Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Bone-in pork chops are a great option for a juicy, flavourful meal that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. They are less likely to dry out compared to boneless chops, which is a common issue with this cut of meat. The air fryer's ability to circulate air evenly around the pork chop results in a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior. With a simple spice blend and a few minutes of preparation, you can have a delicious and hands-off dinner ready in no time.

Recommended thickness of pork chops

The recommended thickness for pork chops cooked in an air fryer is between 1 and 2 inches. This thickness is ideal because it gives the air fryer enough time to create a char on the seasonings and the outside of the meat, resulting in more flavor.

Pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick are considered thick pork chops and are beneficial because they are juicier and more flavorful. Thicker chops also cook more evenly in the air fryer, reducing the risk of drying out. If you are using thinner chops, adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

The cooking time will vary based on the size of the pork chops and the model of your air fryer. For example, the recommended cooking time for bone-in pork chops that are approximately 1.5 inches thick is 16-20 minutes, but this may need to be adjusted depending on your air fryer and the desired doneness of the pork chops.

To ensure even cooking and prevent the chops from drying out, it is recommended to bring the temperature of the pork chops close to room temperature before cooking. Additionally, do not overcrowd your air fryer basket as this can lead to uneven cooking and drier meat. Place the pork chops in a single layer with enough room for hot air to circulate.

How to season the pork chops

Bone-in pork chops are a great option for a juicy and flavourful meal. The bone keeps the meat moist and tender, and it's easy to season the pork chops to your liking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook them in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by selecting thick-cut bone-in pork chops, preferably 1- to 2-inch thick. Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine your choice of dry ingredients. You can use a simple herb blend or get creative with spices. Here are some seasoning options:

• Brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese, cayenne or red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and brown sugar
• BBQ seasoning, ranch seasoning, or a coffee-based rub

Step 3: Coat the Pork Chops

Drizzle olive oil (or a neutral-flavoured oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil) over the pork chops. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and keeps it moist. Make sure to coat both sides of the pork chops generously.

Step 4: Apply the Seasoning

Take your seasoning mix and liberally rub it into the pork chops. Ensure the seasoning coats all sides of the meat evenly. You can also add some parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra flavour boost and a golden crust.

Step 5: Rest and Cook

Let the seasoned pork chops rest for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This allows the meat to absorb the flavours. Then, cook the pork chops in the air fryer according to your preferred doneness and thickness. For thicker chops, cook at 350-375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a crispier exterior, increase the temperature to 400°F.

Step 6: Let the Pork Chops Rest

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pork chops into thin slices, making sure to get some of the seasoned juices on each bite. Your juicy, flavourful bone-in pork chops are now ready to be served!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, set it to 400°F. If it does not have a preheat function, you can manually preheat the air fryer by setting it to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

If you are cooking breaded pork chops, you should preheat the air fryer to 400°F and then spray each side of the pork chops with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer basket.

The preheating temperature remains the same regardless of the thickness of your pork chops. However, thicker pork chops will take longer to cook. For example, pork chops that are 1-inch thick will cook in 10 to 12 minutes, while those that are 1.5 to 2 inches thick will take about 12 to 14 minutes.

It is also important to note that boneless pork chops cook faster than bone-in pork chops. Therefore, if you are cooking boneless pork chops, you may need to reduce the cooking time by 2 to 4 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bone-in pork chops in an air fryer depend on the thickness and size of the chops, as well as the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to determine when the pork chops are done, as overcooking can lead to dry and tough meat. The USDA guideline for food safety recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

For bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick, the cooking time will be around 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer. Thinner chops will cook in less time, around 8 to 12 minutes, while chops thicker than 1 inch will need a bit more time, up to 20 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, it is recommended to run it at 400°F for 5 minutes before adding the pork chops.

If cooking at 375°F, the cooking time for bone-in pork chops will be longer, around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of the chops. It is important to flip the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

It is worth noting that boneless pork chops will cook faster than bone-in chops and are more prone to drying out and overcooking. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How to store leftovers

You can cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer. The key to juicy and tender air-fried pork chops is to use thick-cut chops. Thin pork chops dry out and toughen much faster than thick-cut chops. Boneless pork chops also cook faster than bone-in pork chops, so they are more prone to drying out.

To cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, run it at 400°F for 5 minutes to warm up. Next, prepare the pork chops. Pat the chops dry with a paper towel. Then, brush them with olive oil or a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or vegetable oil. After that, sprinkle dried seasoning over all sides of the chops. The seasoning can include paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Now, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space around each one. Make sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. For a 4-quart air fryer, you may need to cook two chops at a time. Air fry the pork chops at 400°F for 7 minutes. Then, flip the chops and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat using an instant-read thermometer. Once the pork chops are done, let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

To maximize the shelf life of cooked pork chops, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours to maintain safety and quality. Properly stored, cooked pork chops will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within this time frame, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life.

To freeze cooked pork chops, wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap, or place them in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the wrapped chops with the freezer date and the ingredients, heating instructions, and the date frozen. Properly stored, they will maintain their best quality for 2 to 3 months, but they will remain safe beyond that time if kept constantly frozen at 0°F. When you're ready to eat the frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Then, reheat them to a temperature of at least 165°F.

Frequently asked questions