Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Juicy, caramelized pork chops coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, air-fried in 15 minutes.
Instructions
1
Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2
Coat the Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub the glaze generously over both sides of the chops.
3
Air Fry
Place chops in the preheated air fryer basket at 190°C (375°F). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4
Rest
Remove from air fryer when internal temp hits 63°C (145°F). Rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.
The Science of Juicy Pork Chops
Pork chops are notoriously lean and prone to drying out when overcooked. The air fryer solves this by utilizing convection heat to sear the outside instantly, locking in the inner moisture. The sugar in the honey caramelizes on the surface under the direct fan heat, creating a sweet, crispy crust while keeping the center tender.
Resting the pork chops is non-negotiable. During cooking, the muscle fibers contract and push moisture to the center. Letting the meat rest allows the fibers to relax, redistributing the flavorful juices back through the entire cut.