Want juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops without the hassle? These sweet and spicy air fryer pork chops deliver restaurant-quality results in just 23 minutes! The air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and succulent.
With only 236 calories per serving and 29g of lean protein, this recipe proves that healthy cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing bold flavors. The natural sweetness balanced with a gentle kick of heat makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork Chops: 4 pieces, ideal for air frying
- Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons, adds wonderful Italian herb flavor
- Paprika: 2 teaspoons, brings beautiful color and mild sweetness
- Garlic Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, perfect for savory depth
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, optional but recommended for caramelization
- Oil: Just enough for light coating on both sides
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: Mix oregano, paprika, garlic salt, and brown sugar in a bowl until well combined
- Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat if desired, then lightly coat each chop with oil
- Season: Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of each pork chop
- Air Fryer Setup: Line the basket with parchment or foil, arrange pork chops without overlapping
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Check Temperature: Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F in the thickest part
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice and enjoy!
Quick Air Fryer Tips
Air fryers work best when you give the food some breathing room! Space your pork chops apart in the basket – if they’re touching, the hot air can’t flow around them properly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cooking in batches will give you much better results. A light coating of oil helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust we all love.
Easy Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these simple tweaks to the seasoning mix:
- Skip the brown sugar and add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat
- Replace the oregano with Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor
- Add some black pepper or onion powder to build more layers of flavor
Perfect Pairings
These sweet and spicy pork chops taste amazing with:
- Roasted sweet potatoes (pop them in the air fryer after the pork!)
- A crisp green salad with ranch dressing
- Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Apple sauce for a classic combo
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover pork chops fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll taste almost as good as fresh! Just watch them closely to avoid drying them out.
Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Pork chops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar optional
- oil for coating
Instructions
- Add the oregano, paprika, garlic salt, and brown sugar to a bowl. Mix to combine.
- Prepare the porkchops for cooking by trimming excess fat, if desired.
- Rub the porkchops with a little oil on each side.
- Sprinkle both sides of the porkchops evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place a piece of parchment or foil in the bottom of your air fryer basket for easy cleanup, then place the porkchops in the basket. *Be sure not to overlap the porkchops so that they will cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches if they are too large for your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the porkchops at 380 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, flipping midway through cooking time.
- To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. Porkchops should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F before consuming.
- Allow the porkchops to rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
