Air Fryer Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, 7 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking and pat them dry on both sides with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
3. Rub the olive oil over both sides of each pork chop, then press the spice mixture evenly onto all surfaces, including the edges.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380F for 3 minutes.
5. Place the chops in the basket in a single layer with space between them so air can circulate; use two batches if all four do not fit without touching.
6. Air fry at 380F for 6 minutes, then flip each chop with tongs.
7. Continue air frying for another 6 to 8 minutes, checking the thickest chop at the 6-minute mark.
8. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat away from the bone; pull the chops at 140 to 143F, since they will rise to the safe 145F while resting.
9. The exterior should look deep golden-brown with slightly charred spice edges, and juices from a small knife cut should run clear with just a faint pink blush near the bone, which is normal in pork.
10. If the temperature is below 140F, return to the basket for 2-minute increments and recheck.
11. Transfer the chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• A weeknight dinner ready in about 20 minutes
• Sweet-smoky spice crust with no marinating time needed
• Foolproof temperature guidance so pork never turns out dry
• Pairs easily with almost any vegetable side

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.