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Easy Spring Air Fryer Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Rub

air fryer pork chops - featured image

These spring air fryer pork chops are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. A simple garlic herb rub creates a crispy crust while the air fryer keeps the meat juicy and tender—perfect for a weeknight dinner or spring gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate while you prepare the rub.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir with a fork to break up clumps.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and rub it in with your hands, covering all sides.
  4. Sprinkle the herb rub evenly over all sides of the pork chops. Use your fingers to press it in gently. Use about ¾ of the mixture and save the rest for sprinkling after cooking if needed.
  5. Let the pork chops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  7. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each chop. Cook in batches if needed.
  8. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chops using tongs, then cook for another 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness. For 1-inch chops, 12 minutes total is usually perfect. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  9. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
  10. Optional: sprinkle with fresh minced garlic and lemon zest right before serving.

Notes

For best results, use pork chops at least 1-inch thick. Pat the chops very dry before seasoning to ensure a good crust. Let the chops rest after cooking to keep them juicy. If using bone-in chops, add about 2 minutes to the cooking time. For thin-cut chops, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. The herb rub can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Nutrition

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