Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops is an easy to make recipe that provides a ton of flavor in every bite. Soft and tender slices of apple that are seasoned with a brown sugar and cinnamon mixture and then tossed with boneless pork loin chops.
It is a super easy recipe to make and requires only one skillet. Best of all, it is ready to eat in under 20 minutes!
Therefore, it is a great recipe to make on a busy weeknight. Although it is also a dish that is elegant enough to serve for a special occasion.
Serve the cinnamon apple pork chops with Air Fryer Red Potatoes and you have a delicious meal for two. And for dessert, stick to the apple theme and make Apple Crisp For Two!
You can have a complete dinner for two for very little cost. Pork is one of the most inexpensive cuts of meat that you can purchase.
However, because pork chops are naturally bland in flavor, I always try to find ways to make them a little more interesting and delicious. Whether I make Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, or Sweet & Sour Pork, it is what you cook with the pork that matters.
Although there is no better pairing than apples and pork chops!
Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops Recipe
*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 boneless pork loin chops (about 4 ounces each)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
The first step in making cinnamon apple pork chops is to cook the pork chops. Therefore, in a large skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
Be sure to place the burner on medium heat, and not medium high or high heat. Pork chops need a lower temperature than other meats to cook through and not dry out.
Once the butter is melted, add the pork loin chops to the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes on one side. Then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Check the internal temperature with an instant read digital thermometer placed in the thickest section. The meat is ready when the digital food thermometer reads 145°F.
Because you are going to be sticking your hand over a hot skillet, be sure to use an instant read digital thermometer like my ChefsTemp thermometer or a probe digital thermometer that you can leave in the meat as it finishes cooking.
As the pork chops cook prepare the apples and make the cinnamon sugar topping. Start by adding the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into a small bowl.
Mix the ingredients until well incorporated. Set the cinnamon sugar mixture aside and prepare the apple.
Core & Slice The Apple
Remove the stem and core of the apple. Although you can do this by using an apple corer, I find it just as easy to use a sharp knife.
Start by cutting one side of the apple away from the core. Then rotate the apple and cut the remaining sides away from the core.
Now use a sharp knife to thinly slice the apple. You will have what looks like a lot of apple slices, however, as they cook down it will be the perfect amount for two pork chops.
Once the pork chops are cooked to temperature remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Then cover the meat with foil to let them rest and to keep them warm.
As soon as the pork chops have been removed from the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. When the butter melts add the apple slices, brown sugar and cinnamon mixture to the skillet.
The combination of the melted butter and brown sugar mixture will make a thick sauce. Toss the apple slices so that they are well coated.
Continue to heat and cook the apples until they are just fork tender. Then place the pork chops back in the skillet and toss with the cinnamon apple mixture.
Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This With Bone In Pork Chops?
If you prefer to use bone in pork chops or have them on hand, you can use them in place of the boneless pork loin chops in this recipe. However, the pork chops will take a little longer to cook through.
Be sure to use an instant read digital thermometer to check the temperature so that you know when to remove them from the skillet.
All pork chops, including bone in or boneless need to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consuming.
2. Can I Use A Different Type Of Apple?
Although it is best to use a tart apple in this recipe to provide the best flavor, you can certainly use another variety of apple. However, depending on the apple that you choose, the apples may become super soft when placed in the skillet.
Therefore, the best substitute for Granny Smith apples are Braeburn, Golden Delicious or Jonagold apples. They will hold their texture and still provide great flavor.
3. Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Because this cinnamon apple pork chops recipe comes together so quickly, there is no need to make this ahead of time. However, if you want to save even more time when it comes to making dinner, there are a few things that you can do ahead of time to make it come together even quicker.
First, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture together and place in a covered container. Then slice your apple and soak the apple slices in lemon lime soda until ready to use.
The soda with help prevent the apples from browning. Then when you are ready to make dinner, drain the apples and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
4. How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the cinnamon apples and pork shops in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I prefer to cut my meat before storing so that it reheats evenly and within seconds.
To reheat, add 1 teaspoon of water to a skillet and place over medium heat. Or place 1/2 teaspoon of water on a plate with the pork chops and apples and heat in the microwave on high power at 30 second intervals until warmed through.
Enjoy! Mary
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Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops Recipe
A quick and easy recipe to make pork chops taste delicious with a sweet sauce and cooked apples.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, divided
- 2 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon to taste
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the pork chops to the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes on one side, Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until a instant read digital thermometer placed in the thickest section reads 145°.
- As the pork chops cook add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into a small bowl and mix.
- Once the pork chops are cooked to temperature remove them from the skillet and place on a plate with foil covering them to keep them warm. Add the apple slices, brown sugar mixture and remaining butter to the skillet and cook until the apples are tender.
- Place the pork chops back in the skillet and toss with the apple mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
Recipe provided by iCookfortwo.com
Nutrition Information
Yield 2Amount Per Serving Calories 292Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 75mgSodium 74mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 3gSugar 18gProtein 23g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.