There’s something inexplicably comforting about a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug on a plate—enter the juicy air fryer pork chops. Imagine biting into a succulent piece of pork, its juices mingling with a hint of seasoning, while the air fryer does its magic in mere minutes. I once tried these during a particularly hectic Tuesday, juggling an inbox full of emails and a cat who decided the countertop was her new domain, and they delivered a moment of peace amidst chaos.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to get it ready for cooking.
- Rinse the pork chops with cool water and thoroughly pat them dry using a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Coat the pork chops with olive oil, then generously apply the seasoning rub on all sides.
- Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, turning them over after 6 minutes.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F before removing the pork chops.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a couple of minutes on a plate to let the juices settle before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 center-cut, bone-in pork chops, 1 ½ – 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
FAQ
- What type of pork chops are best for cooking in an air fryer?
- Thick, center-cut, bone-in pork chops are ideal for air frying. They should be between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. This thickness allows the pork chops to develop a nice char on all sides during the cooking process.
- How should I prepare the pork chops before air frying?
- First, rinse the pork chops with cool water and thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel. Apply olive oil and a seasoning rub made from brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- What is the recommended cooking process for air fryer pork chops?
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Cook the seasoned pork chops for 12 minutes, flipping them at the halfway point. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F. For very thick chops, a few additional minutes may be required.
- Why is it important to let the pork chops rest after cooking?
- Allowing the pork chops to rest for a couple of minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. This resting period also allows the internal temperature to rise slightly, reaching the ideal level for serving.
- Can I use thin pork chops for this recipe?
- While you can use thin pork chops, they may cook too quickly and not develop the same char and texture as thicker ones. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Tips
- Choose Thick, Bone-In Pork Chops: Opt for center-cut, bone-in pork chops that are 1 ½ to 2 inches thick to achieve a beautiful char and juicy interior. Thinner chops may overcook too quickly and won’t develop the desired texture.
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Make sure to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps in achieving the perfect char on the pork chops.
- Apply the Rub Generously: After rinsing and patting the pork chops dry, coat them with olive oil and apply the seasoning rub liberally. This will enhance the flavor and contribute to the beautiful crust during cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Instant-Read Food Thermometer
