Air-Fried Pork Chops: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, resulting in a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish. The rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside, yet remain juicy on the inside. The small size of the air fryer also prevents the juices from evaporating, making it harder to dry out the meat.

There are a variety of rubs and marinades that can be used to season the pork chops, with some recipes calling for olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops, but on average, it takes about 12-14 minutes to cook 1-inch-thick pork chops in an air fryer set to 380-400°F.

How to prepare pork chops for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need pork chops, oil, and a variety of seasonings.

For the seasonings, you can use a combination of Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include brown sugar, ground mustard, and olive oil.

Preparation

Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, rub the pork chops with oil and season them generously with your chosen seasoning blend. Make sure all sides of the pork chops are coated evenly.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.

Cook the pork chops for 9-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are bone-in or boneless. For thicker pork chops, you may need to increase the cooking time.

To ensure your pork chops are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.

Once the pork chops have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• It is recommended to bring the pork chops to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you have time, you can marinate the pork chops before cooking. A simple marinade can be made using olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Leave a small space between each pork chop. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
• You can also cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Cook them for 3-5 minutes first, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.

How to cook pork chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Ground mustard (optional)

Method

• Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel.
• If you have time, marinate your pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. Alternatively, brush them with oil and season generously with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each chop.
• Cook for 9-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of pork chop. Boneless pork chops will cook faster than bone-in, and thicker chops will take longer.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• It's important to preheat your air fryer for this recipe.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The ideal temperature is 145°F, but it will continue to rise a few degrees while the meat rests.
• You can also cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Cook for 3-5 minutes first, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.

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, the power of the air fryer, and whether the chops are boneless or bone-in.

For boneless pork chops, you should allow for 8-12 minutes of cooking time. Bone-in pork chops will need a little longer, at 11-15 minutes. However, the most important factor in determining when your pork chops are cooked is the internal temperature of the meat. Pork chops are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C or higher. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

If you are cooking boneless pork chops that are 1-inch thick, they will likely be done in around 12 minutes. If you are cooking thicker chops, you will need to increase the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking 1½-2-inch thick pork chops for 12-14 minutes, and another suggests 17 minutes for 1-inch thick chops.

It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the pork chops. You should also ensure that the chops are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overlapping or touching. If you are cooking more chops than will fit in a single layer, cook them in batches.

How to store leftover pork chops

It is important to store leftover pork chops properly to ensure they remain safe to eat and retain their flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover pork chops:

Step 1: Cool the Pork Chops

If you have cooked pork chops that you want to store, it is important to let them cool down to room temperature first. Do not leave the pork chops at room temperature for longer than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Step 2: Wrap the Pork Chops

Once the pork chops have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or place them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible if using a bag or container. This will help prevent the meat from drying out and will keep it fresh for longer.

Step 3: Refrigerate or Freeze

Leftover pork chops should be refrigerated as soon as possible and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you are not planning to eat the pork chops within this time frame, it is best to freeze them. Place the wrapped chops in the freezer, ensuring they are labelled with the date. Cooked pork chops can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Step 4: Reheat and Serve

When you are ready to eat the leftover pork chops, remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and let them thaw if frozen. Reheat the pork chops to a temperature of at least 165°F to ensure any bacteria that may have grown during storage is eliminated. You can then serve and enjoy your leftover pork chops!

What to serve with pork chops

Juicy, tender, and delicious air fryer pork chops can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your main course:

Roasted/Steamed Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish to serve with air fryer pork chops. You can season and roast almost any vegetable of your choice. Some popular options include roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, roasted carrots and parsnips, roasted asparagus, and roasted cabbage wedges. You can also steam vegetables like carrots with hot honey butter.

Potato Dishes

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in multiple ways to accompany your air fryer pork chops. Some ideas include mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, potatoes au gratin, super crispy smashed potatoes, and classic potato salad. For a unique twist, try Rajas Poblanos with Potatoes, which combines poblano peppers with a cheesy potato gratin.

Salads

Salads can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pork chops. Options include a zesty corn-and-squash salad, a roasted pepper-tomato salad with crispy black-eyed peas, a double beet salad with honey-Dijon vinaigrette, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.

Comfort Food

For a comforting side dish, try macaroni and cheese, especially a white cheddar apple mac and cheese. You could also make a batch of classic deviled eggs or buttermilk cornbread.

Gravy and Sauces

A good gravy or sauce can elevate your pork chops. Try a mushroom gravy, or a bacon broth/wine reduction sauce. For a fruity option, serve your pork chops with a spiced apple-pear sauce.

Other Sides

Frequently asked questions