Air-Fryer Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 3 bone-in pork chops, 2.5–3 cm thick
  (boneless can be used but cook faster)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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For the Brussels Sprouts

• 400 g Brussels sprouts
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

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Optional Finishing Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (strongly recommended)
• Small knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

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Part 1: Preparing the Pork Chops

Step 1: Drying the Surface

1. Remove pork chops from packaging.
2. Pat completely dry with paper towels.

A dry surface ensures proper browning and prevents steaming.

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Step 2: Seasoning

1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne.
2. Rub pork chops lightly with olive oil.
3. Coat both sides generously with the seasoning mixture.

Massage seasoning into the meat, including the edges.

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Step 3: Resting Before Cooking

Let the seasoned pork chops sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

This promotes even cooking and helps the seasoning penetrate slightly.

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Part 2: Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Trimming

1. Trim off the dry ends of the Brussels sprouts.
2. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves.
3. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.

Uniform size ensures even cooking.

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Step 2: Seasoning

1. Place Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl.
2. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
3. Toss until evenly coated.

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Part 3: Air-Frying the Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheating

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3–5 minutes.

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Step 2: Cooking

1. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook for 8 minutes.
3. Shake or toss the basket.
4. Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Remove sprouts and tent loosely with foil.

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Part 4: Air-Frying the Pork Chops

Step 1: Temperature Adjustment

Increase air fryer temperature to 200°C.

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Step 2: Cooking

1. Place pork chops in the basket in a single layer.
2. Cook for 6–7 minutes.
3. Flip the chops.
4. Cook another 6–8 minutes, depending on thickness.

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Step 3: Checking Doneness

Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chop:

• Target internal temperature: 63°C

Remove chops immediately once reached.

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Part 5: Resting and Finishing

Step 1: Resting

1. Transfer pork chops to a plate.
2. Tent loosely with foil.
3. Rest for 5 minutes.

Resting allows juices to redistribute.