There is nothing better than a juicy, flavorful Pork chop meal. Pork chops are a classic, budget-friendly meal that everyone knows and loves. They are the ultimate comfort food that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or the occasion. And although I love a good pan fried or pan seared pork chop, my new favorite way of preparing delicious pork chops is in my air fryer. The air fryer is quick and easy and best of all there is no greasy clean up. In today’s blog post I will share with you my recipe for flavorful, easy air fryer pork chops. This meal can be enjoyed any night of the week and this recipe will become your go to way of preparing pork chops.
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How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
The key to making the best pork chops start with using the best and freshest ingredients. With any recipe the quality of your ingredients will greatly enhance the outcome. For this recipe, I chose to use bone-in pork chops because they are so flavorful. The next thing to consider in making the best pork chops is the seasonings. The selection of seasonings you use will compliment the natural flavor of your pork. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to yield the taste you desire. Before seasoning your chops, it’s important that you pat them dry to get rid of any moisture then add olive oil. These key steps will assure that the seasonings will adhere to the meat.
Once your pork chops have been seasoned then they are ready to place in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your pork chops for 12-15 depending on the thickness of the chop. Keep in mind, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Take a look at the Video tutorial below!
Watch Video Tutorial for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients
- Bone-in Pork Chops – Pork chops are a delicious both bone-in or bone-out. For this recipe we will use bone-in chops.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the pork chops, ensuring even flavor distribution. Its mild flavor allows the other spices to shine through. Plus, it promotes browning in the air fryer for a visually appealing dish.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper is a classic pairing with pork and complements the richness of the meat.
- Salt – Salt enhances the natural savory flavors of the pork and creates a base for the other seasonings to build upon.
- Italian Seasoning – Italian seasoning adds savory and slightly herbaceous notes that blends beautifully with the pork.
- Garlic Powder – Provides a delicious savory depth and slightly sweet undertones. Garlic is a beloved flavor enhancer and works well with most meats, including pork.
- Onion Powder – Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a savory sweetness and subtle complexity to the dish.
- Paprika – Paprika offers a touch of warmth and vibrancy. Paprika also subtly enhances the pork’s natural sweetness and adds a beautiful touch of color.
What You Will Need
Instructions for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare Your Seasonings
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub.
Step 2: Oil the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the air fryer can crisp up the exterior properly. Brush the olive oil onto both sides of the pork chops. You can use a pastry brush for this, or simply pour the olive oil over the meat and coat it evenly with your hands.
Step 3: Seasoning the Pork Chops
Generously season the pork chops on both sides with the prepared dry rub mixture. Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can hinder proper air circulation and prevent even cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Chops
Air fry the pork chops for 13 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
Once cooked through, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
What to Eat With Air Fryer Pork Chops
While air-fried pork chops are delicious on their own, they shine even brighter when accompanied by the right side dishes. These pork chops go great with Brussels sprouts, asparagus, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. If you are looking for a lighter meal, try pairing them with salad or apple sauce. These are just a few great sides that will bring out even more flavor in your air fryer pork chops.
What to Do With Leftovers Air Fryer Pork Chops
If you are so lucky to have chop or two eat another day, these air fryer pork chops can be stored for a few day or a few months. For short term storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container then place them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, leftover pork chops will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For long term storage, again wrap each pork chop tightly in plastic wrap, pressing out as much air as possible. You can wrap the plastic wrapped chops in a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection. Place them in a freezer bag or freezer safe container. Pork chops can be kept in the freezer for 3-4 months.
- Ideal Thawing Method: The safest way to thaw frozen pork chops is by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight. Allow them to thaw slowly for the best texture.
- Quick Thawing: If you’re short on time, you can submerge the sealed pork chops in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. Cook the pork chops immediately after they have thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat thawed pork chops in the oven, skillet, or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry and tough pork chops.
Other Great Recipes
- Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Black Bean Salad
- The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
Air Fryer Pork Chops
3
servings15
minutes13
minutesIngredients
1 pound bone-in pork chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-½ teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the air fryer can crisp up the exterior properly.
- Brush the olive oil onto both sides of the pork chops. You can use a pastry brush for this, or simply pour the olive oil over the meat and coat it evenly with your hands.
- Generously season the pork chops on both sides with the prepared dry rub mixture.
- Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can hinder proper air circulation and prevent even cooking.
- Air fry the pork chops for 13 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
- Once cooked through, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Recipe Video
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