Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

This mouthwatering Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe transforms ordinary chops into an extraordinary dinner with minimal effort. The secret lies in the perfect seasoning, proper cooking technique, and that incredible compound butter that melts luxuriously over the hot chops. Ready in under an hour with most of that time being hands-off, these pork chops deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. The air fryer creates that beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside perfectly juicy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Thick-cut pork chops: The star of the show! Thicker chops (¾ to 1-inch) work best as they’re more forgiving and stay juicier. Bone-in chops have even more flavor, but boneless work great too.
• Salt: Essential for both seasoning and dry brining, which helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.
• Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complexity that balances the richness of the pork.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might face in the air fryer.
• Butter: Forms the base of our compound butter, creating a rich, melty topping that takes these chops to the next level.
• Fresh garlic: Provides a punchy, aromatic element to the compound butter that dried simply can’t match.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley brightens the dish while rosemary adds a woodsy, aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with pork.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that adds umami depth to the compound butter, enhancing the savory qualities of the pork.

Variations

Herb Variations: Swap the rosemary for thyme or sage in the compound butter for a different flavor profile.

Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the dry rub for a spicier kick.

Sweet and Savory: Include a teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup in your compound butter for a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.

Italian Style: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and basil into your compound butter for a Mediterranean twist.

Citrus Infusion: Add lemon zest to both the rub and the compound butter for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops

Place your thick-cut pork chops on a rack that allows air to circulate around them. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is crucial for good browning. Season all sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, which allows the seasoning to penetrate and the meat to cook more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Compound Butter

While the pork chops are resting, prepare your flavor-packed compound butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). If your pork chops are on the thinner side (less than ¾ inch), reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Before cooking, pat the chops dry one more time to remove any moisture that may have been drawn out during the resting period.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Chops

Place the seasoned pork chops in your air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chops and your particular air fryer model. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Add Compound Butter and Rest

As soon as the pork chops come out of the air fryer, top each one with a generous dollop of your prepared compound butter. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is non-negotiable – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and the butter to melt into a luscious sauce.

How to Serve

These juicy pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with countless side dishes:

Classic Pairings:

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to catch all that delicious melted compound butter.

Lighter Options:

Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or a medley of roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Complete Meal Ideas:

Create a complete comfort food dinner with applesauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato mash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store any leftover compound butter separately.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months, they may lose some of their juiciness when thawed. The compound butter freezes exceptionally well – portion it into an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy access.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat pork chops gently. Cover them with foil and warm in a 275°F oven until they reach 125-130°F internally. Alternatively, slice the chops and warm them in a skillet with a splash of broth to add moisture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the meat tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops might just change your mind about pork chops forever! With their golden exterior, perfectly cooked interior, and that irresistible herb butter melting over the top, they’re practically guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The best part? They’re almost entirely hands-off, giving you time to prepare sides or simply relax while dinner practically makes itself. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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