About this recipe

Juicy, golden-crusted pork chops made effortlessly in the air fryer. A simple spice rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar creates a beautifully caramelized crust while the air fryer locks in moisture for tender, flavorful results every time. Ready in under 25 minutes — perfect for a fast weeknight family dinner.

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towel — this is key for a good crust. In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, brown sugar, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir to mix.

2. 2

   Brush or rub the olive oil evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Then press the spice rub generously onto all sides of each chop, coating them well.

3. 3

   Preheat your air fryer to ![400°F] for 3 minutes. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Work in batches if needed.

4. 4

   Air fry at ![400°F] for 12–14 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through at the 6–7 minute mark. Cook until the internal temperature reaches %[145°F] on a meat thermometer. Thicker chops may need the full 14 minutes.

5. 5

   Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving — this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.