Stacking Pork Chops In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, but can you stack them in the air fryer? The answer is no. When cooking pork chops in an air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer with space around each one. This is because the air fryer needs to have proper air circulation to cook the pork chops properly. If the air fryer is crowded, the pork chops will not cook evenly.

How to season pork chops for the air fryer

Pat the pork chops dry

Use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry. This will help the meat absorb the marinade and keep it juicy.

Marinate or season the pork chops

You can either marinate the pork chops or season them. If you have the time, marinating the pork chops will make them more tender and flavourful. To make a marinade, you will need olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. For a simpler option, brush the pork chops with oil and season them with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is especially important when cooking pork chops, as it helps prevent the meat from drying out.

Cook the pork chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each chop. Cook the pork chops for 12-14 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.

Let the pork chops rest

Before serving, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Tips for cooking pork chops in the air fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The ideal temperature is 145°F.
• For a sweeter flavour, add some brown sugar to the seasoning mix.
• For a smokier flavour, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

How long to cook pork chops in the air fryer

How long you cook pork chops in the air fryer depends on the thickness of the chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.

Boneless pork chops should be cooked for 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops will take a little longer at 11-15 minutes. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the chops with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked properly. The chops are ready to serve when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking pork chops in the air fryer at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Other recipes suggest cooking at 190°C/375°F for 9 minutes, again flipping halfway through.

If you are cooking thicker chops, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. One recipe suggests cooking chops that are 1 ½ – 2 inches thick at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to stack pork chops in the air fryer without overcrowding

To stack pork chops in an air fryer without overcrowding, follow these steps:

Firstly, it's important to note that the number of pork chops you can fit in your air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may only be able to fit 2 chops at a time without overcrowding. Ensure there is a small space between each chop so that the heat can circulate freely and cook them evenly.

Now, on to the method. Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and prevent it from drying out. Next, rub your pork chops with oil and season them generously with your chosen spices and herbs. You can place the seasonings in a bowl and mix them beforehand so that you can coat the chops evenly.

Once your chops are prepared, place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a little space around each one. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

Finally, cook according to your chosen recipe, flipping the chops halfway through. For example, for 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, air fry for about 12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes. For bone-in pork chops, add an extra 1-2 minutes.

How to prevent pork chops from drying out in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, but it's important to take steps to prevent them from drying out. Here are some tips to ensure your pork chops stay moist and juicy:

Choose the right pork chops

Selecting the right cut of pork chops is essential. Thicker chops are generally better as they retain moisture better than thinner ones. Aim for chops that are at least 1-inch thick, or even thicker if you can find them. You can use either bone-in or boneless chops, but thicker bone-in chops will take longer to cook.

Prepare the pork chops

Before cooking, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and also promote even cooking. If you have time, take the chops out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand to let them come to room temperature. This will help them cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside is still cold.

Use oil

Oil is crucial to sealing in moisture and preventing the pork chops from drying out. Brush or rub the chops generously with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will also help your seasonings stick to the meat.

Season generously

A good seasoning blend will add flavour to your pork chops and help keep them moist. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or try a combination of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and dried herbs. Alternatively, you can marinate the pork chops before cooking for even more flavour and moisture. A marinade with olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic is a great option.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Make sure to leave space between the pork chops in the air fryer basket. Crowding the basket will prevent the heat from circulating properly and can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

Use a meat thermometer

The best way to ensure your pork chops don't dry out is to avoid overcooking them. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and remove the chops from the air fryer when they're done.

Let the pork chops rest

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

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

Air fryer pork chops are best served with a side dish that complements their juicy, tender texture and mild taste. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer pork chops:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great healthy side dish to serve with air fryer pork chops. You can cook them in the air fryer while the pork rests, or try roasting or sautéing them. Some vegetable side dish options include:

• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Kale
• Fennel, carrot, and leek gratin
• Broccolini

Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular choice to serve with pork chops. You can cook them in the air fryer along with the pork chops or try other cooking methods like roasting or mashing. Some potato side dish options include:

• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Sour cream balsamic sweet potatoes

Salads

A salad can be a light and bright accompaniment to air fryer pork chops. Try something interesting and flavourful that will complement the pork. Some salad options include:

• Apple walnut salad
• Beet and goat cheese salad with arugula
• Shaved cucumber and fennel salad with olives and feta
• Kale salad
• Orzo salad with roasted veggies
• Couscous salad

Rice and Grains

Simple rice or grain side dishes can also pair well with air fryer pork chops. Try adding some flavour or herbs to make them more interesting. Some options include:

• Portuguese-style mint rice
• Garlic rice
• Barley with sage
• Smoked almond and herb couscous
• Orzo
• Couscous

Other Sides

There are also some other classic side dishes that go well with pork chops:

• Mushrooms
• Apple sauce
• Corn casserole
• Beet and kale salad

Frequently asked questions