Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops
You guys, let me tell you about these Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops — Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops —. Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you actually tried (even when you really, REALLY didn’t), this is IT. Juicy pork chops, crispy edges, and that garlic butter sauce? Forget about it. My family is obsessed, and I’m not even mad because it’s so dang simple.
So, picture this: it’s Tuesday, I’m running late from picking up the kids, and everyone’s hangry. My husband, bless his heart, is hovering, asking “What’s for dinner?”. Usually, that’s the moment I reach for takeout menus, but NOT anymore. I whip out these pork chops, toss them in the air fryer, and BAM! Dinner is served in like, 15 minutes. It’s a legit lifesaver. And my kids actually EAT them without complaining, which, let’s be honest, is a miracle.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Okay, so why will you be as obsessed as my family?
- It’s ridiculously fast: Seriously, from fridge to table in under 20 minutes.
- Garlic butter, DUH!: Is there anything better? I think not.
- Crispy edges, juicy inside: Air fryer magic, baby! No dry, sad pork chops here.
- Even a disaster like me can’t mess it up: Seriously, I burn water sometimes, and I can still make these.
- The kids will actually eat it.
How to Make It
Alright, listen up, cause this is gonna be quick. First, you gotta grab your pork chops. I like the boneless ones ’cause they cook faster and the kids are less likely to complain about bones. Pat ’em dry with a paper towel – this is important, don’t skip it! – then sprinkle them with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the garlic powder; it’s what makes these pork chops pop!
Now, for the garlic butter, which is like, the star of the show. Melt some butter in a small bowl, then stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley (fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch), a little lemon juice to brighten things up, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Mix it all together until it’s nice and combined, and try not to eat it all with a spoon.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
Next, preheat your air fryer. I usually go for 400°F (200°C), but check your air fryer’s manual ’cause they can all be a little different. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd them, or they won’t get crispy. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust.
Once the pork chops are done, brush them with that glorious garlic butter sauce. Seriously, don’t skimp! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides. We usually go for mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, but honestly, they’re good with just about anything. And that’s it! Easy peasy, right?
Ingredient Notes
- Pork Chops: I usually go boneless because the kids are picky. But bone-in works, too, just add a few more minutes to the cooking time, or they won’t be cooked all the way.
- Butter: Real butter is a must here! It just tastes better, trust me. I’ve tried margarine in a pinch, and it’s just… not the same.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is the best! But you can totally use the jarred stuff if you’re short on time. Just don’t tell anyone I said that.
- Parsley: Fresh is ideal, but dried will work. I’ve definitely forgotten to buy fresh parsley more times than I can count.
- Lemon Juice: Just a little bit of lemon juice brightens up the whole dish. Don’t skip it!
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a bowl, then mix in minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air Fry Pork Chops: Place pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the cooked pork chops with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
What to Serve It With
Mashed potatoes are always a hit, especially when you mix in some extra butter and garlic (can you tell I’m a garlic fan?). Roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are also great. And if you’re feeling fancy, a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the pork chops.
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: If you have too many pork chops, cook them in batches. Overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping them.
- Pat the pork chops dry: This is KEY to getting that nice golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcook the pork chops: They’ll get dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked to 145°F (63°C).
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of garlic, use less. It’s your dinner, make it your own!
- Butter burns easily in an air fryer I will say, don’t be alarmed if it gets a little dark. Garlic butter is a forgiving friend!
Storage Tips
Okay, so if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. And honestly? Cold pork chops for breakfast are not as bad as you think. I may or may not have eaten them straight from the fridge more than once. Don’t judge me.
Variations and Substitutions
- Honey instead of sugar: I’ve totally used honey when I ran out of sugar. Adds a nice sweetness.
- Tamari for soy sauce: Perfect for gluten-free peeps. Can’t tell the difference, honestly.
- Italian seasoning instead of parsley: If you’re out of parsley, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning works in a pinch.
- Skipped the lemon juice: Once forgot it, and they were still good, just not as bright.
- Different cuts of pork: Sometimes I use pork tenderloin if it’s on sale. Just adjust the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops bone-in, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over cooked pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
