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.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 275 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
• cooking spray
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
• ½ medium lime, juiced
• 1 (1 inch) piece ginger root, peeled and grated
• 4 (5 ounce) bone-in center loin pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick
• ½ cup apricot all-fruit spread
• 1 ½ teaspoons Asian chili-garlic sauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 5

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

Step 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.

Step 7

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

Step 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).

Step 9

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