Juicy Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
Forget dry pork chops! These Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops are tested in Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot air fryers to ensure a restaurant-quality sear and a juicy center every time. They are ready in 15 minutes and seasoned with a savory-sweet smoky rub.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 384kcal
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4-6 Bone-In Pork Chops (at least 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Pork Rub (see recipe below)
For the Pork Rub:
- 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Prep and Dry: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels (this is the secret to a good sear). Brush both sides with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix the pork rub ingredients. Generously coat all sides of the chops, pressing the seasoning into the meat so it sticks.
- Air Fry: Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook for an additional 4-7 minutes. Crucial: Use a meat thermometer and pull the chops when they hit an internal temperature of 145°F.
- The Rest: Remove from the air fryer and let the meat rest on a board for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Video
Notes
- The 145°F Rule: Pork is safe to eat at 145°F. Most older recipes tell you 160°F, which results in dry meat. Pulling at 145°F is the key to juiciness.
- Room Temp: If you have time, let the chops sit on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly all the way to the bone.
- Air Fryer Models: I tested this recipe in a Ninja Foodi, an Instant Pot Vortex, and a Cosori basket style. Basket-style fryers often cook 1-2 minutes faster than oven-style units.
- The "Pat Dry" Secret: If your chops are damp when they go in, they will steam instead of sear. Always use a paper towel first!
Nutrition
Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 5mg
