Get ready for the JUCIEST, most FLAVORFUL air fryer pork chops with this expert-approved recipe! Thanks to my brining technique, the pork chops are irresistibly tender, while a bold spice rub delivers a perfect balance of savory smokiness in every bite. Top them with optional sweet and tangy apple chutney for an elevated, restaurant-quality meal that’s as impressive as it is stress-free—winning! 👏
Air Fried Pork Chops are a game changer
Pork Chops Air Fryer Ingredients
The ingredients for these air fried pork chops can be broken down into four parts: 1) the pork chops, 2) the spice rub, 3) the brine, and 4) the apple chutney. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
What are the best pork chops for the air fryer?
Pork chops come in various cuts, including:
•Center-cut chops: a balance of fat and meat, with or without bone
•Rib chops: tender and flavorful with a bone
•Loin chops: lean and mild, often with a T-bone
•Blade chops: fattier and flavorful, from the shoulder
While rib and center-cut chops are the most popular, center-cut are preferred because they have a better balance of lean meat and marbling, offering tenderness without being overly fatty. Additionally, they’re more uniform in shape and thickness, making them easier to cook evenly for optimal juiciness.
center cut pork chops are the best!
•Even Cooking: Look for pork chops about 1 1/2-2 inches thick. The consistent thickness ensures the meat cooks evenly without drying out.
•Juiciness: Choose bone-in. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, keeping the chops tender and flavorful.
•Rich Flavor: The bone enhances the taste by adding depth and richness as it cooks.
•Sturdiness: Thicker chops hold up well to air frying, creating a beautiful sear without becoming tough.
Spice blend for air fried pork chops
This spice blend balances sweet, smoky, savory, and aromatic flavors while creating a flavorful crust—a game-changer!
The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking, while the combination of regular and smoked paprika brings earthy warmth and smoky depth.
Chili powder, ground mustard, garlic, and onion powder layer in bold, tangy, and savory notes, complemented by thyme’s earthy freshness. Finally, the right amount of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. A recipe will always taste bland if there isn’t enough salt and pepper!
Brine for pork chops air fryer
•Kosher salt: This is a coarse salt that will be dissolved in warm water. Do NOT use the same amount of table salt in your brining solution, or your pork will be too salty. If you only have table salt, use two tablespoons.
•Ice cubes: Warm water is needed to dissolve the kosher salt in the brine; the ice cubes bring the water back to room temperature, keeping it from being too warm for the meat.
•Sugar: Just two tablespoons add flavor and aid in browning via the Maillard reaction.
•Vinegar: This helps break down protein bonds, which tenderize the meat. You may use apple or red wine vinegar.
How to Air Fry Pork Chops
Let’s take a closer look at how to make air fryer pork chops with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
How long to Air Fry Pork Chops
Air fry pork chops at 400°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, depending on their thickness. For best results:
1-inch thick chops: Cook for about 10-11 minutes.
1½-inch thick chops: Cook for about 11-12 minutes.
2-inch thick chops: Cook for about 12-14 minutes.
Using a meat thermometer, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.
Pork Chop Air Fryer Tips
Prep ahead air fry pork chops
Brine, season, and refrigerate the pork chops for up to 24 hours. This will make the pork even more juicy! Let the pork rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
how brining pork chops makes them more tender
Brining pork chops makes them more tender by helping the meat retain moisture during cooking. The salt in the brine breaks down some of the proteins in the meat, so they can no longer contract when cooking. This means less water will be squeezed out, and the pork will absorb and hold more water.
As a result, the brined pork chops stay juicier and more tender, even when cooked at high temperatures, such as in an air fryer. This process also enhances the overall flavor by allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Air Fryer Pork Chop Variations
Here are some delicious variations to try for air fryer pork chops:
What to serve with Air Fried Pork Chops
Storing Air Fryer Pork Chops
To store air fryer pork chops, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
HOW TO freeze air fried pork chops
Freeze the pork chops by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
How to reheat pork chops in the air fryer
To reheat air-fried pork chops, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Reheat: Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. To keep the pork chops moist during reheating, you can lightly cover them with foil. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Pork Chops in the Air Fryer FAQs
To keep pork from drying out in the air fryer, follow these tips:
1. Brine the Pork: Brining the pork before cooking helps lock in moisture, keeping it tender and juicy.
2. Use Thick Cuts: Choose thicker cuts of pork, like center-cut or bone-in chops, as they retain moisture better than thinner cuts.
3. Don’t Overcook: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking will dry it out.
4. Avoid Dry Rubs with Too Much Sugar: While seasoning is key, avoid using too much salt or sugar in the rub, as they can draw out moisture during cooking.
5. Light Coat of Oil: Lightly coat the pork with a small amount of oil to help it retain moisture and create a crispy exterior.
6. Rest After Cooking: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
Yes, you can cook raw pork in an air fryer. In fact, it’s a great method for making pork chops, tenderloin, or even pork steaks. Just make sure to season or marinate the meat, and cook it at the correct temperature to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Always avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow the air to circulate around the pork for even cooking. Using a meat thermometer is key to ensuring it’s cooked to perfection!
Tough air fryer pork chops are often the result of overcooking, which dries out the meat. Pork chops, especially lean cuts, can become tough if they are cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. To avoid this, make sure to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer and remove the chops once they reach 145°F (63°C). Additionally, using thicker cuts, brining the meat, or lightly coating with oil can help retain moisture and improve tenderness.
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Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 2 center-cut, bone-in, pork chops, 1 ½ – 2 inches thick
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Brine (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup kosher salt NOT table salt
- 5 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (may sub red wine vinegar)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Spice Mix
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tsps EACH regular paprika, table salt
- 1 tsp EACH chili powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper
- 1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, thyme
Apple Chutney (Optional)
- 3 Granny Smith apples: peeled, cored, and chopped 1/4-1/2"
- 1 Honeycrisp apple: peeled, cored, and chopped 1/4-1/2"
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp EACH cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom
- Pinch of ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt and pepper
- 1 ½-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- BRINE (Optional but Recommended): Combine the warm water and kosher salt in a freezer bag or large bowl. (Tip: I find it easiest to prop a freezer bag up inside a larger bowl.) Stir until the salt dissolves. Whisk in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, then ice. Add the pork and seal. If the pork isn’t submerged, top it off with water. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, make the Spice Rub and begin making the Apple chutney (below).
- MAKE SPICE RUB: Whisk the spices together in a small bowl.
- RINSE PORK: After 20-30 minutes, remove the pork from the brine, rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat very dry.
- SEASON PORK: Lightly brush all sides of the chops with olive oil. Rub the spice mix over both sides of the pork, then on the side with the meat (not the bone), pressing it into the meat for even coverage. It will seem like a lot of spices, but use all of it.
- PREHEAT: Preheat the air fryer on “air fry” to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- AIR FRY: Line the pork chops in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip over, then continue to air fry for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant read thermometer.
Apple chutney
- COMBINE: Add the ingredients except the vinegar to a large saucepan or I use my braiser. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often, then reduce the heat to low.
- SIMMER: Cover and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer until the water evaporates and the apples are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- ADJUST: Remove from the heat and discard the onion. Stir in the vinegar and season with freshly cracked salt to taste. Adjust to taste with additional vinegar for tangier or sugar for sweeter. Serve warm over the pork chops.
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