I’ve always loved the sizzle of pork chops hitting a hot pan, but lately, I’ve been obsessed with air frying. The way the air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the meat juicy inside is nothing short of magical. Combining that with a sweet and spicy apricot glaze brings a perfect balance of flavors that keeps me coming back for seconds. Every bite is a little adventure of heat, tang, and sweetness that dances on the palate.
What really excites me about this recipe is how fast it comes together without sacrificing taste. Even after a long day, I can have a satisfying, restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The apricot glaze adds a glossy finish and a hint of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the subtle spice on the chops. It’s comfort food elevated, and honestly, I find it hard not to share it with anyone who walks through my door.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pork Chops: Thick-cut bone-in or boneless pork chops work beautifully for this recipe. The thickness ensures they remain juicy inside while crisping up nicely in the air fryer. Bone-in chops also add extra flavor during cooking.
Apricot Jam: This will be the base of your glaze. Its natural sweetness balances the heat from the spices perfectly. Choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor impact.
Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce kick the glaze up a notch. It’s where the “spicy” element comes into play, giving your chops a lively, tangy punch.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth and savoriness that complements both the pork and the apricot glaze. Garlic powder is easy to use and evenly disperses flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky, warm undertone that enhances the sweet and spicy elements of the dish. It’s a must-have for that slightly charred, air-fried flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the natural flavor of the pork. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more pronounced aroma and taste.
Olive Oil: Helps the pork chops crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and ensures that the spices stick to the meat.
Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love an extra layer of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze will bring an exciting kick.
Ingredients List
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- ½ cup apricot jam
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Rub each chop with olive oil, then season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This ensures the chops are flavorful before they even hit the air fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 3: Make the Apricot Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the apricot jam, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth. This glaze will coat the chops and caramelize beautifully during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Apply the Glaze
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the apricot glaze generously over each chop. Return to the air fryer for a short time to let the glaze set and caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This step locks in the juices and enhances the flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick-cut chops for the juiciest results; thin chops can dry out quickly.
- Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice level.
- Brushing the glaze in the final minutes ensures it doesn’t burn in the air fryer.
- Let the pork chops rest before serving to retain maximum juiciness.
- For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in a little olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes! Both work well, though bone-in chops tend to stay juicier.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What sides pair best with these chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad are great options.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, and brush with glaze in the last 5 minutes.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.