Ah, pork chops—the true unsung heroes of weeknight dinners. When prepared just right, they transform into juicy, savory bites that make you question why you don’t cook them more often.
And then came the air fryer, like a culinary superhero, turning these humble chops into mouthwatering delights without the fuss of a grill. Last week, my neighbor raved about her air fryer adventures, and naturally, I had to dive into the craze.
So, here’s the lowdown on creating the juiciest air fryer pork chops—you won’t believe how easy and satisfying they are!
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Rinse the pork chops under cool water and then dry them thoroughly using a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder to create the rub.
- Apply olive oil to the pork chops and generously coat them with the prepared rub, ensuring the mixture is well distributed.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 140°F and then let them rest for a few minutes 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 air frying?
- For optimal results, use thick, center-cut, bone-in pork chops, ideally between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. This thickness ensures a beautiful char and prevents the chops from cooking too quickly.
- How do I prepare the seasoning rub for the pork chops?
- Mix together brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rinse and dry the pork chops, coat them with olive oil, and apply the rub liberally.
- What is the recommended cooking process for air fryer pork chops?
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Cook the pork chops for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker chops.
- Why is preheating the air fryer important?
- Preheating at 400°F ensures the air fryer is at the correct temperature for even cooking, leading to juicier and more delicious pork chops.
- What should I do after cooking the pork chops in the air fryer?
- Let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the flavor and tenderness when served.
Tips
- Choose Thick, Bone-In Chops: Opt for thick, center-cut, bone-in pork chops around 1½ to 2 inches thick for the best results. This thickness ensures the chops develop a beautiful char without overcooking.
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes is crucial. This step ensures an even cook, giving the chops a perfect texture and flavor.
- Apply the Rub Generously: Mix the rub ingredients thoroughly and coat the pork chops liberally. This seasoning, combined with a bit of olive oil, enhances the flavor and helps form a delicious crust.
- Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the chops for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F, allowing carryover cooking to raise it to the ideal 145°F. Adjust cooking time slightly if your chops are particularly thick.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the pork chops as described in the recipe.
- Instant-read Food Thermometer – Used to check the doneness of the pork chops.
