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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops: 5-Min Easy Herb Rub

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Juicy, thick-cut pork chops seasoned with a simple herb rub and cooked in an air fryer for a crispy, golden exterior without the need for breading. A quick, keto-friendly, and gluten-free weeknight dinner that silences skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, thick-cut pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Remove pork chops from the refrigerator and let them sit for 10 minutes to take the chill off. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, thyme, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the herb rub.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and rub it in to coat all surfaces. Sprinkle the herb rub generously over both sides, pressing it into the meat to adhere.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through (at the 5-minute mark).
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C). If lower, cook in 1-minute increments.
  8. Remove chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for at least 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Optional: Brush with melted butter immediately after cooking for extra richness and gloss.

Notes

Patting the chops dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this causes steaming instead of crisping. If using boneless chops, reduce cook time by 2 minutes. Always rest the meat for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pork chops, crispy pork chops, herb rub, keto dinner, gluten-free recipes, quick weeknight meals, healthy pork chops, air fryer recipes

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-air-fryer-pork-chops-5-min-easy-herb-rub/