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Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops - Tender, Flavorful, and Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Pre-heat 5 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops, 1 to 1.25 inches thick (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for light caramelization)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pat the pork chops dry. Use paper towels to remove surface moisture. Dry chops brown better and cook more evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps form a good crust right away.
  • Season the chops. Rub both sides with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if using), and brown sugar. Coat the chops on all sides with the spice blend.
  • Arrange in the basket. Place the pork chops in a single layer with space between them. Do not stack or overlap. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, then flip and cook another 5–7 minutes. Time varies based on thickness and whether chops are bone-in.
  • Check internal temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer and pull the chops at 140–145°F (60–63°C) in the thickest part.
  • Rest the meat. Let the chops rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
  • Finish and serve. Squeeze a little lemon over the top, sprinkle with parsley if you like, and serve with your favorite sides.