Pork chops, those humble cuts of meat, often get overlooked. But let me tell you, when you cook them in an air fryer, magic happens—seriously, it’s like watching a Netflix series with an unexpected twist! The juicy tenderness, paired with a crisp exterior, creates a culinary experience you just can’t ignore.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes.
- Rinse the pork chops with cold water and thoroughly pat them dry using a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Coat the pork chops with olive oil, then generously apply the rub mixture, covering all sides well.
- Place the pork chops in the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them after six minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops and let them rest for a few minutes on a plate before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 center-cut, bone-in pork chops, 1 ½ – 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil
FAQ
- What type of pork chops are best suited for air frying?
- Thick, center-cut, bone-in pork chops are ideal for air frying. A thickness of 1½ to 2 inches is recommended to achieve a beautiful char while ensuring the meat cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- How do you prepare the seasoning rub for air fryer pork chops?
- The seasoning rub consists of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients and apply the rub liberally to pork chops that have been rinsed, dried, and coated with olive oil.
- Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking pork chops?
- Yes, preheating the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes is crucial. This ensures the pork chops cook evenly and develop a nice char.
- How long should the pork chops be cooked in the air fryer?
- Cook the pork chops at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F. If the chops are thicker, additional cooking time may be required.
- What should you do after the pork chops finish cooking in the air fryer?
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Tips
- Choose Thick Pork Chops: Opt for thick, center-cut, bone-in pork chops, around 1 ½ to 2 inches thick, to ensure a delicious char and juiciness without overcooking.
- Prepare a Flavorful Rub: Create a simple rub using brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Apply it generously to pork chops that have been rinsed, dried, and lightly coated with olive oil.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step helps achieve an even cook and a nice char on the pork chops.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Allow them to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the temperature rise to the ideal 145°F, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the pork chops as described in the recipe.
- Instant-read Food Thermometer – To check the internal temperature of the pork chops and ensure they are cooked to the desired doneness.
