Reheating Pork Chops: Air Fryer Magic

Reheating pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to retain their crispy exterior and juicy interior. It is also possible to reheat pork chops in the oven, microwave, steamer, or on the stove, but these methods may not deliver the same level of crispiness.

How to reheat pork chops in an air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide

Let the pork chops reach room temperature

Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help them heat up more evenly.

Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F. The exact temperature will depend on whether your pork chops are breaded or not. A higher temperature is better for maintaining the crispiness of breaded pork chops.

Prepare the pork chops

Lightly spritz or brush the pork chops with oil or cooking spray. This will help keep them moist and enhance their crispiness. You can also add extra seasoning to boost the flavour.

Place the pork chops in the air fryer

Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding will result in uneven heating.

Reheat the pork chops

For regular, non-breaded pork chops, reheat for 3-5 minutes. For breaded pork chops, reheat for 2-3 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chops, so adjust accordingly. Flip the chops halfway through for even heating.

Check the internal temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops have reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F. This is an important step to ensure the meat is thoroughly heated and safe to eat.

Let the pork chops rest

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and juicy.

Tips for Success

• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Always arrange the pork chops in a single layer.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or paper for easy cleanup, especially when reheating fried or breaded pork chops.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure the pork chops are thoroughly heated.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Preheat the air fryer for best results. This ensures the basket is nice and hot when you add the pork chops, and it helps them cook evenly.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chops. Thinner cuts will need less time, while thicker cuts may need a little longer.

How to get juicy pork chops

Yes, you can reheat pork chops in an air fryer. Here's how to get juicy pork chops:

Choose the Right Pork Chops

Selecting the right pork chops is essential for achieving juicy results. Opt for thick, centre-cut chops, either boneless or bone-in. The ideal thickness is between 1-inch to 2-inches. Thicker chops ensure a juicy middle and a nicely seared exterior. Thin chops tend to cook too quickly and may dry out.

Prepare the Pork Chops

Before cooking, bring the pork chops to room temperature by letting them rest outside the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If desired, you can also create a dry brine by seasoning the chops with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and letting them sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F to 400°F. A higher temperature is recommended if you're reheating fried or breaded pork chops.

Cook the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper airflow by arranging them in a single layer with space between each chop. For thicker chops, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner chops will take less time, around 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Rest and Serve

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and tender pork chops with a perfectly cooked interior and a crispy exterior, all achieved in the convenience of your air fryer.

How to get crispy pork chops

Preparation

Before cooking your pork chops, it's important to prepare them properly. Firstly, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. This step will help the seasonings stick to the meat and ensure even cooking. If you're using frozen pork chops, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Seasoning

For juicy and flavourful pork chops, a simple seasoning mix can be made by combining the following:

• Paprika
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Ground black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought seasoning blend such as lemon pepper seasoning, steak seasoning, Old Bay, or Creole seasoning. You can also add parmesan cheese to the spice mix for a golden brown crust.

Brush the pork chops with olive oil or a neutral-flavoured oil like canola or vegetable oil. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the chops, ensuring all sides are coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each chop for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

For thicker pork chops (around 1-inch thick), air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. For thinner pork chops, reduce the cooking time on the second side by 2 to 3 minutes. The pork chops are ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Resting

After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Tips

• To prevent the pork chops from drying out, avoid overcooking. Pork chops are notorious for drying out quickly, so it's crucial to monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Don't skip the oil! It helps to seal in moisture and ensures even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is necessary for even cooking.
• For thinner pork chops, reduce the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.
• Let the pork chops rest after cooking. This step ensures tender and juicy pork chops.

How to store leftover pork chops

Storing leftover pork chops correctly is essential to ensure they remain safe to eat and don't dry out. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover pork chops:

Step 1: Allow Pork Chops to Cool

Before storing, it's important to let your leftover pork chops cool to room temperature. Placing hot pork chops in the fridge can affect the temperature of the refrigerator and impact food safety.

Step 2: Choose Your Storage Container

Select an appropriate container for your leftover pork chops. You can use a glass or plastic container with an airtight lid, or wrap the chops tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Using a shallow container is best as it allows the chops to cool quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Refrigerate or Freeze

Leftover pork chops should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety. In the fridge, pork chops will last 3 to 4 days. If you're not planning to eat them within this time frame, it's best to freeze them.

Step 4: Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you opt for freezing, use a covered airtight container, heavy-duty freezer bag, or wrap the chops tightly in heavy-duty foil or freezer wrap. Frozen pork chops will maintain their quality for 2 to 3 months but can be stored safely beyond this period.

Tips for Storing Leftover Pork Chops:

• Avoid overcrowding your storage container. Leave some space around each pork chop for better air circulation and faster cooling.
• If you're storing multiple chops, consider wrapping them individually before placing them in the container or freezer bag to make it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Label your storage container or freezer bag with the date of storage and the contents. This helps you keep track of how long the pork chops have been stored and ensures you don't keep them beyond their recommended storage time.

What to serve with pork chops

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

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Applesauce
• Sauerkraut
• Roasted root vegetables
• Asparagus with a lemon Dijon sauce and roasted almonds or hazelnuts
• Rice pilaf with dried fruit and nuts
• Smashed potatoes
• Orzo cooked in chicken stock and white wine with grape tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Baked beans
• Roasted bell peppers
• Risotto
• Bread pudding or stuffing with roasted vegetables
• Spaetzle with sauerkraut
• French bread or baguette
• Corn on the cob
• Spinach salad
• Roasted cauliflower
• Potatoes au gratin
• Roasted asparagus with truffle oil
• Braised red cabbage with apple
• Cheese biscuits
• Fried plantain cakes
• Puree from any root vegetable
• Kale apple slaw
• Broccoli rabe
• Roasted cauliflower purée
• Hazelnut oil roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Corn on the cob and spinach salad
• Roasted garlic with olive oil
• White cheddar apple mac and cheese
• Fried apples
• Braised green cabbage
• Fresh cabbage slaw
• Home fries
• Stewed okra
• Tomato and cucumber salad
• Garlic and bacon roasted cauliflower
• Cream sauce (brown butter, cream, ground sage, garlic, Parmesan)
• Mac and cheese
• Green beans with pesto and lemon
• Apple and onion
• Polenta
• Mushroom gravy
• Gravy
• Green bean casserole
• Stovetop mac and cheese
• Baked potatoes
• Instant pot garlic mashed potatoes
• Instant pot carrots
• Cajun corn on the cob

Frequently asked questions