1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the pork chops start cooking immediately on a hot surface.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is important for helping the seasoning stick to the meat and for achieving a nice crust.
- Rub each pork chop with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, evenly season both sides of each pork chop with this mixture.
3. Air Fry the Pork Chops:
- Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for about 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the pork chops are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
4. Rest Before Serving:
- Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your pork chops are tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your air fryer pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can serve the pork chops with a side of apple sauce or a drizzle of honey mustard sauce.
Tips:
- Thickness Matters: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Adjust accordingly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the pork chops are not touching in the air fryer to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your pork chops are cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops, a dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice taste or texture!