20-Minute Air Fryer Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Rub

Air Fryer Pork Chops– Ready in 20 Minutes!

Need a quick and delicious dinner? These air fryer pork chops with a brown sugar rub are ready in less than 20 minutes! The simple, flavorful seasoning creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making this an easy meal everyone will love.

Ingredients and Supplies for Brown Sugar Rub and Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

These air fryer pork chops come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry! The brown sugar rub adds the perfect sweetness and savory spice balance, creating a flavorful crust as the pork chops cook. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Rub:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Ground mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

My favorite seasoning in this rub is the paprika, it adds so much flavor to the pork chops. I recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub if you like a little kick.

Pork Chops:

• 1-inch-thick boneless pork chops

I recommend using pork chops ½ inch to 2 inches thick. A thick pork chop will char the outside while the inside is perfectly tender. I love my pork chops like this. But if you don’t want the outside charred, you can choose thinner pork chops and cook them for less time.

Supplies

• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer

How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops

Step 1: Brown Sugar Rub

Mix all the Rub ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/204°C for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Patting pork chops dry before adding the seasoning helps the rub stick better, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor. Removing excess moisture also allows the pork chops to develop a better crust in the air fryer. The result is a flavorful, caramelized exterior.

Rub a little olive oil into the pork chops on both sides using a pastry brush or hands. A light oil will help the rub stick to the pork chops.

Then, liberally apply the dry rub onto the pork chops and massage the rub into the pork chops. You’ll want to use more of the rub than you think is necessary— to add to the great flavor and crispiness of the pork chops.

Step 3: Air Fry

Once the air fryer is hot, lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil and place the seasoned pork chops in the basket. I was able to put two inside my air fryer.

Air fry the pork chops at 400°F/204°C for 12 minutes and flip them at the halfway point.

The pork chops will be ready once the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. For tender pork chops, it is best to undercook them slightly and allow them to rest while coming to temperature.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pork Chops

Leftovers

Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let them cool and come to room temperature before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

For extended storage, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap each pork chop in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Use the air fryer to reheat leftover pork chops while keeping them juicy! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pork chops for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Flipping pork chops helps maintain their crispy exterior without drying them out.

If using the microwave, place the pork chop on a plate with a damp paper towel over it and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. However, this method may make them a bit chewy.

Final Thoughts

You’ll love this pork chop recipe for its bold flavors and effortless preparation. Pair these air fryer pork chops with your favorite quick and easy sides for a complete, satisfying meal—all in under 30 minutes!

Air fryer pork chops with a brown sugar rub are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want a no-fuss dinner, this recipe delivers excellent flavor with minimal effort. Try it and see how easy and delicious homemade pork chops can be!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops:

• Savory carrots
• Baked potato or roasted melting potatoes
• Corn on the cob 
• The Best Classic Coleslaw 

More easy air fryer dinners are served, check them out!

• 30-Minute Turkey Meatball Subs in the Air Fryer
• Easy Asian Beef and Veggies in the Air Fryer
• Tasty and Easy Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken
• Balsamic Honey Garlic Chicken 

More pork chops recipes in the air fryer

• Ranch Pork Chops in 15-Minutes
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Chops
• Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops
• Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops

Air fryer tips and tricks

• Air Fryer 101
• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about the Best and Worst Air Fryer Accessories
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer
• How to Cook Any Recipe in the Air Fryer
• FREE Download → Air Fryer Tips & Temps
• Air Fryer Buying Guide
• Watch Fabulessly Frugal YouTube Channel for Air Fryer Recipes

Go-To Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Rub in the Air Fryer

This savory brown sugar rub on these easy pork chops in the air fryer is our favorite go-to dinner on busy nights!

4.54 / 5 ( 75 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 7 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops about 1" thick
• Olive oil or avocado oil

Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer at 400°F/204°C for 5 minutes.
• Mix the rub ingredients together.
• Rinse and pat dry the pork chops.
• Add a little olive oil to each of the pork chops to help the rub adhere to it.
• Liberally massage the rub into both sides of the pork chops.
• Place the 2 pork chops in the air fryer basket (if your basket is bigger and can hold more, go for it).
• Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F/204°C, turning at the halfway point.
• Make sure the internal temperature of the pork chop registers at 145°F/63°C before eating.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 1231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g