Air-Frying Pork Chops: The Nuwave Way

The air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance for cooking pork chops, and it can be done in a NuWave oven. Air fryers are known for producing juicy and tender pork chops with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. For example, thinner chops may need only 10 minutes, while thicker ones can take up to 20 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking pork chops in an air fryer is 400°F, and it is recommended to flip the chops over halfway through the cooking process.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork chops in a Nuwave Air Fryer depend on the thickness and type of pork chops being cooked. For example, boneless pork chops that are 1-inch thick should be cooked for 12-15 minutes at 375°F, while bone-in pork chops that are 1.5-2 inches thick should be cooked for 12 minutes at 400°F.

For thicker pork chops, it is generally recommended to increase the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking boneless pork chops that are 1-inch thick for 12-15 minutes, while another source recommends cooking boneless pork chops that are 1.5-2 inches thick for 20 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it is always good to use a cooking thermometer to check if the pork chops are cooked to 145°F. The best way to tell when pork chops are done is to use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature in the center of the meat. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F and then allowing the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving for food safety.

Additionally, the cooking time may depend on whether the pork chops are fresh or frozen. Fresh pork chops can be cooked in a NuWave oven for 12 minutes per inch of thickness, while frozen pork chops may take 18-22 minutes per inch of thickness.

How to season pork chops

You can cook pork chops in a NuWave air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops. For example, if you are cooking frozen pork chops, cook them on HI for 18 to 22 minutes per inch of thickness.

Now, for seasoning pork chops, there are a few methods and ingredients you can use. Firstly, it is important to note that you should season pork chops just a few minutes before cooking them. If you prefer a heavier flavour, you can let the pork chops marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

A basic pork chop seasoning can be made with simple pantry spices. For example, a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika can be used. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. If you are using fresh herbs, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram are great on pork chops.

Another seasoning blend includes Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. You can coat both sides of the pork chops with this mixture, pressing it into the meat to create a flavorful crust.

If you are using a rub, you can mix brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rinse the pork chops, pat them dry, and coat them with olive oil before applying the rub liberally.

Finally, when seasoning your pork chops, you can sprinkle the seasoning on from a distance of 8-10 inches above to ensure an even distribution. You can also press the seasoning into the meat with your palm, but avoid rubbing it in as this can cause the sugar to clump.

Preparing pork chops for the air fryer

Once you have your pork chops, you'll want to rinse them with cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important, so don't skip it! Next, create your seasoning mix. There are many different seasoning options, but a simple mix of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mix for a golden crust. Get creative and tinker with the formula to find what works for you. Once you've mixed your seasonings, coat the pork chops with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mix into the meat.

Now, you're ready to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. While you're waiting, you can chop some vegetables to cook alongside your pork chops. Air fryer vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, or butternut squash make excellent, tasty sides.

When your air fryer is ready, place the seasoned pork chops inside, making sure they're in a single layer with space around each one. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. For thicker chops, cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them over after 6 minutes. For thinner chops, cook at 375°F for around 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.

Once they're done, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy air fryer pork chops!

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook pork chops in the NuWave air fryer from frozen. The NuWave oven's infrared technology allows you to cook your pork chops from frozen and still achieve a well-cooked, tasty result with minimal fuss.

To cook pork chops from frozen in the NuWave air fryer, first, ensure your pork chops are at least 1-inch thick, as thinner chops tend to dry out and become tough. Place your 4-inch rack in the NuWave oven, with the liner pan in place at the base of the oven. Spray the rack with cooking spray.

Next, season your pork chops. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or a more complex dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, then coat the pork chops with olive oil and rub in the seasoning mix.

Now your pork chops are prepared, place them on the cooking rack and cover with the dome, lifting it by the handles on the power head. Set the NuWave cooker to HI and set the timer for 18 to 22 minutes per inch of pork chop thickness. When the timer goes off, remove the dome of the NuWave cooker and check the pork chops are cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should be 145°F. If the pork chops are not cooked, return them to the air fryer and cook in 2-minute increments until they reach the correct temperature.

Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and place them on a plate to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

How to serve

When cooking pork chops in a Nuwave air fryer, it's important to follow the correct serving instructions to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and safely. Firstly, let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the pork chops tender and juicy.

During the resting period, the meat's temperature will continue to rise a few degrees due to carryover cooking. This means that even after removing the pork chops from the air fryer, they will continue cooking slightly. Therefore, it's important not to overcook them in the air fryer itself. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F and then allowing it to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving for food safety.

After resting, the pork chops are ready to be served. They can be enjoyed as-is or with a side dish of your choice. Some possible side dishes that complement pork chops well include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. It's also important to note that any leftovers should be stored properly. Let the pork chops cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should remain fresh for around 3-4 days.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that pork chops can be cooked from fresh or frozen in a Nuwave air fryer. For frozen pork chops, simply increase the cooking time accordingly. For example, cook frozen pork chops on high power for 18 to 22 minutes per inch of thickness. By following these serving instructions, you can ensure that your Nuwave air-fried pork chops are not only delicious but also safe to consume.

Frequently asked questions