Air Fryer Blackened Pork Chops
Description
Air fryer blackened pork chops with a smoky homemade Cajun spice crust. Juicy inside, dark and crisp outside, done in 15 minutes at 400°F. Bone-in or boneless.
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons paprika, smoked preferred
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Lime wedges and chopped cilantro, optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, cayenne, black pepper and salt.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Coat both sides of each chop heavily with the blackening seasoning, pressing it into the meat. You will use about half the rub; save the rest in a jar.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket.
- Place the chops in a single layer without touching. Air fry 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Boneless chops are done at 10 to 12 minutes.
- Rest 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro if using.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer
- Small mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Pastry Brush
- Tongs
- Cooking spray or oil mister
- Cutting board for resting
Notes
- Cook in batches if 6 chops do not fit in one layer.
- Oven: 400°F, 20–25 minutes. Stovetop: cast iron, medium-high, 4–5 minutes per side. Grill: medium-high, 5–7 minutes per side. All to 145°F.
- The rub recipe makes about ¾ cup; leftover rub keeps 6 months sealed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 458mgPotassium: 641mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 504IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 4mg