Air Fryer Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops (Hearty Flavorful)

Rich, garlicky, and wrapped in a velvety cream sauce, Air Fryer Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops are the kind of dinner that feels like comfort food with a little elegance. Juicy pork chops are air fried until perfectly golden, then simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for when you want something cozy that still feels a bit special.

This is one of those meals that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly simple to make. The air fryer does the heavy lifting for the pork, keeping it tender and juicy, while the Tuscan-style sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop. The combination of savory pork, creamy sauce, and bright pops of sun-dried tomato makes every bite deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pork chops can sometimes turn out dry, but the air fryer helps seal in moisture while giving the outside a beautiful golden crust. The creamy Tuscan sauce adds richness without being overwhelming, and the spinach and tomatoes balance everything with freshness and a hint of tang. It’s the kind of dish that pairs just as well with mashed potatoes as it does with pasta or crusty bread.

It’s comforting, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the pork chops

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the creamy Tuscan sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
3. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
4. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap; cook in batches if needed.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest while you make the sauce.
7. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
8. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
10. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
11. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
12. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
13. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
14. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
15. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

Thickness matters. Pork chops that are about an inch thick stay juicier in the air fryer. Thin chops can overcook quickly, so if yours are thinner, reduce the cooking time and check early.

Letting the pork rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender when you slice into it.

If your air fryer runs hot, check the temperature a couple of minutes early to avoid overcooking.

For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.

Sauce Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil have the best flavor and texture for this dish. Just drain them lightly before chopping.

Easy Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra heartiness. Sauté them after the garlic and before adding the broth.

Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green. Just cook it a bit longer to soften.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

What to Serve With It

This dish is perfect over creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that sauce. It’s also wonderful tossed with fettuccine or linguine. If you want something lighter, serve it with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash on the side.

Crusty bread is always a good idea — you’ll want something to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to keep the sauce smooth.

Freezing isn’t ideal because cream sauces can separate, but it’s still safe if needed — just expect a slight texture change.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops are the kind of meal that brings comfort and flavor together in the best way. The pork is juicy and well-seasoned, the sauce is rich and garlicky, and the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add just the right balance. It feels like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to make on a regular weeknight.

It’s a reliable, satisfying dish that turns simple ingredients into something that feels warm, generous, and worth sitting down for.