Craving something bold, tender, and a little fiery? These Air Fryer Sriracha-Glazed Pork Chops are a knockout weeknight dinner that brings the heat—and the flavor—in under 20 minutes. Coated in a tangy, sticky-sweet glaze made with sriracha, honey, and garlic, these chops deliver crisp edges, juicy centers, and a flavor punch you’ll be thinking about long after dinner’s over.
I first created this recipe on a whim, mixing sriracha with honey and soy sauce as a quick marinade. The magic happened in the air fryer: the glaze caramelized beautifully, clinging to the pork with every crisped edge. The result? Restaurant-style chops with next-level flavor and zero need for grilling or basting.
Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to shake up your pork routine, this easy air fryer recipe brings everything together—flavor, convenience, and visual appeal—in a single quick cook. Let’s dive into how to make your new favorite sweet-heat pork dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: 5-minute prep, 15-minute cook time
- Perfectly Juicy: Air fryer seals in moisture while crisping the glaze
- Sticky-Spicy Glaze: Balanced blend of sweet, savory, and heat
- Versatile: Great with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables
- High-Protein & Balanced: Nourishing without the need for heavy sides
Ingredient Breakdown & Nutritional Highlights
| Ingredient | Amount | Role & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless pork chops | 4 (about 1-inch thick) | Center-cut chops are ideal for even cooking |
| Sriracha sauce | 2 tbsp | Brings bold, garlicky heat |
| Honey | 1½ tbsp | Adds sticky sweetness to balance the spice |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp | Provides umami depth and saltiness |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Boosts savory aroma |
| Rice vinegar or lime juice | 1 tbsp | Adds acid to brighten the glaze |
| Olive oil or avocado oil | 1 tbsp | Lightly coats pork for air frying |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning for the pork itself |
| Green onions (optional) | 2 tbsp, thinly sliced | Garnish for freshness and contrast |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 tbsp | Adds crunch and visual appeal |
Nutrition per Serving (1 chop):
Calories: 310 kcal • Protein: 33g • Fat: 15g • Carbs: 9g • Sugar: 7g • Sodium: 540mg • Iron: 10% DV
Equipment Checklist
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone brush or spoon
- Tongs or spatula
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep the Pork Chops (5 minutes)
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Make the Sriracha Glaze (2 minutes)
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Reserve half of the glaze for serving later.
3. Brush and Load (2 minutes)
- Brush both sides of pork chops with half the glaze mixture.
- Place chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
4. Air Fry the Pork Chops (12–15 minutes)
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip and brush with remaining glaze from the pre-cook batch.
- Cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Optional: Brush again with some of the reserved (unused) glaze before serving.
5. Rest & Garnish (2 minutes)
- Let pork chops rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Bone-in Chops: Use bone-in cuts for extra flavor; increase cook time by 2–3 minutes.
- Make it sweeter: Add a touch of brown sugar to the glaze if you want a BBQ-style finish.
- Add citrus: Use orange juice or zest for a sweet-sour twist.
- Reduce heat: Mix sriracha with ketchup for a milder glaze kids will love.
- Double the batch: You can cook in batches and keep the first round warm in a 200°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
- With jasmine rice: The glaze mixes perfectly into rice for a sticky-sweet bed.
- Noodle bowl: Serve over ramen or soba with shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Asian-style slaw: Toss red cabbage, carrots, and sesame oil for a crunchy side.
- Lettuce wraps: Slice the pork and serve with rice noodles in butter lettuce cups.
- Meal prep: Pairs well with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli for a balanced prep box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this with chicken or tofu?
Yes! Chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully—adjust cook time to 18–20 minutes. Firm tofu can be glazed and air fried for 12–15 minutes.
Q: Can I marinate the pork ahead of time?
Yes—combine pork with half the glaze and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temp before air frying.
Q: Will this be too spicy?
It’s medium heat. For less spice, cut the sriracha in half and add extra honey or ketchup.
Q: What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar make great substitutes. Avoid granulated sugar as it won’t caramelize the same.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to retain crispness.
With bold flavor, sticky-sweet glaze, and juicy, tender pork, this Air Fryer Sriracha-Glazed Pork Chops recipe checks every box for a crave-worthy dinner. In under 20 minutes, you get all the satisfaction of grilled or pan-seared chops—without the mess. Whether you’re cooking for spice lovers or just craving something different, this dish delivers heat, texture, and total weeknight satisfaction. Try it out tonight, customize the glaze to your taste, and don’t forget to drop your favorite side pairings in the comments!
