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Air Fryer Pork Chops With Sage Butter - Juicy, Crispy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bone-in or boneless pork chops, 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick (about 4 chops)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon (regular paprika works too)
  • Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
  • Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons, softened
  • Fresh sage, 6–8 leaves, finely chopped
  • Lemon zest, from 1/2 lemon
  • Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh garlic, 1 small clove, minced (optional, for the butter)
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional, for gentle heat)

Method
 

  1. Pat dry and prep: Remove the pork chops from the fridge and pat them very dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you make the butter.
  2. Make the sage butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, chopped sage, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust with a few drops of lemon juice for brightness. Set aside.
  3. Season the chops: In a small dish, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the pork chops with olive oil, then coat all sides with the seasoning mix.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the chops sear and crisp quickly.
  5. Air fry, first side: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 6–8 minutes, depending on thickness.
  6. Flip and finish: Flip the chops and cook another 5–7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C) at the center. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Rest and butter: Transfer the chops to a plate, top each with a generous spoonful of sage butter, and tent loosely with foil. Rest 5 minutes. The temperature will rise a bit and the butter will melt into a glossy sauce.
  8. Serve: Spoon any melted butter from the plate over the chops. Finish with a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.