Air Fryer Honey Mesquite Pork Chops are juicy and packed with sweet, smoky flavor. Using an air fryer makes this an easy, fast option for a weeknight dinner.
Cooking pork chops in the air fryer is simple and requires just a few ingredients. A quick marinade of mesquite seasoning, honey, olive oil, and black pepper creates a thick paste that clings to the meat. After a brief 20-minute marinade, the chops air fry in roughly 12–16 minutes depending on thickness and your air fryer model.
Mesquite seasoning brings a smoky, slightly spicy-sweet profile that pairs especially well with pork, but also works great on chicken and steak. Use bone-in center-cut chops when possible: the bone adds flavor and helps prevent the meat from drying out.
Tips for making Air Fryer Honey Mesquite Pork Chops:
Avoid overcooking to keep the chops tender. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A quick-read thermometer is helpful for accurate results.
Air fryer models vary, so treat the stated cooking times as guidelines. Thinner chops may finish closer to 12 minutes; thicker cuts can take up to 16 minutes. This recipe is easily doubled, but cook in batches so the chops have room and cook evenly.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Greek Chicken
- Air Fryer Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryer Honey Mesquite Pork Chops
These pork chops are juicy with a sweet, smoky glaze. The air fryer keeps the process quick and tidy for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mesquite seasoning
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bone-in center-cut pork chops (medium thickness)
Instructions
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Mix the mesquite seasoning, honey, olive oil, and black pepper in a shallow dish until it forms a thick paste. Add the pork chops and press the mixture into both sides so they are well coated. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes; if marinating longer, refrigerate.
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Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 3 minutes.
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Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip the chops, spoon any remaining marinade over them, and continue cooking for another 4–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Disclosure: Nutritional info is provided as a guide only and can vary based on brands of products used, measuring techniques, and cooking methods.
