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These juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops use Porchetta seasonings to create a tasty fennel-spiced pork chop in just a few minutes. Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes and bursting with flavor.

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Why You Have To Try These Air Fryer Pork Chops

  • Low Carb . Only 3 net carbs per serving.
  • Gluten-Free . A great main course for anyone with gluten intolerance.
  • Dairy-Free . Skip the dairy but not the flavor.
  • Fast . No need to babysit. This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes .

These Air Fryer Pork Chops are such a great keto air fryer recipe , especially when paired with your favorite sides .

The air fryer adds the perfect light crisp to the outer layer of the meat which gives it a delightful texture.

I just love my air fryer because of how much easier it makes so many recipes! Not to mention they are far less greasy in the air fryer!

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops

  1. Combine all of the herbs and seasonings along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Stir until well incorporated, crushing the herbs with the back of the spoon while doing so.
  2. Spread the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
  3. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer at 380F for 15 minutes.
  4. The best way to be sure your pork chops are cooked, use a meat thermometer.

How Long Do I Cook Thin Pork Chops In The Air Fryer?

The time required for cooking a pork chop in an air fryer varies on the thickness of the pork chop.

Thicker pork chops will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature. For this recipe, I used pork chops that were about one inch thick. They took 15 minutes to cook completely .

How Do You Cook Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out?

The simple solution? Watch the internal temperature carefully! Many people that cook pork have a tendency to overcook it to prevent any food born illness. I don’t fault you one bit for that! This cut of meat can be tricky if you aren’t familiar with cooking it.

Read my tips and tricks, along with the appropriate cooking times for air fryer pork chops below.

What is a Safe Internal Temperatureure For Pork Chops?

Pork chops need to reach an internal temperature of 145 F . The best way to know when they’re done is to use a meat thermometer . You won’t be able to tell visually. As long as you don’t overcook them, you will get juicy pork chops in an air fryer .

What Is The Best Way To Season Pork Chops?

I call this Porchetta style (pronounced pork-ketta) after the classic Italian pork roast. That pork roast also contains fennel , rosemary, sage, etc. But it takes hours since it’s a whole pork roast. This is our shortcut version of classic porchetta.

The spice mix is made up of:

  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Fennel seeds
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic and lemon

You can use any type of seasoning mix for this. Try the Dukkah recipe for this. If you’d like a different way of making pork chops, try these Honey Mustard Pork Chops in the air fryer too. My other favorite way to cook pork chops is this Instant Pot Pork chops and rice recipe .

Tips for Making Air Fryer Pork Chops

  • Try to use pork chops with a little fat around the edges. Air frying does an amazing job of crisping fat.
  • If you want perfect presentation , use the tip of a sharp knife to slash the fat in two or three places. This will prevent the pork chop from curling into itself.
  • Use thinner pork chops in this recipe so that you don’t have the outside too done while the insides stay hot. The hot air in an air fryer crisps outsides of the food really fast.
  • As long as you don’t overcook the chops, they will be quite juicy in an air fryer. The best way to know when they’re done is to use a meat thermometer . You won’t be able to tell visually.

Flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops

These Air Fryer Pork Chops won’t leave you with a bland main dish and the best part, they’re super easy and your family is sure to love them. I also like making this Chicken Fried Steak recipe in my air fryer. It’s so good, I don’t think I’m ever pan-frying it again!

What To Serve with Air Fryer Pork Chops?

Serve these pork chops with all of your favorite side dishes . Rice , salad , potato and veggie sides all make great accompaniments.

  • If you’re looking for some great side dish options to go along with these Air Fryer Pork Chops , check out my Rosemary Roasted Potatoes . These are quick and easy to make in your air fryer and they’re absolutely delicious.
  • This Air Fryer Creamed spinach recipe is another of my favorite things to make.

Air Fryer Pork Chops With No Breading?

I wanted to keep these pork chops low carb and keto-friendly . You will see a lot of recipes that do require breading but these come out so perfectly without it. Skip the extra prep time and still create a delicious meal.

More Pork Recipes

  • Smoked Pork Tenderloin with an Indian-Style twist!
  • Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Cabbage in Mustard Cream Sauce
  • Pork Belly Cabbage Soup
  • Keto Pork Stir Fry
  • Mexican Pulled Pork
  • Instant Pot Spicy Pork Stew
  • Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
  • How To Make Juicy Pork Chops
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I love how quick and easy it is to make Air Fryer Pork Chops . The result is a wonderfully flavored and wonderfully juicy piece of meat that can easily be served as a weeknight meal. If you love them as much as we do, make sure you share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest so they can make them too.

Originally Published July 31, 2019

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Air Fryer Pork Chops | Perfect Air Fry Pork Chops

Equipment

  • Ninja Air Fryer
  • Silicone Tongs
  • Silicone Baking Mitt
  • Meat Thermometer
  • STAINLESS STEEL MEASURING CUPS
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary , chopped
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Fresh Sage , finely chopped
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds , lightly crushed
  • ▢ 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • ▢ 2 Cloves Garlic , minced
  • ▢ 1 Lemon , zested
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon Olive Oil , plus additional for brushing chops
  • ▢ 2 8 ounce center cut bone in pork chops , 1 inch thick
  • ▢ kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Combine rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest and the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Stir until well-combined, crushing the herbs with the back of a spoon.

  • Spread the seasoning mix on both sides of the pork chop.

