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

4.54 / 5 ( 75 Reviews )
9 Comments Jump to Recipe

If you have tried these perfect ranch pork chops in the air fryer, then you will love today’s air fryer recipe. This recipe is another quick and easy dinner that everyone will love. You will love these air fryer pork chops because it can be prepared and ready in less than 20 minutes . And everyone else will love it because the rub on these pork chops is simple and SO GOOD.

How to Make Brown Sugar Rub for Pork Chops

The best things about this air fryer pork chop recipe is the flavorful brown sugar based rub that you will make. For the rub, you will need:

  • 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)

My personal favorite seasoning in this rub is the paprika, it adds so much flavor to the pork chops. If you are someone who likes a little kick, I recommend adding a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside, we will use it later.

How to Prepare Pork Chops for the Air Fryer

First, preheat the air fryer at 400°F/204°C for 5 minutes. I used 1-inch thick pork chops for this recipe. I recommend using pork chops that are anywhere from ½ inch to 2-inches thick. The thicker pork chops you choose will allow the outside to be more charred, while the inside is perfectly cooked. I personally love this. But if you don’t want the outside to be charred, then choose thinner pork chops.

Next, rub a little olive oil into the pork chops on both sides. This will help the rub stick to the pork chops. Then, liberally apply the rub onto the pork chops and massage the rub into the pork chops. Feel free to use more o the rub than you think is necessary. This will add to the great flavor of the pork chops.

How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Then, add the pork chops into the air fryer basket. I was able to put two inside my air fryer. Next, air fry the pork chops for 12 minutes at 400°F/204°C for 12 minutes.

Flip the pork chops at the halfway point.

Your pork chops will be done once the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C.

Air Fryer Pork Chops is the Best Go-To Busy Night Dinner Recipe

You are going to love this recipe for its rich flavors and how easy it is to prepare. Enjoy these pork chops in the air fryer with some of our favorite quick and easy sides. This way, you can make a complete and healthy meal in less than 30 minutes!

Serve air fryer pork chops with:

Final Thoughts

There you have it- a delicious, complete, and easy air fryer meal that everyone will love! Share with us what you will serve these air fryer pork chops with. And, tell us how this recipe went for you! Thanks for coming by!

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

If you haven’t already, you got to read about these air fryer tips and tricks! 

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
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Serves: 4
Adjust Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

Rub

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

Recipe Adapted From: Recipe Teacher

Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Onion, Paprika, Pork, Salt
Meal Type: 30-Minute Meals, Main Dish, Popular, Christmas, Easter, Fall, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Summer, Super Bowl Party, Winter, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free
Categories: BBQ, Healthy, Meat and Poultry, Air Fryer

Comments & Reviews

  • Tried thus. Wow! Delicious. Served with roasted (also in the air fryer) potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Yummy and so simple.

  • We really enjoyed this recipe! I’ve heard of some people not having success with air frying pork chops. This was my first attempt, and it was a great success! Thank you!

  • Loved this recipe!! Usually I tend to have problems making pork chops either too dry or just not a great rub/marinade…but by far such a great recipe and in the air fryer too it was marvellous! My significant other who is not normally a fan of pork chops and is a picky eater even enjoyed it! Definitely making in the future 😊

  • Thanks for this!!! I bought a pork shoulder steak and had no clue what to do with it. Then I saw the video on how to make this recipe. I followed the recipe exactly as written and the pork came out perfect. While the meat was resting I followed your instructions on cooking frozen mixed vegetables in the air fryer. It was a deluxe stir fry mix and the baby corn and broccoli came out perfectly roasted! I put the pork, veggies, and juices from the pork on top of brown rice. Delicious! Now I have no need for the wok I got for Christmas.

  • My husband usually will eat anything with a few exceptions, and when asked if he likes it (so I’ll know whether to make it again) will just say “it was fine”or “good”. But never comments if not asked. When I made this, he actually volunteered “this has a really nice flavor to it”.
    😃 Definitely will be making this again!
    Thank you!

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