These juicy air fryer pork chops are so easy to make and taste amazing! With a crispy outside and tender inside, they are perfect for a quick dinner.
I love how the air fryer gives them that lovely crunch without all the extra oil. They go great with veggies or mashed potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and moisture. If you have boneless chops, they work too but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This is preferred for its health benefits and flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil if you’d like. Choose oils with a high smoke point.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices bring depth of flavor. In a pinch, you could use fresh minced garlic and onions, but use less since they’re more potent.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky taste. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can be a substitute. The latter adds a different kind of spice!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the spices. If you’re avoiding sugar, try coconut sugar or leave it out for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get Pork Chops to Cook Evenly in the Air Fryer?
Cooking pork chops evenly in the air fryer is key to keeping them juicy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by preheating the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Evenly coat the chops with oil and spice rub to lock in flavors.
- Try not to overcrowd the basket; space is essential for air circulation.
- Flipping halfway through cooking helps them cook uniformly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F/63°C). This prevents overcooking!
Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Don’t forget to let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your pork chops cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will add fantastic flavor to your pork chops!
3. Prep the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice crust. Next, rub both sides of each chop with olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and to help the spices stick.
4. Season the Chops:
Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the pork chops. Make sure they are well-coated with those tasty spices!
5. Cook in the Air Fryer:
Place your seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping to get an even cook. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once your pork chops are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch!
Enjoy your delicious air-fried pork chops! They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops work great in this recipe as well! Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as boneless chops usually cook a bit faster. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) after about 10-12 minutes to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika for a milder flavor or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. The dish will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops in olive oil and your spice rub mixture overnight will enhance the flavors significantly. Just make sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure they get those nice crispy edges in the air fryer!
