As someone who loves smokey, savory pork chops but doesn’t own an outdoor smoker, I was thrilled when I discovered I could make delicious smoked pork chops right in my air fryer! The air fryer mimics the effects of smoking to infuse incredible flavor into pork chops in a fraction of the time
In this complete guide, I’ll share my foolproof method for cooking smoked pork chops in the air fryer. You’ll learn how to prep and season the chops, what temperature and cook times to use, and tips for maximizing flavor and juice. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy smoked pork chops with that irresistible smoky essence in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Making Smoked Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Cooking smoked pork chops in the air fryer offers several advantages over traditional smoking methods:
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Super Fast – Smoky pork chops are ready in just 10-15 minutes instead of hours. The air fryer’s rapid circulating hot air quickly infuses flavor.
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More Convenient – Simply prep, toss in the fryer, and walk away. No need to constantly tend to a smoker or grill.
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Less Mess – Air frying contains smoke and aromas indoors You avoid dealing with charcoal, wood chips, and ash.
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Ideal Texture – The air fryer makes chops with a crispy brown exterior and moist, tender interior.
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Budget-Friendly – Inexpensive pork chops shine with big flavor from the “smoking” effect.
Step 1: Choose Bone-In Pork Chops
I strongly recommend using bone-in, center-cut pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. The bone adds flavor, and the thickness prevents overcooking. Boneless or thin chops will dry out.
Some of my favorite cuts to use include:
- Rib Chops
- Loin Chops
- Sirloin Chops
Inspect the chops to ensure there is ample marbling, which bastes the meat and keeps it moist during cooking.
Step 2: Prep the Pork Chops for the Air Fryer
Prep is simple – just follow these steps:
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Trim excess fat – This prevents greasy smoke and flare-ups. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavor and moisture.
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Pat dry – Blot chops with paper towels. Dry surface = better browning.
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Season generously – Use a basic rub of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Let stand for 15-30 minutes – This allows seasonings to penetrate deeper before air frying.
Step 3: Configure Your Air Fryer Settings
Air fryers vary, but here are the basic settings you need:
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Temperature – 380-400°F
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Time – 10-15 minutes
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Flip halfway – For even cooking on both sides
Refer to your air fryer manual for specific model instructions. Preheating is recommended if your fryer has this function.
Step 4: Fry Your Smoked Pork Chops to Perfection
Cooking the seasoned chops in the hot air fryer imparts that mouthwatering smoky flavor you crave. Follow these air frying tips:
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Don’t overcrowd – Work in batches for even cooking.
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Use a liner or foil – This makes cleanup easier.
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Flip halfway – Ensures the chops brown evenly on both sides.
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Brush with BBQ sauce – For the last 2-3 minutes only to avoid burning.
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Check temperature – Pork must reach 145°F internally.
Step 5: Rest and Serve Your Smoked Pork Chops
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Once cooked, remove chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes.
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This allows juices to redistribute so they stay moist and tender when you slice into them.
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Serve with your favorite barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
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If desired, drizzle with a tangy BBQ sauce or sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Pro Chef Tips and Variations
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Use apple, cherry, mesquite or other flavored wood chips in the air fryer for more complex smoke flavor.
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Brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter before air frying for enhanced browning and moisture.
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For a sweet twist, brush with a maple syrup and mustard glaze the last few minutes.
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Infuse herbs by adding rosemary or thyme sprigs right into the air fryer.
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Try different dry rub combinations like brown sugar and chili powder or cumin and lime zest.
In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy the delicious taste of smoked pork chops straight from your air fryer. Ditch the charcoal and impress everyone with your mastery of this handy kitchen gadget. Now who wants seconds?
Step 1: Coat the pork chops
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°. In a shallow bowl, stir together the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Creole seasoning and paprika. Coat the pork chops all over with the flour mixture, and shake off the excess.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t pat your pork chops dry before using them in this step. The moisture will help the seasonings and flour adhere to the meat. Also, make sure your air fryer is hot before cooking. Using the right cooking temperature, like a hot oven, keeps the meat from getting too done or tough.
Air-Fryer Pork Chop Tips
Our air-fryer boneless pork chops cook in 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated air fryer. Remember that thicker-cut chops might take longer, as do bone-in pork chops.
Smoked Pork Chops in Air Fryer
How do you cook smoked pork chops in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush both sides of the smoked pork chops with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred pork chop seasonings. Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Can you smoke pork in an air fryer?
Additionally, air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods in addition to pork chops. Another benefit of using an air fryer for smoking meat is that it’s a quicker method of cooking. Unlike traditional smoking methods that can take hours, an air fryer can smoke meat in a fraction of the time.
How long to air Fry pork chops?
Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you cannot stack pork chops in an air fryer). The temperature you should air fry pork chops at is 375 degrees F. Cook them for 5 minutes, then flip them over. Cook for 4 to 7 more minutes. Place the pork chops on a plate, cover them, and let them rest for a few minutes. ENJOY! TIP!