Best Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Pork chops are a versatile cut of pork that comes from the loin. There are many different types of pork chops including ones that come from the rib. The rib chops have a lot of connective tissue and are too tough for this type of preparation. More appropriate for this air fryer pork chops recipe use a bone-in center-cut pork chop. This scrumptious cut of meat can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. An alternative to this air fryer pork chops recipe can be a braised pork chops dish.
Pork chops are a delectable choice of protein and with 170 calories per 4oz serving and 27g of protein can be a good choice for a high protein diet or low carb diet depending on the side dishes you choose to pair them with.
Pork chops are leaner than the similar pork steak (which comes from the shoulder of the pig) and have fewer calories per pound with less fat. For this reason, pork chops need to be seasoned better to be injected with flavor.
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe Tools
Air fryer pork chops ingredients
Air fryer
Cutting board
Measuring scoops
Ladle
Thermometer
Mallet or meat tenderizer
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients
Air fryer pork chops recipe ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Cooking Instructions for this Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe
Optional: Submerge your pork chops in a brining solution for 6-8 hours to inject moisture before cooking using dry heat.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a rub or opt for a Montreal steak seasoning.
On a cutting board tenderize your pork chops with a mallet or with a meat tenderizer. This will help the mat absorb the seasoning better and it will begin to break down the meat fiber for a softer texture.
Rub the mixture all over the pork chops on both sides. On thicker pork chops be generous with the seasoning since you will need your seasoning to penetrate deep into the meat.
Rub the pork chops with seasoning on both sides
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Cook the pork chops in the preheated air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cook the pork chops in the air fryer basket
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the air fryer pork chops over a salad or side of choice.
Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe Cooking Tips
Season generously: Pork chops benefit from robust seasoning. It can be a Montreal steak seasoning, a cajun seasoning or your favorite rub but the thicker the pork chop the more the seasoning has to penetrate. Season accordingly.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes for this air fryer pork chops recipe. This ensures best results.
Spray or brush with oil: Before adding the pork chops to the air fryer basket, give them a light coat of oil. You can rub the oil in with a spray bottle or brush. The oil will help this air fryer pork chops recipe create a nice crust.
Cook to the right temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. This will ensure that they are safe to eat and juicy.
Rest before serving: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make your air fryer pork chops recipe nice and tender.
Serve with your favorite sides: Air fryer pork chops are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Enjoy!
Enjoy this air fryer pork chops recipe with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans.
Chef Justin started his career in as a pantry relief cook in the casino fine dining scene, and quickly moved up to Sous Chef within a few years. His career later took him to a two star Michelin restaurant, Localis where he worked as Sous Chef/Chef de partie to specialize in meats and butchery work.