They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare; these Air-Fryer Pork Chops will surely become a family dinner staple.
As much as I love a good roast chicken or perfectly cooked ribeye, nothing says comfort food like a succulent pork chop. I grew up eating pork chops at least twice a week, but luckily, my mother varied her preparations so that we ate something a bit different every time. I’ve made some of her recipes my own (like grilled pork chops with olives and diced tomatoes), but when it comes to cooking pork chops on a busy night, you can bet I’ll be reaching for the air fryer.
These air-fryer pork chops are on the table in less than 15 minutes. They’re seasoned with a simple blend of spices you likely already have in your pantry. They’re nothing fancy or pretentious—they’re just tender, juicy, and delicious. This is the kind of meal you’ll look forward to both making and eating.
Are Air-Fryer Pork Chops Healthy?
Pork chops have gotten a bad rap in the last few decades and there is this myth that the pork chop is one of the least healthy animal proteins. The truth is, pork chops have a lower fat content than skinless chicken thighs.
For a well-rounded meal, I think it always benefits us to balance our plates with generous sides of vegetables and greens. For instance, I love to pair these air fryer pork chops with a baked sweet potato and a crisp watercress salad.
Playing Around With Seasonings
The spice mixture featured in this recipe is fairly basic, but you can always tweak the flavor profile by playing around with the seasonings. For example, a great combination would be rubbing the pork chops with Dijon mustard, garlic purée, and herbes de Provence. A delicious Asian twist is brushing them with a mixture of white miso, ginger powder, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Lemon zest, garlic, and ras el hanout (a fragrant mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper) is another tasty option.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can always season the meat the night before, storing it in a glass dish tightly covered with cling film. In fact, this will only help the meat develop more flavor. Though the pork chops are best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chops can also be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious pork chops are going to be the star of your dinner plate, without a doubt. There are so many great recipes that would complement the pork chops and give you and your crew a complete, beautiful menu. Steamed Sweet Potatoes would make a simple and nutritious side dish. Another good option would be Mashed Red Potatoes, or make a one-pan side of Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Brussels Sprouts. In need of a low-carb option? Try these Healthy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes. Finish the plate with some tasty vegetables, such as Sautéed Broccolini or a Low-Carb Keto Green Bean Casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds bone-in-center cut pork chops (about 4 chops cut 1/2-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 3/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Cut any large chunks of fat off the pork chops. Rub them with the olive oil.
- Mix all the seasonings in a bowl and rub them into the pork.
- Cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit in your air fryer for 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes. This might vary based off the thickness of your chops. Mine were 1/2 inch (3/4 inch in some thicker areas.) The temperature should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside when done.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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