Description
Juicy, tender pork chops coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, cooked quickly in an air fryer for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, center-cut pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Lightly brush both sides of the pork chops with oil.
- Generously sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of the chops, pressing spices into the meat to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes. Flip the chops halfway through (at the 3-minute mark).
- Cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove chops from the air fryer and let them rest, tented loosely with foil, for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Ensure pork chops are patted dry to promote browning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; target internal temperature is 145°F. Resting the meat is crucial for juiciness. If using boneless chops, reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop per serv
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: air fryer, pork chops, brown sugar, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy recipes, gluten-free, dairy-free