How to Cook Perfectly Smoky and Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

If you love the flavor of smoked pork chops but don’t want to fire up the smoker, your air fryer is the perfect solution. Air frying creates pork chops with a tender and juicy interior, while also adding that quintessential smoky taste we all crave. With just a few simple ingredients and seasonings, you can enjoy mouthwatering smoked pork chops from your air fryer any night of the week.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make tasty smoked pork chops in your air fryer, along with troubleshooting tips to cook them just right every time. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Cooking Smoked Pork Chops in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook smoked pork chops provides several advantages over conventional smoking or oven cooking methods:

Super quick and easy – No need to babysit a smoker for hours Air frying takes just 10-15 minutes hand-on time.
Adds smoky flavor – Special seasonings give the pork chops a deliciously smoky taste without an actual smoker.
Makes juicy chops – The circulating hot air locks in moisture for tender and juicy meat.
Requires little oil – Just a light coating of oil gives great crispy results Much healthier than deep frying
Easy cleanup – With minimal added fat or liquids, air fryer cleanup is a breeze.

So if you want fast, simple meals with big smoky flavor, cooking smoked pork chops in your air fryer is the way to go. Keep reading for pro tips to nail this recipe every time.

Picking the Right Pork for Smoky Air Fryer Chops

The first step is choosing quality pork that will shine using the air fryer method. Here are the best cuts to use:

Bone-in rib or loin chops – The bone adds moisture and deeper pork flavor. Go for 1-inch thick chops.
Boneless loin chops – These cook faster than bone-in chops. Get 3/4 to 1-inch thickness.
Avoid chops over 1-inch thick – Super thick chops won’t cook through fully in the air fryer.

For the best texture and taste, choose responsibly-raised heritage breed pork when possible. Berkshire, Duroc, Hampshire, Tamworth and Mangalitsa breeds have excellent marbling.

Seasoning Your Pork Chops for Max Smoky Flavor

Special seasonings are what give your air fried pork chops that essential smoky flavor. Here are go-to rub combos to try:

Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper
Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano
Ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
Chipotle chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, oregano

Aim for 1-2 teaspoons total seasoning per chop. Rub it evenly all over the pork right before air frying. The seasoning flakes will get crispy and add tons of texture and flavor.

You can also quickly brine or marinate the chops pre-air frying for extra moist, seasoned meat. But seasoning alone does the trick if you’re short on time.

Step-By-Step Guide to Air Frying Smoked Pork Chops

Once you have juicy, thick-cut pork chops and smoky seasoning on hand, you’re ready to air fry! Follow these simple steps:

Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. The high heat helps sear and crisp the chops.
Pat the pork dry and rub your favorite spice blend all over both sides. Use 1-2 teaspoons per chop.
Brush lightly with oil. Use olive, avocado or coconut oil to help the rub adhere.
Arrange the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd.
Air fry for 5-8 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and cook 5-8 minutes more until 145°F internal temperature.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juicy, tender meat.

The exact cook times will vary based on your air fryer model and chop thickness. But the 375-400°F temperature will ensure crispy, caramelized exteriors every time.

Common Problems and Easy Fixes

Smoky air fried pork chops are pretty easy, but here are some troubleshooting tips just in case:

Undercooked inside – Increase air fry temp to 400°F. Cook thicker chops up to 15 minutes.
Overcooked and dry – Reduce temp to 370°F next time. Brine chops before cooking.
Not crispy enough – Use butcher paper or rack to elevate chops in the basket.
Rub falls off – Pat chops very dry before seasoning and use oil to help rub adhere.
Not smoky flavored – Use more spices. Add extra smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder.
Burnt rub – Lower air fry temp 25 degrees. Cook just until browned, not blackened.

With the right tools and techniques, you can nail perfectly cooked and full-flavored smoked pork chops from your air fryer.

Serving Your Air Fried Smoked Pork Chops

Now comes the best part – time to dig into your finger-licking smoked pork chops! Here are some tasty ways to serve them up:

On buns for pulled pork sandwiches with BBQ sauce
With roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes
On top of mixed greens for a protein-packed salad
With cowboy beans, coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal
Chopped up in omelets or breakfast burrito scrambles
On top of rice bowls or pasta for a hearty dinner

The possibilities are endless for using these versatile smoky chops in quick weeknight meals or informal get-togethers.

More Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipe Inspiration

Looking for even more air fryer pork chop ideas? Here are some of my favorite recipes to add to your repertoire:

Air Fryer Pork Chop Schnitzel – Pounded thin, breaded and fried for crispy cutlets
Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Chops – Brushed with a tangy-sweet glaze
Air Fryer Pork Chop Parmesan – Topped with melted mozzarella and marinara
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Pork Chops – Glazed with garlic-chili sweet heat
Air Fryer Lime Cilantro Pork Chops – Infused with bright citrus flavor

With the right spices and sauces, you can enjoy a different flavor-packed pork chop creation anytime.

Smoked Pork Chops in Air Fryer

FAQ

How do you heat up smoked pork chops in an air fryer?

Place the pork chops in air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook 5-7 minutes until heated through, flipping chops halfway. Check internal temperature to ensure they reach 140°F. The air fryer seals in moisture while giving the crust a satisfying crunch.

Are smoked pork chops already cooked?

Plus they’re fully cooked, which means you can cut down on the prep time for your meals, without cutting back on quality.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out in the air fryer?

We recommend using a good cooking thermometer so you can prevent overcooking—this will result in dry pork chops. Once done, let your pork chops rest for at least 10 minutes so all of the juices can sit and meld into the meat.

How do you keep smoked pork chops from drying out?

Start with an overnight brine. Brining the pork chops in a combination of salt, sugar and water makes them extra juicy! The salt in the brine changes the structure of the pork chops proteins, allowing them to absorb and hold on to more moisture.

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.

What to eat with smoked pork chops in an air fryer?

Smoked pork chops in the air fryer pair well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Consider serving them with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal. Alternatively, try serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy grits, for a comforting and indulgent dinner.