Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze
These Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze deliver a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. A flavorful chili powder rub elevates the pork chops, while the apricot glaze adds a tangy, irresistible finish.
The pork chops are brined for ultimate juiciness, then air-fried to a crispy, golden perfection. The glaze, with its savory-sweet blend of hoisin, ginger, and lime, intensifies the flavors for a dish everyone will love.
Pair these chops with simple sides like sautéed zucchini and steamed rice, making it a well-rounded, weeknight-friendly meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze – Ingredients
The brine of water, kosher salt, and sugar ensures the pork chops stay juicy and tender, setting the stage for bold flavors. The spicy rub, with chili powder and onion powder, infuses the meat with heat and depth.
The apricot all-fruit spread creates a luscious, slightly tangy glaze, while hoisin sauce adds a rich umami kick. Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice bring a vibrant zing to the glaze, perfectly balancing the spice.
A dash of Asian chili-garlic sauce ignites the heat, and a sprinkle of parsley at the end offers a fresh pop of color and flavor, completing this irresistible dish.
Recipe Tips
- Brine for Maximum Juiciness
Allow the pork chops to brine for at least 2 hours, but if time permits, brining for up to 4 hours will help ensure they stay tender and flavorful. The salt and sugar in the brine pull moisture into the meat, creating a juicier and more flavorful chop. - Adjust the Spice Level
The chili powder in the rub brings heat, but feel free to adjust the level to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or substitute it with paprika. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili-garlic sauce to the glaze or increase the chili powder in the rub. - Glaze Timing is Key
For a perfectly glazed pork chop, brush the glaze on during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize without burning, creating a glossy, flavorful finish. Don’t forget to save some extra glaze for serving on the side.
What to Serve with Recipe
- Sautéed Vegetables
Serve the spicy pork chops with sautéed zucchini, squash, or bell peppers. These vegetables add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, spiced pork. The natural sweetness of sautéed zucchini complements the tangy apricot glaze perfectly. - Steamed Rice
A simple side of steamed white rice is an ideal accompaniment. The rice absorbs the flavorful glaze and balances the spiciness of the pork. You can even jazz it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. - Crispy Potato Wedges
For a heartier meal, serve the pork chops with crispy roasted potato wedges. The potatoes’ earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the spicy and sweet profile of the pork, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless pork chops, but keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before brushing it onto the pork chops.
3. Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce in the glaze?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of honey. This will mimic the sweet and savory flavor of hoisin, though it won’t be an exact match.
4. How do I know when the pork chops are cooked properly?
The best way to check is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork chop. Once it reaches 145°F (63°C), it’s safe to remove from the air fryer and serve.
Spicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apricot Glaze
Ingredients
- For the brine:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- For the pork chop seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup apricot all-fruit spread
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Asian chili-garlic sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a large bowl, combine the water, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Submerge the pork chops in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors.
- Season the Pork Chops: After removing the pork chops from the brine, discard the brine and pat the chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper. Rub half of this seasoning mix over the surface of the chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Flip the chops and repeat the process on the other side. Let the chops rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the apricot spread, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili-garlic sauce, and lime juice. Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once finished, set the glaze aside.
- Air Fry the Chops: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. Lightly spray each side of the seasoned pork chops with cooking spray. Place the chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Air-fry the chops for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
