Air Fryer Pork Chops: Your New Weeknight Dinner Hero!

  

Let's talk about weeknight dinners. We all want something delicious, healthy, and, let's be honest, fast. If you're looking for a recipe that ticks all those boxes and delivers perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every single time, then get ready to embrace your air fryer!

Air frying has revolutionized how we cook, and pork chops are no exception. Gone are the days of dry, overcooked chops. With the air fryer, you get a beautiful golden crust and a tender, moist interior – all in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven, and with less oil than pan-frying. It's truly a game-changer!

This recipe is incredibly simple, relying on a basic seasoning blend that enhances the natural flavor of the pork without overpowering it. You can easily adapt it with your favorite herbs and spices, too.

Ready to make some magic in your air fryer? Let's get cooking!

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Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Yields: 2-4 servings (depending on chop size) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12-18 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about ¾ to 1 inch thick)
• Note: Thicker chops will take longer; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1.    Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a good sear.

2.    Pat Dry: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a nice crust!

3.    Season: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), sea salt, and black pepper.

4.    Coat Chops: Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the pork chops, rubbing it in to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chops, pressing gently to adhere.

5.    Air Fry: Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.

6.    Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 6-9 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chops. For bone-in chops or thicker cuts (1 inch or more), it might take up to 10 minutes per side. Flip the chops halfway through the cooking time.

7.    Check Doneness: The internal temperature of pork should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone.

8.    Rest: Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and loosely tent them with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist chop.

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And there you have it! Beautifully cooked, incredibly juicy air fryer pork chops, ready to be paired with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. This recipe is so simple, you'll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way!

Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork chops!