Air fryer pork chops are an easy weeknight meal and come out so tender and juicy!
I use thick boneless chops and add a simple homemade spice rub. The result is a new family favorite meal in no time at all!
Whether a childhood dotted with overcooked pork chops has left you with an adulthood aversion or you are their biggest fan, Air Fryer Pork Chops will have you falling freshly in love.
Ingredients
▢ 4 boneless pork chops ¾ inch thick
Brine (optional, see notes)
▢ 4 cups water
▢ ¼ cup kosher salt
▢ 2 tablespoons sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon peppercorns
Rub
▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Combine brine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once sugar and salt are dissolved, remove from heat and cool completely.
Pour cooled brine over pork chops and let sit at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Drain well and dab dry with a paper towel.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Mix rub ingredients and massage into pork chops.
Place pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes or until chops reach 145°F. Do not overcook.
Rest 5 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Notes
Brine is optional but recommended. If needed, use less water in the brine and add ice to cool it down quickly.
If you skip the brine, add salt to the rub mixture.
Thinner chops will need less time while thicker chops may need an extra minute or two. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops do not overcook.
The pork should be cooked to 145°F. I remove the pork at 140°F as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests. Do not overcook.