There’s something incredibly satisfying about a juicy pork chop with that irresistible barbecue flavor—and when it’s made in the air fryer? Even better. I’ve always been a fan of weeknight dinners that feel indulgent without all the work, and these air fryer barbecue pork chops hit the sweet spot. They’re tender, packed with bold flavor, and come together in less than 30 minutes. I’m talking real comfort food with barely any cleanup—yes, please!
I first made this recipe on a random Thursday when I had a couple of pork chops, a craving for BBQ, and no desire to fire up the grill. The result? Crispy-edged, saucy, caramelized chops that my whole family devoured. Since then, they’ve become a go-to, especially when I want something hearty but still quick. If you love smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with minimal fuss, you’re going to want to make these pork chops ASAP.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bone-in Pork Chops: Thick, bone-in pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches) work best here. They hold up well in the air fryer and retain moisture better than thinner cuts. The bone also adds an extra layer of flavor during cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. The air fryer caramelizes the sugars in the sauce beautifully, giving that sticky, finger-licking finish.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps the chops brown nicely and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket. It also gives the seasoning something to grip.
Garlic Powder: Adds a nice savory kick that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. It’s subtle, but it helps round out the flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This gives your pork chops that deep, smoky undertone—like they’ve been grilled over a wood fire, without stepping outside.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out all the other flavors. Don’t skip them!
Ingredients List
- 2 bone-in pork chops (1–1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (plus more for serving, if desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Barbecue Pork Chops
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer helps give the pork chops a nice sear right away, sealing in moisture.
Season the Pork Chops
Rub the pork chops with olive oil on both sides. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the pork chops and rub it in gently with your hands.
Air Fry the Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you that gorgeous golden crust.
Brush with BBQ Sauce
After 10 minutes, brush the tops of the chops with barbecue sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Then flip, brush the other side, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce should get bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Rest and Serve
Once the chops are cooked through (internal temp should be 145°F), remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip the resting time—it makes the chops juicier.
- Use bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and moisture.
- If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, reduce the final cooking time slightly to avoid burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—air circulation is key for that crispy finish.
- Always check the internal temperature of your pork chops with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly since boneless chops cook faster. Start checking around 8 minutes.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
It really comes down to preference. A smoky or slightly spicy sauce works great here, but any store-bought or homemade variety will do.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the pork chops and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
What should I serve with these pork chops?
Try pairing them with roasted potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled veggies for a full barbecue-style meal.
Can I cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer?
You can, but they won’t brown as evenly, and the texture may be slightly off. For best results, thaw before cooking.