I love a good pork chop for dinner. They are so versatile and can be cooked in many ways! If you’re looking for simple and delicious **pork chop recipes**, you’re in the right place.
Today, I’m sharing three fantastic ways to prepare pork chops that are easy enough for any weeknight. You’ll find options for quick cooking, tangy glazes, and comforting flavors.
Jump to Recipe:
Quick Air Fryer Pork Chops
These Air Fryer Pork Chops are a weeknight hero. They cook up fast and come out perfectly juicy every time, with minimal fuss.
You’ll love how simple it is to get a delicious main dish on the table with your air fryer.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Chops
- Thickness Matters: For the best results, aim for pork chops about 1 inch thick. This helps them stay moist and cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Pat Them Dry: Always pat your pork chops very dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps create a nice crust when cooking.
What You Need for Air Fryer Pork Chops
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Chops
Step 1: Prep Your Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops very dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub each pork chop with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the seasoning mix, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a good sear on the outside of your chops.
Step 3: Cook the Pork Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time might vary slightly based on thickness and your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them extra tender.
📝 Final Note
These Air Fryer Pork Chops are best enjoyed fresh. Pair them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Easy Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
These pork chops feature a fantastic sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s an easy way to add a lot of flavor to your meal.
You’ll love how the rich glaze coats each chop, making them incredibly satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Balsamic Chops
- Choose Good Balsamic: A higher quality balsamic vinegar will make a noticeable difference in the depth of your glaze’s taste.
- Reduce the Glaze: Let the balsamic mixture simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This means the glaze is ready to cling to your pork chops.
What You Need for Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
- 2 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
Step 1: Season and Prepare Chops
Season both sides of your pork chops generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning will complement the glaze well.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Lower the heat to medium. Add the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet with the glaze. Turn the chops to coat them evenly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chops, until they are heated through and fully cooked (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
📝 Final Note
Serve these delicious balsamic glazed pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus to complete your meal.
Comforting Apple Cider Pork Chops
These Apple Cider Pork Chops are perfect for a cozy meal, bringing together the sweetness of apples with tender pork.
The rich, flavorful sauce makes this dish truly special and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Cider Chops
- Bone-in Chops for Flavor: Using bone-in pork chops can add more depth of flavor to your sauce as they cook.
- Choose Crisp Apples: Harder, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape better when cooked and add a nice balance to the sweetness of the cider.
What You Need for Apple Cider Pork Chops
- 2 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Apple Cider Pork Chops
Step 1: Season and Slice
Pat your pork chops dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Slice your onion and apple into thin pieces, ready to add to the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are beautifully golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics and Deglaze
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and apple. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they soften slightly. Pour in the apple cider and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet with the apple cider sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
📝 Final Note
Serve these comforting pork chops with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up all the wonderful sauce.
