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⚡ Direct Answer: The Secret to Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
The 380°F / 12-Minute Formula: Choose 1-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork chops. Coat with olive oil and a smoky spice rub (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, salt). Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping at minute 6. Remove when internal temp reaches 140°F–145°F and rest for 5 minutes.
Pork chops are notoriously prone to drying out when pan-fried or baked. The air fryer’s high-speed convective heat caramelizes the brown sugar spice rub in minutes, creating a flavor crust that locks in tenderness. Check out our 15 Best Air Fryer Recipes for more wholesome dinner ideas.
Family Dinner
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Rest Time: 5 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 boneless or bone-in pork chops (approx. 1-inch thick, 7–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt & ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil.
- Mix brown sugar and all spices in a small bowl. Rub evenly over all sides of the chops.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place chops in basket without touching. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes (12–14 min for bone-in), flipping halfway through.
- Check internal temp with a meat thermometer (target 140°F). Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and rest 5 minutes to reach a perfect 145°F before carving!
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~260 Calories | 34g Protein | 6g Carbs | 11g Fat | Calculate daily nutrition on our Calorie Calculator.