Air-Fried Pork Chops: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, as they can be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The best pork chops for the air fryer are thick, centre-cut, and bone-in chops. The thickness of the pork chops is important as thin pork chops will cook too quickly and not get a nice char on them. The cooking time for pork chops in an air fryer depends on their thickness and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops will take around 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops will take 11-15 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.

Choosing the right pork chops

Thickness:

Go for thicker pork chops, ideally between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops provide a better char on all sides due to the longer cooking time required. Thin chops tend to cook too quickly and may not develop the desired char.

Bone-in or Boneless:

You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops, but bone-in chops will take longer to cook. Bone-in chops also add flavour to the meat as it cooks.

Quality:

Opt for high-quality, fresh pork chops from a reputable butcher or grocery store. Look for chops with a good amount of marbling (fat streaking), as this will contribute to juiciness and flavour.

Dryness:

Make sure to pat your pork chops dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings or oil. This step is crucial, as it helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even cooking.

Seasoning:

While you can experiment with various seasonings, a classic combination includes Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Create a rub or coating for your pork chops, ensuring the seasonings are well distributed.

Oil:

Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to coat the pork chops before applying the seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes even browning.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer pork chops is choosing the right cut, preparing them properly, and seasoning them generously. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating juicy and flavourful air fryer pork chops.

Preparing the seasoning

Firstly, pat your pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the seasoning stick to the meat.

Next, prepare your seasoning mix. You can use a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, cumin, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, or cayenne pepper. You can also add brown sugar to your seasoning mix for a sweeter taste. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl.

Now, it's time to coat the pork chops with the seasoning. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and then sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the chops, making sure to press the seasoning so that it adheres to the meat. Alternatively, you can coat the pork chops with olive oil and then dredge them in the seasoned cheese mixture.

Cooking the pork chops

Preparing pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook juicy and tender chops without drying them out. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking pork chops in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the pork chops

For the best results, use thick, centre-cut pork chops, preferably bone-in. Thick pork chops (between 1 ½ to 2 inches) will give you a beautiful char on all sides. If using boneless pork chops, aim for a thickness of about 1 inch.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes even cooking. If using pre-packaged pork chops, make sure to remove any excess liquid.

Step 2: Make the seasoning

You can either marinate the pork chops or simply season them before cooking. Here are two options for seasoning:

• Marinade option: Combine olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Marinate the pork chops for 1-12 hours, but not longer, in the refrigerator.
• Seasoning option: Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also use a pre-made spice blend like Old Bay or steak seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the pork chops

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.

Cook the pork chops for about 12-14 minutes for 1-inch thick chops, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops and whether they are bone-in or boneless. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook, typically 11-15 minutes.

The target internal temperature for the pork chops is 145°F. Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the temperature. If the chops are not done, they can be cooked for an additional few minutes.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy pork chops.

You can serve air fryer pork chops with a variety of side dishes, including air fryer vegetables, potatoes, roasted veggies, or salads.

Resting the meat

Importance of Resting the Meat

When your pork chops are done cooking in the air fryer, it is crucial to remove them from the appliance and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Without this step, the juices can spill out onto the plate when you cut into the pork chops, resulting in drier meat.

Resting Time

The ideal resting time for pork chops is generally around 5 to 10 minutes. This duration gives the juices time to settle and be reabsorbed into the meat fibres. Aim for at least 5 minutes to ensure the meat retains its moisture and flavour.

Temperature Maintenance

While resting the pork chops, it is essential to keep them warm. Cover the plate with foil or a lid to prevent heat loss. This way, your pork chops will stay warm and juicy until you are ready to serve them.

Slicing and Serving

After the resting period, you can slice the pork chops into thin slices. This technique ensures that each bite includes some of the seasoned juices, maximizing flavour and moisture. You can also drizzle any accumulated juices from the resting plate over the sliced pork chops for added flavour and moisture. Serve the pork chops immediately after slicing to enjoy them at their best.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pork chops, proper storage is crucial to maintain their quality. You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. Reheat the pork chops in the air fryer to retain their moisture and crispiness.

Serving suggestions

Juicy, tender, and flavourful air fryer pork chops can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

Air Fryer Vegetables

Try air fryer green beans, air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer cauliflower, or mixed air-fried veggies. Cut and season the veggies while the pork chops are in the air fryer, and then quickly air fry them while the meat rests.

Potatoes

Pair your pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, air fryer French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, or mashed potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, roasted butternut squash, roasted asparagus, roasted zucchini, or roasted eggplant are delicious sweeter vegetables that complement the flavour of pork chops. You can also try air fryer carrots or an air fryer baked sweet potato.

Salad

A roasted vegetable salad, crunchy kale salad, Brussels sprout salad, sweet kale salad, crunchy and creamy cucumber salad, or tangy artichoke salad are all excellent options.

Other Sides

Some other side dish options include steamed carrots with hot honey butter, creamy polenta, creamy corn casserole, skillet fried apples, or a Mediterranean chickpea salad.

Frequently asked questions