As a mom and wife, I’m always looking for dinners that taste like something you’d order at a restaurant but don’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. This Air Fryer One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Pork is one of those magical meals. It’s rich, garlicky, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan — but it all comes together in one pan and the air fryer does most of the work.
The first time I made a Tuscan-style sauce at home, I thought it would be complicated. But once I realized how simple the ingredients are — cream, garlic, cheese, and herbs — it quickly became part of my regular dinner rotation. Pair that with juicy pork chops and the ease of the air fryer, and you’ve got a meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
This is the kind of dinner I make when I want everyone to come to the table excited. The sauce is so good, we’re always fighting over the last spoonful to drizzle over rice or mop up with bread.
Ingredients
For the pork
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the creamy Tuscan sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions
- Season the pork
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This helps the pork sear slightly and stay juicy. - Cook the pork
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove and let them rest on a plate, loosely covered. - Start the sauce
In an oven-safe or air fryer–safe pan, melt butter over medium heat (on the stovetop). Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown. - Build the creamy base
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. - Add Tuscan flavors
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. - Return pork to the pan
Nestle the cooked pork chops into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. - Finish in the air fryer
Place the pan carefully into the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened. - Rest and serve
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens a bit more.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pork – Pork chops can dry out quickly. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust thickness – If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it simmer longer.
- Use thick pork chops – Thin ones cook too fast and can become tough.
- No spinach? Kale works too, just cook it a little longer.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
What to Serve With It
This creamy sauce is too good to waste, so I always pair it with something that soaks it up:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered pasta
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables on the side
My kids love it over pasta, while my husband always asks for bread to scoop up every bit of sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Warm gently in a pan or air fryer-safe dish at a low temp so the sauce doesn’t separate
- Freezing: The pork can freeze, but cream sauces may change texture slightly when thawed
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Pork is everything I love in a family dinner — comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. It feels like something you’d serve for a special occasion, but it’s easy enough for a regular Tuesday night when everyone’s hungry and you don’t want to overthink dinner.
The pork stays juicy, the sauce is creamy and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor, and best of all, cleanup is minimal. As a mom and wife, those are the kinds of meals that truly win in my kitchen.
Once you try this, it might just become your go-to “impress everyone without stressing” dinner too.
