Air Fryer Pork Chops (Carnivore-Style) - For the Carnivore Diet

Name: Air Fryer Pork Chops (Carnivore-Style) - For the Carnivore Diet
Prep time: PT25 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick (8–10 oz each); 2 teaspoons kosher salt (use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons if using fine salt); 1 tablespoon beef tallow or ghee, melted, plus a little for the basket; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for finishing (optional)

Crisp-edged, juicy pork chops from the air fryer using only pork, salt, and animal fats.

These air fryer pork chops are pure carnivore: just pork, salt, and animal fats. The hot circulating air renders fat at the edges for a golden exterior while keeping the center tender and juicy. No plant seasonings are needed—good salt and proper doneness do all the work.

For best results, salt the chops a little ahead of time and let them air-dry in the fridge; this simple dry brine boosts flavor and helps the surface brown. A light brush of beef tallow or ghee encourages crisp, sizzling edges, and a pat of butter at the end adds a glossy finish.

Cook to an internal temperature of about 140°F before resting so carryover heat brings the chops to a perfect 145°F. Thinner chops cook faster; thicker, bone-in chops take a few extra minutes. Space them in the basket so air can circulate freely.

Leftovers keep well and reheat quickly in the air fryer, making this an easy meal prep protein. If you avoid dairy, skip the finishing butter and stick with tallow. For extra richness, wrap the chops with a strip of bacon before cooking or spoon the pan juices over the top when serving.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick (8–10 oz each)
2 teaspoons kosher salt (use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons if using fine salt)
1 tablespoon beef tallow or ghee, melted, plus a little for the basket
2 tablespoons unsalted butter for finishing (optional)

Instructions

Pat the pork chops very dry. Season both sides evenly with the kosher salt. For best results, refrigerate uncovered for 15–60 minutes to dry brine (or up to overnight).
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly brush the basket or tray with a little melted tallow or ghee.
Brush both sides of the chops with the remaining tallow or ghee and place them in a single layer in the basket with space between each chop.
Air fry for 10–14 minutes total, flipping halfway. Start checking internal temperature at 9–10 minutes; pull the chops at 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part.
Rest the chops on a plate for 5 minutes so they reach about 145°F with carryover heat. Top with butter to melt over the surface (if using).
Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. Spoon any juices over the chops and serve.

Time: 25 minutes Servings: