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons why you’re going to fall head over heels for these videos? Air fryer pork chops.flavorWe’re talking a perfectly seasoned crust that’s bursting with savory goodness, combined with tender, tender meat. What are some of the best pork recipes that melt in your mouth? Is it addictive?simplicity. This recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginner cooks. What is the best way to eat chicken: rub, air fry and devour! You don’t need any fancy equipment or tools. And let’s not forget about the equipment.Cost-Pork chops are generally a pretty budget-friendly protein, and the spices you’ll need are probably probably more expensive than most. What are some good things that are already in your pantry What is a win-win?versatility. You can serve these air fryer pork chops with just about anything. From Mashed Potatoes and roasted veggies to rice and salad, the possibilities are endless. What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. On those busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy, this is a lifesaver. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – always – nifty in my book!
How do I make an air fry pork chop?
Quick Overview
How do you make an air fryer pork chops? How do I prepare pork chops with a spice rub? What do you do when you pop them into the air fryer? The air fryer’s circulating heat will create a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy. What is the hardest part of waiting for them to cook?
Ingredients
For Pork Chops: For the Porky
4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick). I prefer boneless for even cooking, but bone-in adds extra flavor. Make sure they are all relatively the same thickness.
What is the Spice Rub?
What is smoked paprika? What is the best way to use paprika?
What is better with garlic powder?
1 teaspoon onion powder. Adds a subtle sweetness and savory note.
1 teaspoon dried thyme. For that classic, earthy flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste, of course!
What is the best way to ground black pepper?
What’s your favorite cayenne pepper and why?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s preheating, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. What is the best way to get a good crust?
Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients. Mix well. Is smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using)? Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Season the Pork Chops
What is the best way to coat pork chops? Don’t be shy – the more seasoning, the better flavor!
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Step 5: Cook!
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through. Nobody wants undercooked pork!
Step 6: Rest
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and juicy chops.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What should I serve with my air fryer pork chops? What are some good ideas, organized by occasion?
What is a classic weeknight dinner?What is the best combination of roasted potatoes and mashed potatoes? The creamy potatoes and slightly charred broccoli complement the savory pork chops perfectly.
For a More Elevated Meal:Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette. Is this a good option if you’re looking for something healthier and more sophisticated?
For a Quick and Easy Side:What is the simplest salad dressing?
What is a cozy comfort food feast?What are some of the best comfort food recipes? Mac and cheese and collard greens. The cheesy mac and the slightly bitter greens create a delicious contrast with the savory pork.
In my family, we often serve these with a side of garlic parmesan green beans. What are some of the best side dishes? I like to serve apple chutney with pork chops. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a meal. What is the best combination of savory and sweet?
How do I perfect my air fryer for pork chops?
What are the best air fryer pork chops? I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I am happy to share them with you!
What is the thickness of pork chop? Make sure your pork chops are all roughly the same thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some chops from being overcooked while others are still undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: As I mentioned earlier, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the pork chops from getting that nice crispy crust. Cook in batches if needed.
Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking pork chops. It’s the only way to be sure they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature (145°F/63°C) without overcooking them.
Let Them Rest: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chop.
Spice Rub Variations: Feel free to experiment with the spice rub. Add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat, or a teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. The possibilities are endless!
Marinade Option: If you have time, marinating the pork chops for a few hours before air frying can add even more flavor and moisture. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
One thing I’ve learned is that air fryers can vary in cooking time, so always keep a close eye on your pork chops and adjust the cooking time as needed. I also always do a quick check for doneness with a meat thermometer, just to be safe.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover air fryer pork chops (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving cooked pork chops at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re properly sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pork chops. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or air fryer. The air fryer is my preferred method because it helps to crisp up the crust again. Reheat until the pork chops are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re reheating frozen pork chops, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help them to cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These air fryer pork chops have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in yours too. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the perfect trifecta for a weeknight meal! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes for more simple and satisfying dishes. Happy cooking!
I’d love to hear how your air fryer pork chops turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried the recipe and what you thought. Also, be sure to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork Chops
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Place pork chops in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
