Air Fryer Pork Chops

There is an entire generation that grew up believing pork chops were supposed to have the moisture content of a coaster. These air fryer pork chops take a more reasonable approach. One-inch bone-in chops are patted dry, brushed with olive oil, and seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. The dry surface helps the outside brown at 400°F, while the bone gives the chop a little protection from overcooking. Thickness matters here, which is why thinner chops need their cooking time shortened instead of being sent through the same schedule out of habit.

The chops cook for about 12 minutes, with a flip near the end, and the thermometer gets the final vote: pull them at 145°F. Then give them five minutes to rest before cutting so the juices stay in the meat instead of immediately forming a puddle on the plate. That rest is only slightly longer than the amount of time people spend hovering over dinner asking whether it is ready yet. The payoff is a browned, spice-rubbed exterior and a juicy center—pork chops behaving like actual meat instead of something you could use to level a wobbly table.