I'm an air fryer convert regarding cooking pork chops. Unlike in the regular oven, the air fryer version of pork chops come out tender, juicy, and succulent, not hard and dry. The pork chops also cook in about 15 minutes, making them a fantastic week-night meal. In this case, I opted for a sweet and savory recipe: Apricot-Mustard Pork Chops. The recipe requires only a few, readily available ingredients, and the chops can go in the air fryer in just a few minutes. The combination of apricot preserves, a little Dijon mustard, and thyme is incredible--far better than it sounds. I admit, I was a little skeptical when I mixed everything up, but sometimes simple is best. My husband pronounced the chops some of the best he'd ever had. Easy to make, great tasting, and quick clean up. What more can you want for a week night dinner? Cheap? Yup. The chops are far less expensive than many other cuts and often are on sale. So make them soon!
Apricot-Mustard Pork Chops -- Serves 2-3
2-3 boneless pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick
2 tablespoons of apricot preserves (low sugar, preferably)
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon of lemon pepper
1/8 teaspoon of salt
Spritz the bottom of the air fryer basket with canola oil or non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the preserves, mustard, and thyme until blended and set the mixture aside. Cut a few slits along the fatty side of the pork chops, so that the chops don't curl when they cook. Sprinkle the chops with the lemon pepper and salt and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz the tops of the chops with olive oil, canola oil, or non-stick cooking spray. Cook the chops a few minutes at 400 degrees. Flip the chops and cook them another few minutes. Spread half of the glaze on top of the chops and cook them three more minutes. Flip them over and spread the remaining glaze on top of the chops. Cook them for three more minutes or until a meat thermometer reads about 145 degrees. Let the pork chops sit a few minutes before serving them. Serve the chops with rice, mashed potatoes, or the starch of your choice and a bright green veggie. YUM, yum, yum.