Air-Fried Bbq Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook pork chops, then look no further than your air fryer. This handy kitchen gadget gives you juicy, tender pork chops with a beautiful char and a crispy outside. The rapid air circulation ensures your chops are cooked evenly, and the lack of oil required makes it a healthier option. You can use boneless or bone-in pork chops, but the bone-in variety adds extra flavour. You can also choose from a range of rubs and seasonings, and serve with BBQ sauce and sides like veggies, salad, or potatoes.

Choosing the right pork chops

Boneless vs Bone-In

You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops for this recipe. Boneless pork chops are convenient and easy to eat, but bone-in chops tend to have more flavour and are less prone to overcooking. Bone-in chops also take a bit longer to cook, usually around 3-5 minutes longer than boneless chops.

Thickness

It is recommended to choose slightly thicker pork chops for air frying, ideally between 1-inch to 2-inches thick. Thicker chops will give you that beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Thin pork chops may dry out quickly and won't get the same nice char.

Tenderising

To make your pork chops more tender and easier to chew, you can try tenderising them before cooking. Use the back of a knife or a meat mallet to gently pound the chops, being careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the meat to become mushy or fall apart during cooking. Tenderising also helps the meat absorb more of the marinade and seasonings, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

Preventing Curling

Pork chops have a tendency to curl up during cooking due to the contraction of muscle fibres. To prevent this, you can score the fat on the edges by making shallow cuts in the fat layer. This will help stop the chops from shrinking and curling during cooking.

Marinating

While not always necessary, marinating your pork chops before cooking can add extra flavour and moisture. You can marinate the chops in a simple mixture of oil and spices, or try a more complex marinade. For best results, marinate for at least an hour, but preferably overnight. Remember to remove the chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

Preparing the rub

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple rub can be made using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For a kick of spice and a deeper flavour profile, you can also add chili powder, ground coriander, dry mustard, cumin, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. If you're feeling creative, you can even add brown sugar to the mix for a touch of sweetness.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Combine all the spices in a small or medium-sized bowl and give them a good stir until they are well incorporated. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to your taste preferences, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts of each spice as a base and then adjust from there.

Now that your rub is ready, it's time to prepare the pork chops. Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the rub adhere better to the meat. Next, coat the pork chops with a thin layer of oil. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice.

Take your prepared rub and generously apply it to the pork chops. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat, rubbing the spices into the pork chops to ensure maximum flavour. Once the pork chops are coated, let them marinate. For the best results, marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, aim for at least an hour of marination.

And there you have it! Your rub is now prepared and your pork chops are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer before cooking and follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipe of your choice. Enjoy your delicious, flavour-packed BBQ pork chops!

Marinating the meat

Firstly, select slightly thick pork chops, preferably with a thickness of about 1 inch. Bone-in pork chops will enhance the flavour profile, but boneless chops are also suitable if you prefer them.

Before marinating, it is recommended to tenderize the meat. This can be done by pounding the pork chops gently with the back of a knife or a meat mallet. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the meat to become mushy or fall apart during cooking. Tenderizing helps break down the muscle fibres, making the meat easier to chew and improving the texture. It also allows for better absorption of marinades and seasonings.

Next, prepare a rub for the pork chops by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like chilli powder, ground coriander, dry mustard, cumin, and cayenne pepper to give it a little kick. Mix these spices together, and you have your homemade rub ready!

Now, it's time to season the meat. Coat both sides of the pork chops generously with the rub mixture. Make sure to rub it in well, ensuring an even coating. After seasoning, place the pork chops in an airtight container or cover the tray with plastic wrap.

For the best results, let the pork chops marinate for at least one hour. However, if you have the time, it is recommended to marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination time allows the flavours to truly penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavourful chops.

Once the marination time is complete, you can move on to the next step of cooking the pork chops in your air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the chops inside.

Cooking the chops

Before you start cooking, pat the pork chops dry on both sides with paper towels. This is an important step, so don't skip it! Next, coat the outsides with olive oil or vegetable oil.

Now it's time to make your rub. For a simple rub, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like chili powder, ground coriander, dry mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a little kick. Stir the spice rub ingredients together.

Once your rub is ready, rub the mixture onto both sides of the pork chops. Make sure to get a good coating all over the meat.

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F for 5 minutes. The higher temperature will give your pork chops a beautiful char.

Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't stack them or overlap them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

Cook the pork chops for 5 minutes, then flip them over. For thicker chops, continue cooking for 4 to 7 more minutes. For thinner chops, start checking the temperature 2 minutes earlier to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F.

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in moist and juicy pork chops.

If you want to add some extra flavour, brush the chops with BBQ sauce before serving. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own homemade sauce.

Serving suggestions

There are many sides that can complement the flavours of your BBQ pork chops. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables

Grilled corn, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and apple walnut salad all make great sides. You could also try air fryer asparagus, or a vegetable stir-fry.

Beans

Sweet and tangy baked beans are a classic BBQ side that pairs well with pork chops.

Salads

A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can balance out the richness of the barbecue pork. A potato salad with herbs and a tangy dressing is another option.

Carbs

Mac and cheese, garlic bread, or rice can all be served alongside BBQ pork chops. For rice, both brown and white varieties work well, and you can add herbs and spices to complement the flavours of the pork chops.

Other suggestions include:

• Green beans and mushroom medley
• Creamy corn casserole
• Roasted beet and kale salad
• Potato skins
• Grilled potatoes
• Mushroom gravy
• Breaded pork chops
• Stuffed pork chops

Frequently asked questions