Air-Fryer Magic: Stuffed Pork Chops Perfection

Stuffed pork chops are a delicious and juicy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The pork chops are cut and stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as spinach, cheese, and bread stuffing, and then cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner and can be paired with a simple arugula salad or mashed potatoes. The best part? You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops and customize the stuffing to your liking. Making stuffed pork chops in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a hearty meal.

Recipe ingredients and prep

Ingredients

You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops for stuffed pork chops in the air fryer. However, boneless chops are easier to handle and cook more evenly. A two-inch-thick, center-cut pork loin chop works best for this recipe. You can also use leftover pork chops.

For the stuffing, you can use:

• Herbed bread
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Onion
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Green apple
• Bread (any type, but homemade white bread is recommended)
• Broth (vegetable or chicken)
• Poultry seasoning
• Butter
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper

Prep

First, prepare the stove-top stuffing according to the box directions, then set it aside to cool slightly. You can also make the stuffing from scratch by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding celery, onion, mushroom, and apples, and sauteing for 3-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat, add seasonings, and stir. Mix together bouillon and water, then add to the bread mixture.

Next, make a horizontal slice into the side of each pork chop, almost to the bone, to create a pocket for the stuffing. You can do this by standing the pork chop up on a flat cutting surface with the narrow, fat-capped side facing up. The chop should be about 1/2 inch thick when laid flat. If thicker, use a meat mallet to pound it to this thickness.

Fill each pocket with the stuffing mixture, pushing it towards the bone and securing it with toothpicks if needed. You can also brush the sides of each pork chop with mustard (horseradish, deli, or dijon) and spritz with olive oil spray.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 330-375°F. Spray the inside basket with olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chops in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.

Cook the stuffed pork chops for 10-13 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until a thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing and the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F. Remove the chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The cooking time for stuffed pork chops in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the chops and the temperature setting. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chops and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The chops are considered safe to eat once the inside has reached 145°F.

For a quick overview, one source suggests cooking stuffed pork chops in an air fryer for 13 minutes. Flip the chops, spray with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Another source suggests preheating your air fryer to 350°F and arranging the chops in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chops with olive oil spray and air fry for 5 minutes at 350°F until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F. Again, let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If you are looking for a more detailed guide, one source provides the following instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F.
• Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper.
• Arrange in a single layer on a greased tray in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10 minutes.
• Turn and cook until a thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing reads 165°F and a thermometer inserted into the pork reads at least 145°F, 6-8 minutes longer.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chops. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to stuff the pork chops

To stuff pork chops, you will need to first create a pocket in the meat by slicing into it horizontally, almost to the bone, without cutting all the way through. This can be easier with boneless pork chops, but bone-in chops are said to have a fuller flavour.

You can then fill the pocket with your chosen stuffing. Many recipes suggest a breadcrumb-based stuffing, with herbs, vegetables and cheese. You can secure the stuffing inside the pork chop with toothpicks to stop it from falling out during cooking.

You can make the stuffing from scratch or use a box mix. If making your own, you can combine breadcrumbs, herbs, vegetables, broth and cheese to taste. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help thicken and moisten it.

How to serve the pork chops

Once your stuffed pork chops are cooked and rested, you can serve them with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Salads and Vegetables

A simple salad is a great option to serve with stuffed pork chops. You could try a summer tomato salad with roasted black-eyed peas as croutons, or a classic arugula salad. If you want to add a spicy kick, include some poblano peppers. Grilled peppers and okra are another tasty option, or you could try braised Swedish cabbage with apples. For a healthy option, roast up some jewel-toned beets, or serve some tender slices of sweet butternut squash with fragrant fennel.

Potato Dishes

Potato sides are always a hit. Why not try loaded mashed potatoes, or some simple oven-roasted potatoes with herbs? Twice-baked potatoes are another great option, or you could try cottage fries. For a more indulgent option, serve your pork chops with some Boursin mashed potatoes.

Other Sides

There are plenty of other side dishes that pair well with stuffed pork chops. You could try creamed corn, or fried apples. Mac and cheese is another great option, or you could try spaetzle. If you want to add some spice, serve your pork chops with a side of dijon sauce.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Reheating stuffed pork chops in an air fryer is a great way to bring back the savory goodness of these classic cuts without compromising on flavor or tenderness. It is one of the easiest ways to thoroughly heat up meat while keeping it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

To reheat stuffed pork chops in an air fryer, first, let the leftover pork chops come to room temperature by resting them outside the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes or outside the freezer for a few hours. It is important to defrost them before reheating. Spritz or spray both sides of the pork chops with cooking oil or a small amount of olive oil to enhance crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops. Adjust the cooking time depending on the pork chop's thickness—thinner cuts only need 2-3 minutes, while thicker cuts may need an additional 1-2 minutes. Breaded pork chops should be heated at a slightly higher temperature to maintain their crispiness, which typically only takes 2-3 minutes. The best way to ensure your pork chop is safe and juicy is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.

When reheating, avoid stacking your chops and keep them in a single layer. If the air fryer basket is overcrowded, the chops will not warm evenly. You can line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or paper for easy cleanup, especially when reheating fried or breaded pork chops.

Leftover pork chops can be stored in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently asked questions