Frying Pork Chops: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can fry pork chops in an air fryer! In fact, cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they stay juicy and tender on the inside, with a crispy exterior.

There are many different recipes for air fryer pork chops, but most involve coating the chops in oil and a rub or seasoning of your choice before placing them in the air fryer for around 10-12 minutes.

Boneless pork chops in the air fryer

You can definitely fry pork chops in an air fryer! In fact, it's one of the best ways to cook them, as the rapid air circulation ensures they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

• Boneless pork chops
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Parsley
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika

Optional Ingredients

• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Ground mustard
• Coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari)
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Pressed garlic cloves

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels.
• Mix your chosen seasonings in a shallow dish.
• Coat each pork chop in olive oil, then dredge in the seasoned cheese mixture.
• Place 2 chops in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Repeat with any remaining chops.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• You can use bone-in pork chops, but they will take a little longer to cook.
• If you don't want to use the cheese mixture, you can simply rub the pork chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or a spice rub.
• It's important to preheat your air fryer and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They are safe to eat at 145°F, but the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while they rest.
• You can marinate the pork chops before cooking for extra flavour and tenderness, but this is not essential.
• If you're making a larger batch, cook the pork chops in a single layer and in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Sides

• Green beans and mushroom medley
• Creamy corn casserole
• Roasted beet and kale salad
• Steamed carrots with hot honey butter
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• Creamy Parmesan polenta

Bone-in pork chops in the air fryer

Bone-in pork chops are a great option for a simple and delicious meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to cook them to perfection.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Bone-in pork chops (about 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Brown sugar
• Ground mustard

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, and ground mustard).
• Coat the pork chops with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture into both sides of the meat.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Flip the pork chops halfway through if your air fryer doesn't circulate air to the bottom.
• Let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes on a paper towel before serving.

Tips

• It is recommended to buy thick pork chops (about 1-2 inches) as thinner chops may dry out.
• Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavourful and juicy than boneless.
• Don't overcook the pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure they are cooked safely without being overdone.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to absorb properly.

Variations

You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to change up the flavours. Here are some ideas:

• BBQ seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning packet
• Smoked paprika

How to make a rub for air fryer pork chops

Yes, you can fry pork chops in an air fryer.

To make a rub for air fryer pork chops, you'll need to mix together a variety of seasonings. The exact ingredients and quantities can vary depending on your taste preferences, but here is a list of common ingredients used in a rub for air fryer pork chops:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Ground/freshly ground black pepper
• Ground mustard
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Olive oil

You can also add other ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, or Italian seasoning to give it your unique twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Rub:

• Start by gathering all the ingredients you need for the rub.
• In a small bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
• Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important, so don't skip it!
• Coat the pork chops with olive oil. You can use extra-virgin olive oil or any other type of olive oil you prefer.
• Take the mixed dry ingredients and rub them generously onto the pork chops. Make sure to rub the seasoning mix well into the meat and don't be afraid to use your hands to get an even coating.
• Once the pork chops are coated, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and quantities to create a rub that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy making your juicy and delicious air fryer pork chops!

How long to cook pork chops in the air fryer

The cooking time for pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. For medium-sized pork chops, it should take around 10 minutes in an air fryer set to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. For thicker pork chops, the cooking time will need to be increased. For example, bone-in pork chops that are between 1 ½ and 2 inches thick will take around 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it's best to use an instant-read food thermometer to check the temperature of the pork chops before serving. The USDA guideline for food safety recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pork chops are very thick, they may need a few extra minutes to reach this temperature.

When the pork chops are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is juicy and tender.

Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the pork chops, while others suggest cooking the pork chops directly in the preheated air fryer. Either way, the cooking time should be based on the thickness of the pork chops and the desired level of doneness, with the goal of reaching an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with air fryer pork chops. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed spinach
• Easy skillet kale with lemon and garlic
• Lemon-ginger spinach
• Fennel, carrot, and leek gratin
• Garlic broccolini
• Lemon-pepper asparagus
• Crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic and honey
• Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
• Smashed carrot salad
• Shaved cucumber and fennel salad with olives and feta
• Steamed carrots with hot honey butter
• Blistered green beans with pickled shallots and toasted breadcrumbs
• Air fryer asparagus

Salads

• Apple walnut salad
• Salad with beets, goat cheese, and arugula
• Quick and easy roasted vegetable salad
• Raw and roasted radicchio salad with sweet potato, Manchego, and crunchy seeds
• Mediterranean chickpea salad
• Butternut squash noodles
• Cheesy cauliflower bread

Potatoes

• Roasted potatoes
• Parmesan pesto roasted potatoes
• Crispy air fryer baked potatoes
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Crash hot potatoes
• Garlicky Parmesan sweet potatoes
• Sour cream balsamic sweet potatoes
• Butter-roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled potatoes
• Potato skins

Rice and Grains

• Portuguese-style mint rice
• Easy buttery garlic rice
• Creamy mushroom and herb-flecked skillet
• Creamy spinach Parmesan orzo
• One-pot smoked almond and herb couscous
• Barley flecked with sage
• Creamy Parmesan polenta

Other

• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower pizza crust
• Zucchini fries
• Applesauce

Frequently asked questions