These juicy air fryer pork chops deliver restaurant-worthy results in just 14 minutes from start to finish. Each perfectly seasoned chop packs 29g of protein while keeping the fat content reasonable at 13g per serving.
The air fryer works its magic to create a golden-brown crust while maintaining that coveted tender, moist center. With only 268 calories per serving, these pork chops fit beautifully into a balanced meal plan without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless chops, perfect for air frying
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, helps seasonings stick and ensures moisture
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, creates a delicious caramelized exterior
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes for optimal cooking temperature
- Prep the Chops: Pat pork chops dry thoroughly and brush with olive oil on both sides
- Season: Mix brown sugar and all spices in a bowl, then generously coat both sides of chops
- Arrange: Place pork chops in a single layer in your air fryer basket for even cooking
- Air Fry: Cook for 8-9 minutes, making sure to flip halfway through for perfect browning
- Rest: Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain their juices
Cooking Techniques
The secret to amazing air fryer pork chops is getting that perfect sear while keeping the inside juicy. Patting the meat dry before cooking is super important – it helps create that beautiful golden crust! The 5-minute rest time after cooking lets all those tasty juices settle back into the meat, making every bite tender and delicious.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? You can swap the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to skip it altogether – the spice blend is fantastic on its own! No paprika? Regular chili powder works great too. And while olive oil is wonderful, any neutral cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil will do the job just as well.
Serving Suggestions
These pork chops are amazing with so many side dishes! Try them with crispy air fryer potatoes (you can cook them first, then keep them warm while the pork chops cook). A fresh green salad or steamed veggies add nice color and crunch. Want something extra special? Add a small pat of butter on top of each pork chop right after cooking – it’ll melt into all those wonderful spices!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Let the pork chops cool down completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this helps keep them juicy instead of drying out in the microwave. You can also slice them cold for sandwiches the next day!
Seasoned Air Fryer Pork Chops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 4 Pork chops boneless
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F/204C for 5 minutes.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides of the pork chops with oil.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and spices.
- Combine the spices and rub both sides of the pork chops with the mixture.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.
- Air Fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Don’t forget to let them rest for 5 minutes before eating them!
