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Air Fryer Low Sodium Pork Chops - Juicy & Salt Free

Pork chops are too often turned into "salty chops" — sauce-brushed, breadcrumb-coated, and loaded with sodium. These air fryer low sodium pork chops take the opposite route: no breading, just herbs and lemon, zero salt, and under 95mg of sodium per chop, on the table in 14 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless pork chops (about 150g each, ~2.5cm thick)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, grated into a paste
  • 1/2 lemon (zest plus juice)
  • salt — the low-sodium key.
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride) — avoid if you have kidney disease or are on a potassium-restricted diet.

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Pat Dry: Press the chops with paper towels to remove surface moisture (dry surface equals a crisp shell and no self-steaming). Check the fat rim and snip it 2–3 times so the chop doesn't curl as it cooks.
  2. Step 2: Make the Herb Oil: Whisk the olive oil with the rosemary, sage, black pepper, grated garlic, and lemon zest. Brush it generously over both sides of each chop.
  3. Step 3: Load the Basket: Line the basket with parchment. Lay the chops flat and do not overlap. Set the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 14 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Flip: Pull the basket out at 7 minutes and flip the chops, brushing on any leftover herb oil. When the edges look lightly browned, you're close.
  5. Step 5: Check Temperature and Rest: Pull the chops when the center hits 63°C (145°F), then rest 3 minutes — carryover heat lifts them to the safe 71°C (160°F) line while keeping them tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.