Flouring Pork Chops For The Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

You can definitely flour pork chops in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to get that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The key is to dredge the pork chops in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer. This will give them a delicious, crispy coating. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to add extra flavour. Just be sure to cook them in a single layer and flip them halfway through for even cooking.

How to flour pork chops for the air fryer

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops, 1/2-inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/3 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Olive oil
• 1 large egg
• Water

Method

• Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Set up three shallow bowls for the breading.
• Bowl 1: Whisk together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Bowl 2: Whisk together the eggs, a splash of water, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Bowl 3: Mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Place the pork chops one by one into the flour mixture and evenly coat. Shake off any excess flour and immediately place into the egg mixture, ensuring the pork chop is evenly coated. Let any excess egg drip off the pork chop and immediately place it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess and repeat with the remaining pork chops.
• If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place two pork chops in the basket or as many as you can fit without them touching. Spray the tops of the pork chops with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 4 minutes, turn them over, spray the top with more cooking spray, and air fry for an additional 4 minutes or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
• Serve with a garnish of parsley and more grated Parmesan, if desired.

Tips

• You can swap out the seasoning for your favourite blend.
• This same air fryer method can be used with bone-in chops. As long as they are the same thickness, the cooking time should stay the same.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F for about 7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Bone-in chops or pork chops that are thicker than 1/2-inch will take longer.
• If you’re allergic to eggs or want to use something else, olive oil, mayo, or Dijon mustard would work.

What temperature to cook pork chops in an air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking pork chops in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F. The higher temperature of 400°F is ideal for achieving a beautiful char on thick pork chops, while the lower temperature of 375°F is suitable for thinner chops.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and the temperature setting. For example, boneless pork chops that are 1/2-inch thick will take about 8 minutes at 400°F. Thicker, bone-in pork chops may take up to 20 minutes at the same temperature. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches at least 145°F to meet food safety guidelines.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheating the air fryer is an important step, especially when cooking at higher temperatures. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes before placing the pork chops inside. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply set it to air fry for 3 to 4 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops:

• For even cooking, ensure that the pork chops are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and are not overlapping or touching.
• Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Let the pork chops rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat succulent.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops and ensure they are cooked to the recommended temperature.

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a juicy and flavorful meal. By following the recommended temperatures and cooking times, you can ensure that your pork chops are cooked to perfection every time.

How long to cook pork chops in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook pork chops in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the thickness of the pork chops, whether they are boneless or bone-in, and the temperature setting of the air fryer.

As a general rule, pork chops will take anywhere from 8 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. For example, one recipe recommends cooking boneless pork chops that are 1/2-inch thick at 400° F for 8 minutes, flipping them once. On the other hand, thicker pork chops, ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 inches in thickness, may require a longer cooking time of about 12 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking times, so it's a good idea to keep a close eye on the pork chops while they're cooking and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The USDA guideline for food safety recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some recipes suggest letting the pork chops rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist and tender texture.

How to store leftover pork chops

To store leftover pork chops, you should wrap them tightly and refrigerate them as soon as possible. It is important to note that cooked pork should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and it should be consumed within four days of cooking. If you do not plan on eating the leftover pork chops within four days, you should freeze them.

When storing leftover pork chops in the refrigerator, it is important to maintain a temperature of 40°F or lower. This will ensure that the pork remains safe to consume for up to four days. To achieve this, you can use an appliance thermometer to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator. Additionally, storing raw meats on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator will prevent meat juices from dripping onto other foods.

If you plan on freezing leftover pork chops, it is important to do so as soon as possible to maintain the best quality. You can freeze cooked pork chops by removing the meat from the bones, wrapping them tightly in freezer-proof wrap or bags, and storing them in an airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing and freezing. Label the package with the date and contents, and use within two to three months.

To thaw frozen pork chops, it is recommended to do so in the refrigerator to ensure food safety. Cycles of freezing and thawing can cause moisture loss and increase the risk of freezer burn, so it is best to cook or freeze pork chops as soon as possible after purchasing.

What to serve with pork chops

There are many side dishes that go well with pork chops. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted broccoli or a baked potato
• Mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables
• Braised red cabbage with apple
• Apple sauce and/or a green vegetable (cabbage, collards, or spinach) with cheese biscuits
• Apple-slaw with a dressing made of mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil
• Puree from any root vegetable
• Apples, perhaps in a kale apple slaw
• Broccoli rabe
• Roasted cauliflower purée
• Potatoes au gratin, and roasted asparagus drizzled with truffle oil
• Homemade applesauce with a pinch of garam masala and extra cinnamon
• Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper and bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Mashed or fried sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, and a spinach salad
• Roasted garlic and olive oil
• Mac and cheese
• Fried apples
• Braised green cabbage
• Fresh cabbage slaw
• Home fries
• Stewed okra
• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
• Roasted carrots and parsnips
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• Creamy Parmesan polenta
• Steamed carrots with hot honey butter
• Mashed butternut squash
• Beet salad
• Sweet onion casserole
• Butternut squash and fennel gratin
• Braised sweet potatoes with Piri Piri pecans
• Skillet-roasted cabbage wedges
• Zesty corn-and-squash salad
• Roasted pepper-tomato salad with crispy black-eyed peas
• Fennel slaw
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Skillet-charred pole beans with bacon
• Southern-style potato salad
• Crispy smashed potatoes
• Slow-cooker green beans
• Creamed corn
• Buttermilk cornbread
• Yeast rolls
• Grilled okra-and-pepper skewers with Dijon dipping sauce
• Sweet potato gratin
• Baked beans
• Classic baked macaroni and cheese
• Southern-style collard greens
• Home-style butter beans
• Classic deviled eggs

Frequently asked questions