Air Fryer Marinated Pork Chops: Quick And Easy?

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this meat. The small size of the air fryer prevents the juices from evaporating, making it hard to dry out the meat. This cooking method is also faster than using an oven and doesn't heat up your house. You can use a variety of marinades and seasonings to flavour your pork chops, and the thickness of the meat will determine the cooking time.

Marinade ingredients

Marinating pork chops is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. A basic marinade typically consists of oil, an acid, and flavourings.

A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Olive oil locks in moisture, lemon juice makes the pork tender, and coconut aminos add a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use soy sauce, honey, garlic, and pepper for a slightly different flavour profile. Honey will help with browning the meat and add a touch of sweetness.

For a more complex marinade, you can try a combination of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This marinade will impart a sweet and savoury flavour to the pork chops.

If you prefer a dry rub, a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can be used to create a delicious crust on the pork chops. This rub provides a beautiful char on the meat and a depth of flavour.

Regardless of the marinade or rub you choose, it is essential to let the pork chops come to room temperature for about 30 minutes after applying the marinade or rub. This step ensures that the meat cooks evenly. Additionally, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving the best results.

Cooking time

The cooking time for marinated pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick should be cooked for 8-10 minutes at 400˚F in an air fryer, flipping them over halfway through cooking, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145˚F.

For thicker pork chops, it is recommended to cook them for about 12 minutes at 400˚F. Thicker pork chops, preferably between 1 ½ to 2 inches, will have a beautiful char on all sides due to the cooking time. Thin pork chops will cook too quickly and won't get that nice char.

Bone-in pork chops will take a bit longer to cook than boneless pork chops. It usually takes about 9-12 minutes to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it is always good to check the internal temperature of the pork chops with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The target internal temperature for pork chops is 140-145°F.

Pre-cooking pork preparation

Preparing pork chops for the air fryer is a simple process, and a great way to get juicy, tender results. You can use any kind of pork chops, but boneless chops are easier to eat and less likely to dry out. Thick chops will give you a better char on the outside, but you can use thinner chops if that's all you have. Just remember that thinner chops will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Marinade or Seasoning

The first step in preparing your pork chops is to decide whether you want to marinate them or simply season them. Marinating the chops is the best way to add moisture and flavour, but it does take a little extra time. If you're in a hurry, a simple seasoning will work just fine.

Marinade

A basic marinade is made up of oil, an acid, and flavourings. For a delicious, sweet marinade, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and coarse ground black pepper. You can also add some rosemary for a savoury note. Place your pork chops in a zip-top bag or glass dish and pour the marinade over them. Leave them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even coating.

Seasoning

If you're short on time, you can simply season your pork chops with a generous amount of pork chop seasoning or a spice rub. First, rub the chops with oil, then add your chosen seasoning and rub it in well. You can use a pre-made seasoning or make your own mix of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pre-Cooking

Before cooking, remove the chops from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand. Pat them dry with paper towels, then place them in the preheated air fryer. If you're using a marinade, discard the leftover marinade. If you're using a seasoning, lightly grease the air fryer basket first.

Post-cooking pork preparation

Once your pork chops are cooked, it's time to prepare them for serving. Firstly, remove the chops from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Tent the plate with foil to keep the meat warm. Allow the pork chops to rest for at least two minutes before serving. This step is crucial, as it lets the juices redistribute, making the meat super juicy.

If you want to add a crispy texture to your pork chops, you can lightly dust them with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before serving. These ingredients add flavor and texture without detracting from the dish.

While your pork chops are resting, you can prepare some simple sides to serve with them. Vegetables are always a healthy option, and you can easily whip up some air fryer Brussels sprouts, baked sweet potato, or carrots while your pork cooks. If you're looking for something more indulgent, consider making smoked mac and cheese or air fryer French fries.

If you have any leftovers, place them in a shallow container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked and cooled pork chops in a ziplock bag for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply microwave the chops for 20-30 seconds or pop them back into the air fryer until they're hot.

Air fryer temperature

Yes, you can cook marinated pork chops in the air fryer. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside, yet juicy and flavorful on the inside.

For boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick, cook at 400°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. If you are using bone-in pork chops, they will take a little longer, around 10–14 minutes.

If your pork chops are thinner, reduce the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster than thicker ones. For example, thinner pork chops may only need 5–10 minutes at 400°F.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for best results. Set it to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. You can also lightly grease the air fryer basket if needed.

To check if your pork chops are done, insert an instant-read food thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F. If the chops are not quite ready, return them to the air fryer and cook in 1-minute intervals until done.

Frequently asked questions