These juicy air fryer bone-in pork chops with a smoky brown sugar rub are ready in just 20 minutes! No breading needed, just simple pantry spices for an easy yet delicious dinner.
If you love an easy air fryer dinner like this, you've got to try my Air Fryer Chicken Livers next. And these Air Fryer Steak Bites are another quick one I make on repeat.
Bone-in pork chops have a bit of a reputation, don't they? We've all had the dry, tough, sawdusty version that needs half a bottle of sauce just to get through dinner.
But that is not what happens here. The air fryer is honestly the easiest way I've found to get bone-in pork chops that come out juicy and tender every single time, with a gorgeous caramelized crust on the outside.
The secret is a simple little rub that gives the pork a savory, slightly sweet, slightly tangy crust you just don't get from plain salt and pepper.
Why you'll love making bone-in pork chops in the air fryer
- You won't end up with dry pork chops anymore! The air fryer locks in the juices while the rub caramelizes into a proper crust on the outside.
- Everything you need is probably already in your spice cupboard.
- On the table in about 20 minutes - it really doesn't get more straightforward than that.
What you'll need
- Bone-in pork chops - I use chops about 1 inch thick; the bone keeps them extra juicy and helps them stay tender in the air fryer.
- Olive oil - Just enough to coat the chops; it helps the rub stick and the edges caramelize.
- Brown sugar - This is the secret to that caramelized crust, and it balances out the smoky spices.
- Seasonings - Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt and black pepper. The ground mustard is what gives these chops a little tangy depth you don't get from the usual pork rub.
Pro tip
Pull the chops from the air fryer at 145°F and let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting into them. That little rest lets the juices settle back into the meat.
How to make bone-in pork chops in the air fryer
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, so the chops start sizzling the moment they go in.
Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, coat them lightly with oil, then rub the spice mix over both sides.
Air fry the chops in a single layer, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F; about 12 to 14 minutes for 1-inch chops, depending on your air fryer.
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving so they stay nice and juicy.
Substitutions and variations
- You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil if you want a higher smoke point.
- Coconut sugar works well in place of brown sugar.
- If your chops are on the thin side, head over to my Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops - that recipe is timed just for those.
Helpful tips
- The USDA safe minimum internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. A meat thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking.
- Cook time depends on how thick your chops are. Thinner chops may be done in 8 to 10 minutes, so start checking early.
- Don't crowd the basket; cook in batches if your air fryer is small so the chops brown rather than steam.
What to serve with thick pork chops
- These chops go with just about anything, but a big scoop of my cozy Potato Stroganoff turns them into a proper comfort-food dinner.
- They also go down a treat with some creamy mashed potatoes.
- Or you can serve them with a simple salad and dinner rolls.
Leftovers and storage
- Leftover chops are great sliced over a salad, tucked into a wrap, or served alongside eggs the next morning.
- To store, let the chops cool, then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to keep that crust. The microwave works too, but it'll soften the outside.
- You can also freeze these. Wrap the chops well and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you've tried this air fryer bone-in pork chop recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
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Juicy Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops approx. 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.1 teaspoon brown sugar1 teaspoon smoked paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon ground mustard½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towel. Coat them lightly all over with the oil, then rub the spice mix into both sides until evenly coated.2 bone-in pork chops1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The USDA safe minimum for pork is 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest. A meat thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking.
- Cook time depends on how thick your chops are. Thinner chops may be done in 8 to 10 minutes so start checking early.
- Don't crowd the basket; cook in batches if your air fryer is small so the chops brown rather than steam.
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