Air Fryer Sweet Chili Glazed Pork Chops Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, roughly 8 oz each)

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or high-heat cooking oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture is the single most critical step for achieving optimal crust development and crispiness in the air fryer.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a uniform rub.
3. Step 3: Rub all sides of the pork chops with avocado oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres to the meat.
4. Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes to ensure a hot initial sear upon contact.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each chop for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd.
6. Step 6: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the chops are cooking, whisk together the sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl.
8. Step 8: Open the air fryer basket and carefully flip the pork chops. Generously brush or spoon half of the sweet chili glaze over the top and sides of each chop.
9. Step 9: Continue air frying at 380°F (193°C) for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop registers an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Step 10: Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board or warm plate for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the muscle fibers.
11. Step 11: Brush with the remaining fresh glaze, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, and serve immediately.

💡 Chef’s Secrets for Perfection

• Always choose bone-in pork chops if possible; the bone acts as a thermal insulator that protects the meat adjacent to it from overcooking while adding extra flavor.
• Do not add the sweet chili glaze at the very beginning of cooking. Because of its high sugar content, applying it too early will cause it to burn and char before the pork is safely cooked through.
• Letting the cooked chops rest for a mandatory 5 minutes is non-negotiable; cutting into them immediately will cause all the precious interior moisture to escape onto the plate.
• Ensure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly misted with high-heat oil to prevent the sticky glaze from welding the meat to the metal grates.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover glazed pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap unglazed cooked chops tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing.

📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)