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Air fryer pork chops with apples featuring juicy bone in pork chops and tender caramelized apple slices
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Air Fryer Pork Chops With Apples – Fast, Cozy, and Full of Flavor

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Pork Chops: 4 chops, about 1-inch thick (bone-in or boneless)
  • Apples: 2 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), sliced
  • Onion: 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
  • Maple Syrup or Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or lemon juice)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Ground Sage: 1/2 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped)
  • Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (sweet paprika works too)
  • Salt and Pepper: 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for gloss on the apples)
  • Fresh Thyme or Parsley: A few sprigs or 1 tablespoon chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 390°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. A hot basket helps you get a good sear right away.
  • Dry and season the chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, Dijon, garlic, sage, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chops. Let them sit while you prep the apples.
  • Toss the apples and onions: In a bowl, combine apple slices and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Start the apples: Add the apples and onion to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 6 minutes, shaking halfway. They should soften slightly but still hold shape.
  • Add the pork chops: Scoot the apples to the sides to make room, or remove them to a plate if your basket is small. Place chops in a single layer. Return any apples to the open spaces.
  • Air fry to juicy: Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the chops halfway. Time depends on thickness and whether bone-in or boneless. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Finish the apples: If the apples need a little more caramelization, remove the chops to rest and air fry the apples 2 more minutes. Toss with the butter if using.
  • Rest and serve: Let pork rest 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon apples and onions over the top. Garnish with thyme or parsley, and serve.