Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops – Easy Weeknight Recipe with Montreal Spice Rub
If you’re on the hunt for the best pork chops recipe that delivers juicy, tender results every time, look no further. These juicy air fryer pork chops are seasoned with a flavorful mix of Spicy and Regular Montreal Steak spices, then seared or air-fried to perfection. Whether you're using boneless pork chops or bone-in, this recipe ensures a crispy, golden outside and succulent interior. Perfect as a weeknight pork dish, make-ahead dinner, or special weekend meal, it’s easy to customize and impossible to mess up. From air fryer pork chops to oven-baked pork chops, this spice rub pork chops recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 5 minutes
· Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
· Total Time: 20 minutes
· Servings: 4
· Calories: 285 per serving
· Protein: 29g per serving
Why You’ll Love These Pork Chops
· Juicy tender pork chops every time – no dry meat here!
· Quick and easy pork chops for weeknight meals.
· Delicious Montreal spice rub with smoky paprika and chili powder notes.
· Versatile cooking methods: skillet, oven-baked, or air fryer pork chops.
· Naturally gluten-free pork chops with no breading needed.
· Works for both boneless pork chops and bone-in pork chops.
· Perfect make ahead dinner or protein-packed meal prep.
Ingredients
· 4 pork chops (boneless or bone-in, about 1 inch thick)
· 2 teaspoons Spicy Montreal Steak Spice
· 2 teaspoons Regular Montreal Steak Spice
· Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Remove pork chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps with searing and crispy edges.
3. Season one side of the pork chops with the Spicy Montreal spice blend.
4. Flip over the pork chops and season with Regular Montreal spice.
5. Spray a cast-iron skillet or air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray.
6. For pan-seared pork chops: Heat skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. For air fryer pork chops: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook pork chops for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Let the pork chops rest 3–5 minutes before serving for best juiciness.
Nutrition
· Calories: 285
· Protein: 29g
· Fiber: 0g
Tips & Customizations
· Use bone-in pork chops for a juicier, more flavorful finish.
· For smoky paprika pork chops, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the rub.
· Turn this into garlic pork chops by mixing ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the seasoning blend.
· To create a chili powder spice rub, sub half the Montreal seasoning with chili powder.
· Finish skillet pork chops with a quick easy pan sauce using butter, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
· Use this pork chop marinade: mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, and Dijon mustard and marinate for 1 hour before cooking.
Meal Prep & Storage
These juicy skillet pork chops store well for make ahead dinners. Let cooked pork chops cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer for crispy edges. Ideal for meal prep, gluten-free pork chop lunch boxes, or reheatable protein for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this recipe with thin pork chops?
A: Yes! Reduce cook time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I bake these pork chops instead of frying?
A: Absolutely. For oven-baked pork chops, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I freeze cooked pork chops?
A: Yes. Store cooled chops in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Q: What sides go well with pork chops?
A: Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Q: How do I know when pork chops are fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer. Internal temp should be 145°F, then rest for 3–5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These juicy skillet pork chops deliver bold flavor, easy prep, and perfectly cooked results. Whether you’re making air fryer pork chops for a quick weeknight pork dish or planning a make ahead dinner for the family, this recipe is flexible, gluten-free, and reliable every time. With options for garlic pork chops, smoky paprika pork chops, or chili powder spice rub, you can adapt it to your cravings. Bookmark this as your new go-to pork chop cooking method—and never serve dry chops again!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What extra spices would you add?
