Air Fryer Honey Mesquite Pork Chops come out juicy and full of sweet, smoky flavor. Using an air fryer makes this a fast, easy option for a weeknight dinner.
With just five ingredients, this recipe is simple and forgiving. The marinade combines mesquite seasoning, honey, olive oil, and black pepper into a thick paste that you rub into the pork chops. After a short 20-minute marinate, the chops are air fried for roughly 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness and your air fryer model.
Mesquite seasoning adds a pleasant smoky edge with a touch of spice and sweetness, making it a great match for pork, chicken, or steak. The honey balances the spice and helps create a glossy finish on the chops.
Tips for making Air Fryer Honey Mesquite Pork Chops:
Avoid overcooking — pork becomes dry and tough when cooked too long. Use a quick-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Because air fryers and chop thickness vary, the total cooking time can be about 12 to 16 minutes; start checking around the lower end of that range.
Bone-in chops retain more moisture and add flavor, but you can use boneless if you prefer. If you double the recipe, cook the chops in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded and the meat browns 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 and flavorful, featuring a sweet and smoky honey-mesquite glaze and quick air fryer cooking that’s ideal for busy evenings.
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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Combine the mesquite seasoning, honey, olive oil, and black pepper in a shallow dish to form a thick paste. Add the pork chops and rub the mixture evenly over both sides. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes; if marinating longer, refrigerate until ready to cook.
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Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
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Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chops, spoon any remaining glaze over them, then continue cooking 4 to 8 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest briefly before serving.
Disclosure: Nutritional info is provided as an estimate and may vary with brands, measurements, and cooking methods.
