Air Fryer Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
52 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
259 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Description
Air Fryer Pork Chops start with an optional brine of water, kosher salt, sugar, and black peppercorns boiled and cooled, used to soak the pork chops for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step helps the meat retain moisture and enhances flavor. After draining and drying, the pork chops are rubbed with a mixture of brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. If not brining, kosher salt is added to the rub to ensure proper seasoning.
Pork chops have slits cut into the fat cap to prevent curling and allow seasoning to penetrate. The chops are arranged in a preheated air fryer basket and cooked at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipped halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, while resting brings it to the recommended 145°F. The air frying method gives a slightly crisp exterior while maintaining juicy pork inside.
Resting the chops after cooking allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness. Using a meat thermometer is recommended for best results as cooking times vary with chop thickness.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops ¾ inch thick, boneless
Brine (optional, see notes)
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For the Brine (OPTIONAL)
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, salt, sugar and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the salt and sugar are dissolved, remove from heat and cool completely.
- Place the pork chops in a large bowl or freezer bag. Pour the cooled brine over the pork chops and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Drain well, discard the brine, and pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
To Air Fry The Pork Chops
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper (if you are not using the brine, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt).
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits in the fat cap on the sides of the pork chops. Massage the rub into both sides of the pork chops.
- Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes or until chops reach 140°F. Do not overcook.
- Transfer the chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- The optional brine intensifies flavor and improves juiciness; cool brine faster by partially substituting water with ice.
- If skipping the brine, include kosher salt in the rub; reduce salt if using table salt instead.
- Cooking times vary with chop thickness; monitor internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
- Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F, removing them at 140°F before resting, as carryover heat raises temperature.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 259 | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 7160mg | 298% |
| Potassium | 524mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 148IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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