  • Set the air fryer at 380F for 15 minutes. Place the chops in the air fryer basket and cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

  • Try to use pork chops with a little fat around the edges. Air frying does an amazing job of crisping fat.

  • If you want perfect presentation, use the tip of a sharp knife to slash the fat in two or three places. This will prevent the pork chop from curling into itself.

  • Use thinner pork chops in this recipe so that you don’t have the outside too done while the insides stay hot. The hot air in an air fryer crisps outsides of the food really fast.

  • As long as you don’t overcook the chops, they will be quite juicy in an air fryer. The best way to know when they’re done is to use a meat thermometer . You won’t be able to tell visually.

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Air Fryer Pork Chops | Perfect Air Fry Pork Chops

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Sage finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds lightly crushed
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Lemon zested
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil plus additional for brushing chops
  • 2 8 ounce center cut bone in pork chops 1 inch thick
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Combine rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest and the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Stir until well-combined, crushing the herbs with the back of a spoon.

  • Spread the seasoning mix on both sides of the pork chop.

  • Set the air fryer at 380F for 15 minutes. Place the chops in the air fryer basket and cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

  • Try to use pork chops with a little fat around the edges. Air frying does an amazing job of crisping fat.

  • If you want perfect presentation, use the tip of a sharp knife to slash the fat in two or three places. This will prevent the pork chop from curling into itself.

  • Use thinner pork chops in this recipe so that you don’t have the outside too done while the insides stay hot. The hot air in an air fryer crisps outsides of the food really fast.

  • As long as you don’t overcook the chops, they will be quite juicy in an air fryer. The best way to know when they’re done is to use a meat thermometer . You won’t be able to tell visually.

Air Fryer Pork Chops | Perfect Air Fry Pork Chops https://twosleevers.com/air-fryer-pork-chops/

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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, then you should try making lemon pepper chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy crispy and juicy chicken without the added calories and oil from deep-frying.

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While You’ll Love This Citrus Chicken

  • Fast. Flavorful lemon pepper chicken that’s done in under 30 minutes .
  • Easy. Marinate the chicken drumsticks, toss them in the air fryer , and enjoy!
  • Low Carb . Only 1 net carb per serving!
  • High Protein . This lemon pepper chicken packs a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving.

With just a few ingredients and 25 minutes, you can have one of our best air fryer chicken recipes ready in no time.

What Is The Secret To Moist Chicken?

There are several different steps you can take to ensure that your chicken is moist, but those steps will vary depending on the cut of chicken you’re using, and the dish you are making.

For this lemon pepper chicken recipe, there are two primary tips to use to ensure your chicken drumsticks stay moist. They are:

  1. Use a meat thermometer . Overcooking chicken is the biggest culprit of dry meat. A meat thermometer will help you cook the chicken to the perfect temperature without overdoing it. The internal temperature of fully cooked chicken should reach 165°F.
  2. Let it rest. Allowing the chicken to rest for several minutes after cooking can help distribute the juices and keep the meat moist.

What Happens When You Add Lemon To Chicken?

Adding lemon to chicken can add bright, tangy, and acidic flavors to the dish. The acidic properties of lemon juice can also help to tenderize and marinate the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Lemon
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Dried basil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder

How To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

If you have just a few minutes, some simple ingredients, and an air fryer you can use the simple steps below to make a dinner that the whole family will love!

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, black pepper, salt, basil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Reserve half.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour half of the lemon pepper mixture over them. Make sure that each drumstick is coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  4. Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  5. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through and using the lemon and herb sauce that wasn’t used to marinate the chicken to brush on top.
  6. Once the drumsticks are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and crispy lemon pepper drumsticks!
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Variations

  • Make it spicy. Add a dash of hot sauce to your marinade for a kick of heat to your bite.
  • Bulk up the flavor. If you want a bite that packs a bigger punch of lemon pepper flavor, sprinkle some lemon pepper seasoning on your drumsticks when they’re fresh out of the air fryer.
  • Switch out the cut. Are drumsticks not your thing? No big deal. Use my instructions on how to make air fryer chicken thighs and use the marinade in this recipe for a boneless bite.

What To Serve With Them

Lemon pepper chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of side dishes, including a few of my favorites:

  1. Roasted or steamed vegetables . Try pairing the drumsticks with roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, carrots, or broccoli.
  2. Salad . A fresh green salad can balance out the richness of the chicken and add a crunchy texture.
  3. Grains . Serve the drumsticks with grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce and add some bulk to the meal.
  4. Baked or roasted potatoes. Baked or roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with lemon pepper chicken drumsticks.

How Long Do They Last?

Cooked chicken drumsticks can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container and if you need to store them longer than that, they can last in the freezer for up to 4 months.

When in doubt, use the smell test to check if the chicken is still good. If it has a strong or sour odor, it’s best to discard it.

More Drumstick Recipes

  • Blackened Chicken Drumsticks
  • Air Fried Chicken Legs with Cilantro Pesto
  • Tempero Baiano
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Lemon Pepper Chicken | Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Drumsticks

Ingredients

  • ▢ 6 chicken drumsticks
  • ▢ 1 Lemon
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp pepper
  • ▢ 1 tsp salt
  • ▢ 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, black pepper, salt, basil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Reserve half.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour half of the lemon pepper mixture over them. Make sure that each drumstick is coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through and using the lemon and herb sauce that wasn’t used to marinate the chicken to brush on top.
  • Once the drumsticks are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and crispy lemon pepper drumsticks!

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Nutrition

And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .

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