Juicy Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, each 1 to 1½ inches thick, similar size (900 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more only if needed (14 g)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided evenly over both sides (9 g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, preferably fresh for better color (2 g)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (2 g)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving, optional (120 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare. Remove chops from packaging and pat thoroughly dry. Stir oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium bowl until a loose paste forms. Rub it over both sides and the fatty edges. Place chops on a plate for 15 minutes while preheating.
2. Preheat. Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat five minutes. Keep the basket empty during this time. Once hot, arrange chops in one layer, leaving at least one-half inch between each chop. Use the middle rack position on models with multiple levels.
3. First air fry. Air fry for six minutes with the drawer closed. Do not shake or move the chops during this first interval. The underside should release easily when lifted with tongs, and the seasoning should look dry rather than wet.
4. Flip and finish. Turn chops with tongs. Air fry four minutes, then insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the thickest center, avoiding bone. Continue cooking one minute at a time until it reads 145°F. Transfer chops to the resting plate immediately, keeping them in a single layer.
5. Rest and serve. Rest five minutes before cutting. Spoon the plate juices over each chop. Serve with lemon wedges, slaw, potatoes, rice, or a simple green vegetable. If cooking a second batch, repeat the same spacing and check the center early.

Notes

• Timing assumes one-inch-thick chops. For thinner chops, shorten the first interval and begin checking after two minutes on the second side. For thicker chops, add minutes gradually and rely on the thermometer.
• Basket dimensions vary, so cook in batches rather than overlap chops. Compact models may require two batches. Leave finished chops on the plate while the next batch cooks, then serve both after resting.

Nutrition Facts