Air-Fried Pork Chops: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Yes, you can make fried pork chops in an air fryer! This method of cooking pork chops is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy results with a slight crisp on the outside. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The key to getting the best results is to use thicker pork chops, as thinner chops are more prone to drying out and overcooking. You can also get creative with seasonings to add extra flavour to your chops.

Choosing the right pork chops

Thickness:

Thicker pork chops are generally preferred for air frying. Aim for chops that are at least 1-inch thick, with some recipes recommending an ideal thickness of 1 ½ to 2 inches. Thicker chops have more time to develop a beautiful char on all sides without overcooking. Thin chops tend to cook too quickly and may dry out.

Bone-in or Boneless:

You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops for air frying. Bone-in chops may take slightly longer to cook and are preferred by some for their flavour and juiciness. Boneless chops are a good option if you want to reduce the cooking time.

Freshness:

Whenever possible, opt for fresh pork chops from a butcher rather than pre-packaged chops from a grocery store. Fresh chops will have less excess liquid, and you can select the perfect thickness and cut.

Type of Pork:

Look for high-quality, responsibly sourced pork. The specific type of pork you choose is a matter of personal preference and availability. Some options include chops from the loin, sirloin, or rib end.

Preparation:

Before cooking, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings adhere to the meat and promotes even cooking. You can also coat the chops lightly with olive oil or another cooking oil to further enhance seasoning adhesion and moisture retention.

Remember to allow your pork chops to come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help them cook more evenly. By choosing the right pork chops and following these simple preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and juicy air-fried pork chops.

Preparing the pork chops

Firstly, select the right type of pork chops. Thick-cut, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops are ideal, preferably between 1-inch to 2-inches thick. Thick pork chops help prevent overcooking and drying out, and bone-in chops add flavour to the meat.

Next, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat and ensures even cooking. Once the chops are dry, brush or coat them with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, butter, or a neutral-flavoured oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Now it's time to season the pork chops. In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. A simple seasoning mix could include paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add brown sugar for a sweeter flavour, or smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Cayenne or red pepper flakes will add a subtle heat to your chops. Once your seasoning mix is ready, sprinkle it generously all over the chops, making sure to coat both sides.

After seasoning, it's important to let the pork chops rest for about 30 minutes to bring them to room temperature. This helps the meat cook more evenly, preventing the outside from cooking faster than the inside.

Finally, place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 7 minutes. Then, flip the chops and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chops reaches 145°F.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your juicy, tender, and flavourful air-fried pork chops.

Making the rub

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple yet effective combination of spices for your rub includes paprika, salt, Italian seasoning or dried oregano, ground black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add brown sugar, cumin, or smoked paprika for a smokey flavour. If you want to add some heat, include cayenne or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter option, try adding more brown sugar to create a sticky and delicious outer crust. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile.

Once you have your chosen spices, it's time to mix them together. Measure out equal parts of each spice you've chosen and combine them in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities based on your personal preference and how much meat you're preparing. Mix the spices thoroughly so that the flavours are evenly distributed. You can also add some olive oil to the mixture to create a paste-like consistency, which will help the rub adhere better to the meat.

Now it's time to prepare the pork chops. Start by patting the chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it ensures that the rub will stick to the meat. Then, brush each pork chop with a thin layer of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. You can also use butter if you're feeling indulgent! The oil will help the rub stick to the meat and also promote a juicy, moist texture.

Next, it's time to apply the rub. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the pork chops, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, pressing firmly so that the rub adheres well. Don't be shy with the rub—use a liberal amount to ensure maximum flavour. You can also try coating the chops in the spice mix, pressing the rub onto the meat to ensure it sticks.

Once the pork chops are nicely coated, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the pork chops at a temperature of around 375-400°F for about 7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Flipping the chops halfway through ensures even cooking.

Finally, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Your air-fried pork chops are now ready to be enjoyed!

Cooking the pork chops

First, take your pork chops out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start cooking to let them rise to room temperature. This will ensure that the whole chop cooks evenly.

Next, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat. Then, coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.

Now, make your seasoning mix. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, cumin, and/or smoked paprika. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl.

After this, coat the pork chops with the seasoning mixture, making sure to press the seasoning so that it adheres to the meat. This will add a flavorful crust to the pork chops.

Once your pork chops are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space around each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork chops in batches.

Set your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F and cook the pork chops for 7-10 minutes. Flip the chops and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature of each chop reaches 145°F.

Let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy pork chops.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer pork chops. Here are some ideas:

Air Fryer Vegetables

Try serving your pork chops with air fryer vegetables, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. This way, you can cook both your main and side dish in the air fryer!

Potatoes

Air fryer pork chops go well with various potato dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and sweet potato fries.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots and butternut squash are delicious, sweeter vegetable options that complement the flavour of pork chops.

Salad

A roasted vegetable salad, crunchy kale salad, or Brussels sprout salad are also excellent choices to serve on the side.

Something Sweet

For an unconventional pairing, try serving your pork chops with skillet fried apples!

Other Sides

Other side dish ideas include creamy corn casserole, steamed carrots with hot honey butter, or spaghetti squash carbonara.

Frequently asked questions