Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (½–1 inch thick, about 6–8 oz each)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides of each pork chop with olive oil.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then sprinkle evenly on both sides of the chops.
- Let the pork chops sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature for seasoning to penetrate.
Tip: Drying the pork chops first and letting them sit with seasoning ensures better browning and flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating ensures even cooking and crisp edges.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pork Chops
- Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—145°F (63°C) is ideal for juicy pork chops.
Tip: Cooking times depend on thickness. Thicker chops may need 2–3 extra minutes.
Step 4: Rest the Pork Chops
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes.
- Resting allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Tip: Don’t skip resting—pork chops lose their juiciness if served immediately.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
- Optional: Top with a pat of butter, garlic herb sauce, or a drizzle of honey mustard glaze for extra flavor.
