Air Fryer Pork Chops

An air fryer pork chop on a plate with peas

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I've got the secret to tender, juicy air fryer pork chops! This recipe is quick and easy, perfectly seasoned, and crispy on the outside. Yum!

Prep: 5

Cook: 10

Total: 20

Servings: servings

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Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

2 thick, center-cut pork chops (I recommend bone-in—look for chops that are at least 1 ½ inches thick)*
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Crockpot Applesauce or Instant Pot Applesauce, optional for serving
Barbecue Sauce optional for serving

For the Pork Rub:

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F accordingly to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that’s 3 minutes of preheat time).
With paper towels, pat the pork chops dry on both sides. Coat the outsides with olive oil.
In a medium bowl, combine the rub ingredients: chili powder, coriander, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Rub all over both sides of the pork.
Lay the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket; do not overlap them (if they both do not fit in a single layer, cook them in batches). Air fry for 5 minutes, then with tongs, carefully flip the chops.
Continue cooking for 4 to 7 additional minutes, or until the meat registers 135°F on an instant read thermometer. If your pork chops are boneless, start checking 2 minutes earlier to ensure they do not overcook.
Remove the pork chops to a plate. Cover and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve hot with warmed barbecue sauce as desired.

Notes

*You can also use this recipe for boneless center-cut pork chops; still look for thick ones that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick. I do not recommend thin pork chops, as they will dry out ultra quickly. If you decide to experiment with thin chops, start checking several minutes earlier to gauge their progress.
As with ovens, air fryer models vary, so your pork chops may take a bit longer or a bit shorter (this is the air fryer model I used to test the recipe). The safest option is to check the meat’s temperature earlier to make sure it doesn’t overcook. As soon the pork chops 135°F at the thickest part of the meat, remove mine for resting.
TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover pork chops in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm pork chops in the air fryer or oven at 350°F, in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stove.
TO FREEZE: Freeze leftover pork chops in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 2)Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 51gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 156mgPotassium: 963mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1793IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 3mg