Print

Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

4.7 from 116 reviews

This Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to cook perfectly juicy pork chops with a delicious brown sugar and spice rub. Ready in just 15 minutes, these chops are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them an ideal weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Chops

  • 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick, boneless or bone-in)

Seasoning & Oil

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (Italian seasoning)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on the pork chops.
  2. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then brush both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
  3. Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the pork chops a sweet and savory flavor profile with a hint of herbaceous depth.
  4. Season the Pork Chops: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
  5. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each chop to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
  6. Cook the Pork Chops: Air fry at 400°F for 9–11 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through cooking to promote even crispness and browning on both sides.
  7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops has reached 145°F, ensuring they are safely cooked but still juicy.
  8. Rest Before Serving: Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.

Notes

  • For best results, use pork chops that are about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning amounts to your taste preference; more paprika can add smokiness, while extra brown sugar increases sweetness.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the pork chops in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Letting the meat rest after cooking helps maintain moisture and enhances tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the pork chops.

Keywords: air fryer pork chops, pork chops recipe, quick pork chops, air fryer dinner, easy pork chops, crispy pork chops