Looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! Our Air Fryer Pork Chops with Cabbage Apple Salad is the perfect combination of juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops paired with a refreshing, crunchy salad that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe not only brings together the rich flavors of tender pork and crisp apples but also showcases the incredible ease of air frying. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops (4, bone-in or boneless)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Cabbage (2 cups, shredded)
- Apple (1, thinly sliced)
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Honey (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and crispiness.
- Brush pork chops evenly with olive oil on both sides, ensuring complete coverage.
- Season pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper heating.
- Place seasoned pork chops in air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Cook pork chops for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping halfway through cooking time, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- While pork chops are cooking, prepare cabbage apple salad by combining shredded cabbage and thinly sliced apples in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey to create a light dressing, then pour over cabbage and apple mixture.
- Toss cabbage apple salad gently to ensure even coating with dressing.
- Once pork chops are cooked, let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate pork chops and serve immediately with cabbage apple salad on the side.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the best results, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to reach room temperature, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Dry and Season Well: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy exterior. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—season generously for maximum flavor!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes before adding the pork chops helps lock in moisture while promoting a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the pork chops in the air fryer basket, make sure they are not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Balance the Salad: When preparing the cabbage apple salad, feel free to add additional ingredients like nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Adjust the dressing to your taste for a personalized touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 343kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
