Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze

A combination of chili powder and other herbs and spices make a spicy rub for pork chops. Brush with a spicy-sweet glaze in the last 2 minutes of cooking, and take the extra glaze to the table for even more goodness. We enjoyed these chops with simple sauteed zucchini and steamed white rice.


Recipes · Main Dishes · Pork · Pork Chop Recipes


Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs
Additional Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients List
  • 4 cups water

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

  • 4 (5 ounce) bone-in center loin pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper


Directions

  1. Combine water, salt, and sugar in a bowl and stir until the crystals are dissolved. Add pork chops, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.

  2. Remove pork chops from the brine and shake off excess. Discard the remaining brine. Pat chops dry with paper towels and place on a plate or cutting board.

  3. Combine chili powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl. Distribute 1/2 of the rub mixture among the 4 chops and rub to coat the entire surface. Turn the chops and repeat. Allow chops to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, combine apricot all-fruit spread, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, chili-garlic sauce, and lime juice for the glaze in a medium, microwave-safe bowl.

  5. Microwave mixture on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Carefully remove glaze and set aside.

  6. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) if recommended by manufacturer. Spray each side of seasoned and rubbed chops with cooking spray.

  7. Place chops in the air fryer in a single layer and air-fry for 8 minutes, turning halfway through.

  8. Brush the tops of the chops with prepared glaze and air-fry until pork chops are no longer pink in the center, 2 to 3 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

  9. Sprinkle chops with minced parsley, and serve with remaining glaze.

Cook's Note:

Different air fryer brands and different sizes may affect cooking times. This recipe was prepared using a 5.3-quart, basket-style air fryer.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount of brine consumed will vary.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts
275 Calories
6g Fat
40g Carbs
17g Protein


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