– **Title**: Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Chops
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub each pork chop with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops, rubbing it in to ensure good coverage.
6. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
7. Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Once done, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
9. Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for this recipe because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they might cook a bit faster.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil is a great choice. It has a high smoke point and a mild taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness that balances the spices. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup in a smaller amount. Just remember that they are liquids, so adjust other liquids accordingly.
Spices: The spice mix gives a fantastic flavor. If you’re low on anything, you can use a premade spice blend like Italian seasoning, though you’ll miss the specific flavor of paprika and garlic powder.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops are Crispy and Delicious?
Achieving crispy pork chops is all about moisture control and seasoning. First, drying the pork chops with paper towels is essential as it helps the oil and spices adhere better, leading to a delicious crust.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so that the chops start cooking immediately.
- Ensure an even coating of olive oil and spices. Rub them thoroughly on both sides.
- Cook in a single layer. If the air fryer is overcrowded, the chops will steam instead of crisp up. Flip them halfway for consistent cooking.
- Letting the chops rest after cooking is crucial as it redistributes the juices, keeping them tender.
Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spice Rub:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these tasty pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it about 5 minutes to warm up. This step is important for the perfect crispy texture!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
While the air fryer is heating up, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is a little trick to help them get a nice crispy outside when cooked.
3. Make the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. This spice blend will give your pork chops amazing flavor!
4. Season the Chops:
Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil. Then, take the spice mixture and rub it evenly all over the chops, making sure to coat them well. Yum!
5. Cook the Pork Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once the pork chops are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes on a plate. This helps keep them juicy and delicious.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your beautifully cooked pork chops with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them up and enjoy the yummy flavors!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they also reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness.
What if I Don’t Have Olive Oil? Can I Substitute It?
Absolutely! You can substitute olive oil with any other oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each will work well to help the spice mixture adhere and to achieve a crispy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to keep them crispy. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Spice Rub in Advance?
Yes, you can! Mix the spice rub ingredients and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. This makes it easy to quickly season the pork chops whenever you’re ready to cook!
