Apple cider brined and seasoned to perfection, these Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops so tender and juicy. No more dry overcooked pork chops with this fail-proof recipe!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pork Chops
• 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork
• 🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 💡 Tips for Air-Frying Juicy Pork Chops
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Is it Necessary to Brine the Pork Chops?
• Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
• Can I Make the Brine in Advance?
• How Do I Tell If Pork Chops Are Done Without a Thermometer?
• 🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pork Chops

• Center-cut pork chops perfectly seasoned
• Apple cider brine adds a hint of sweet apple flavor
• Brining prior to air-frying keeps the pork chops tender and juicy
• Easy to make in the air fryer in under 20 minutes (plus brining time)
• Perfect for busy weeknights

These air fryer bone-in pork chops are a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine. What sets them apart from other recipes is that they start out in a quick and simple apple cider brine. The result is remarkably flavorful, tender, and juicy meat every time. You won’t ever have to deal with dry-to-bone pork chops again.

Another wonderful bonus about this recipe is that, unlike traditional deep-frying, there's no messy oil splatter to deal with. Air-frying them is a hassle-free way to get those same delicious fried flavors and textures, making them the perfect choice for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Pork chops are always a versatile protein that easily pairs with just about any side dish. These Oven Roasted Vegetables and this Sautéed Spinach with Pancetta are great options that cook in 30 minutes or less. This means you can have your main course and sides ready in less than an hour.

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork

• Bone-in center-cut pork chops
• Apple cider
• Water
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Garlic salt
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air fryer
• Airtight container
• Meat thermometer

🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

Add the pork chops to an airtight container.

Pour the apple cider and water over the top. Add the salt and allow them to brine for 4-6 hours.

Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. 

Drain the brine from the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil over all sides of the pork chops, then sprinkle the garlic salt, smoker paprika, onion powder, and ground black pepper on both sides.

Place both pork chops in the basket of your air fryer.

Air fry for 13-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can reheat them, just until warmed through, in the air fryer or in your oven.

💡 Tips for Air-Frying Juicy Pork Chops

• Choose the right thickness: Select pork chops that are cut to a similar thickness to ensure even cooking. For the best and juiciest results, opt for chops that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Most grocery store butchers will custom-cut them for you.

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes until it reaches about 400° F. This helps ensure that the chops cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.

• Season well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Pork chops are a blank canvas for seasonings.  

• Prep the chops: Lightly brush the pork chops with a small amount of oil or cooking spray. This is what gives them a beautiful color.

• Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space around them. Most of the time, depending on the type of air fryer you have, this means you can only get 2 chops per batch.

• Check for doneness: Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chops and the specific air fryer model. Start with the recommended time and check for doneness. Pork chops are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F on an instant-read meat thermometer. I think the most common misconception is that you have to cook pork like chicken, to 165°F, but that is not the case and could result in a dry, overcooked pork chop. It's ok for pork to have some pink inside!

• Rest before serving: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the flavors and juices to be redistributed.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Different pork cuts: While the recipe calls for bone-in center-cut pork chops, you can use other cuts like bone-in rib chops or boneless pork chops if you prefer. Cooking times will vary.

• Seasoning options: Experiment with different seasoning blends or spices to add unique flavors. Try herbs like rosemary or thyme. Cajun Seasoning for some heat or homemade Blackened Seasoning are great options.

• Brine: Brining is optional, though it is highly recommended. You can add other ingredients to the brine for additional flavor.  Sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or bay leaves will give them a fall-inspired twist. You can also include fresh herbs like sage or parsley.

• Toppings or sauces: After air-frying, top the pork chops with a variety of toppings to add texture and flavor. Sautéed Mushrooms, Pickled Onions, or this homemade Apple Sauce are great. A drizzle of Balsamic Glaze or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add an extra touch.

Also be sure to try these shake and bake pork chops!

🍴 What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops

You can serve these pork chops with just about any side dish you prefer. Here are some popular low-carb and healthy options to consider:

• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Best Quinoa Salad
• Glazed Carrots
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Cauliflower
• Cauliflower "Potato" Salad

If you like potatoes, this twice baked potato casserole with bacon and cheese would go perfectly with these pork chops!

Another great side to serve with these pork chops is this candied Brussels sprouts no bacon recipe that has a sweet maple flavor and chopped nuts.

You can also serve this pork gravy or this air fryer pineapple over the top, giving the pork even more flavor!

If grilling is more your thing, try these Ninja Woodfire Grill pork chops! They are served with a pineapple salsa that takes them to the next level.

Is it Necessary to Brine the Pork Chops?

Brining helps enhance the flavor and the juiciness, but you can skip it if you're short on time. It really is worth the extra step, I promise!

Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?

While apple juice can work as a substitute, apple cider has a richer flavor that adds more depth to the cooked pork chops.

You can however, use apple juice for basting in this pulled pork recipe. It's smoked low and slow, giving it incredible flavor!

Can I Make the Brine in Advance?

The brine is made with just apple cider, water, and salt, so it only takes a couple of minutes to whip up. But if you want to make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two, you can.

How Do I Tell If Pork Chops Are Done Without a Thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness, you can make a small cut in the center of a chop to check. If the juices run clear and there is no deep pinkness, they should be done. Just be careful not to cut too early in the cooking process, or you will lose moisture.

🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes