Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Chops, Quick Cooking Tips

Cooking frozen pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have perfectly cooked pork chops that are full of flavor and have a great texture. The air fryer also means you don't have to wait for the meat to thaw, and you can cook the chops straight from frozen.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen pork chops in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the chops and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C). This can be measured with a meat thermometer. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the pork chop to check if it is cooked through. It should be opaque and white or slightly pink in the middle.

• Preheat your air fryer to 380 °F (193 °C). This can take about 3-5 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a light coating of olive oil.
• Place the frozen pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes to defrost.
• Remove the chops from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board or plate.
• Lightly brush or spray the chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or a dry rub.
• Return the chops to the air fryer basket and cook for 6-18 minutes, or until the middle is no longer pink.
• Allow the chops to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chops and the model of the air fryer. For thicker chops, you may need to increase the cooking time, while for thinner chops, you may need to decrease the time.

Defrosting chops in the air fryer

Once the chops have defrosted slightly, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or cutting board. Now it's time to season the chops. You can use a dry rub made of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper, or simply use salt and pepper. You can also add a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to help the seasonings stick and to prevent the chops from sticking to the air fryer basket.

After seasoning, return the chops to the air fryer basket and continue cooking. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. For boneless chops, cook for about 12-18 minutes, flipping them after 7 minutes. For bone-in chops, they may take slightly longer, around 20 minutes or more. The chops are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the chop.

Let the pork chops rest for a minimum of 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures they are juicy and tender. You can also reheat any leftover pork chops in the air fryer at 325°F-350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Preparing and seasoning chops

To prepare your chops, start by placing them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your chops are frozen together, you can keep them like that for this initial step. Set your air fryer to 380°F and let them cook for about 5 minutes to defrost. If your chops are frozen but separate, you can air fry them for 4 minutes to thaw slightly.

After defrosting, remove the chops from the air fryer and transfer them to a cutting board or plate. Spray them with cooking spray, or brush with a light coating of olive oil, then season them on both sides. You can use any seasoning you like, such as salt and pepper, or a dry rub made from paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper.

Return the seasoned chops to the air fryer basket and continue cooking for about 12-18 minutes, or until the middle is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For bone-in pork chops, the cooking time may be slightly longer. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the chop to check if it's cooked through—it should be opaque and white or slightly pink in the middle.

Once the chops are done, let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. You can also baste them with different sauces, such as teriyaki or BBQ sauce, to add extra flavor.

If you're reheating leftover pork chops, set your air fryer to 325°F-350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating chops in the air fryer

Next, place the leftover pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook the chops for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chops and the number of chops you are reheating.

If you are reheating multiple chops, it is important to ensure they are not overcrowded in the basket. If they are frozen together, you can keep them like that for this step and then separate them afterward.

For best results, reheat the chops at 325°F or 350°F until warmed through. Juicy pork chops can be achieved with no thawing required.

You can also slice the pork chops before reheating, which will reduce the reheating time.

Storing cooked chops

Refrigerating Cooked Chops

Cooked pork chops should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain their quality and prevent bacterial growth. The recommended storage time for cooked pork chops in the fridge is 3 to 4 days, as long as they are stored at or below 40°F (4°C). To ensure food safety, it is crucial to adhere to proper storage practices, such as using airtight containers or wrapping the chops tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.

Freezing Cooked Chops

Freezing cooked pork chops is an excellent way to extend their shelf life. When properly frozen, they can be stored for 2 to 3 months. To freeze cooked chops, wrap each chop tightly in freezer-safe packaging, such as heavy-duty plastic bags or aluminium foil. Ensure they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain their flavour and texture. It is recommended to keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder for safe storage and to slow down bacterial growth.

Signs of Spoilage

Even when stored properly, it is important to be aware of potential signs of spoilage. If you notice any of the following, it is best to discard the pork chops:

• Foul odour: If the pork chops emit a strong, unpleasant smell, it indicates bacterial growth and spoilage.
• Slimy texture: A sticky or slimy texture on the surface of the chops is a sign of excessive bacterial growth.
• Mold growth: Any visible mold on the pork chops is an indication of spoilage and should be discarded immediately.

Frequently asked questions