Air-Fryer Pork Chops: Time And Temperature Guide

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender meal. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. On average, boneless pork chops will cook 1-2 minutes faster than bone-in. The target internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.

How to cook pork chops without drying them out

Pork chops are a great source of lean protein, but they can easily become dry and chewy if overcooked. Here are some tips to ensure your pork chops stay moist and juicy:

Choose the Right Cut

Selecting the right type of pork chop is essential. Thick, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops are ideal, with a recommended thickness of between 1 ½ to 2 inches. Thicker chops have a lower chance of drying out and will develop a beautiful char on the outside.

Prepare the Meat

Before seasoning, it is important to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help the meat absorb the flavours of the seasoning or marinade. If using a marinade, do not exceed 12 hours, as the meat may become mushy.

Seasoning/Marinade

A simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper can be used. For extra moisture, a marinade of olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves is a great option. The olive oil in the marinade will help lock in moisture, while the lemon juice will tenderise the meat.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for around 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Resting

Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork chops are juicy and tender.

Sides and Storage

Pork chops go well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, salads, and potatoes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy moist and juicy pork chops without the fear of drying them out. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork chops!

How to make a rub for air fryer pork chops

To make a rub for air fryer pork chops, you'll need a combination of spices and seasonings. The exact measurements of each ingredient can vary depending on your taste preferences, but here is a list of commonly used spices and seasonings for an air fryer pork chop rub:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar
• Ground mustard

You can also add other spices and seasonings like cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, or smoked paprika to give it a little extra kick.

Once you have gathered your desired spices and seasonings, simply mix them together in a small bowl. You can then apply the rub to your pork chops, making sure to coat all sides of the meat liberally. After that, you can proceed to cook your pork chops in the air fryer according to your desired doneness.

• Gather your desired spices and seasonings.
• Mix the spices and seasonings together in a small bowl.
• Rinse your pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Coat the pork chops with a small amount of olive oil.
• Apply the rub to the pork chops, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
• Massage the rub into the meat, ensuring it adheres well to the pork chops.
• Let the pork chops sit for a few minutes to allow the rub to penetrate the meat.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (usually around 380-400°F).
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer and cook according to the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific air fryer model.
• Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The target temperature for pork is 145°F.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer once they have reached the desired internal temperature.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and seasonings to find your perfect rub for air fryer pork chops!

How long to cook pork chops in the air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook pork chops in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the meat, whether the pork chops are boneless or bone-in, and the power of your air fryer.

Bone-in Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops typically take longer to cook than boneless pork chops. Sources suggest cooking bone-in pork chops in an air fryer for around 11-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Boneless Pork Chops

Boneless pork chops will generally cook more quickly than bone-in chops. Sources recommend cooking boneless pork chops in an air fryer for 8-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Thickness of Pork Chops

The thickness of the pork chops will also impact the cooking time. Thicker pork chops will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Aim for pork chops that are around 1-2 inches thick for the best results in an air fryer.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It's important to preheat your air fryer before adding the pork chops. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.

Checking Doneness

To ensure your pork chops are cooked properly, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Resting the Pork Chops

Once your pork chops are cooked, it's a good idea to let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicy, tender pork chops.

How to store and reheat air fryer pork chops

Storing and reheating air fryer pork chops is simple and convenient. Here's a detailed guide to help you do it right:

Storing Air Fryer Pork Chops:

• Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• It is not recommended to reheat pork chops more than once, as they tend to dry out.

Reheating Air Fryer Pork Chops:

• Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. For regular pork chops, set it to 350°F, and for fried or breaded pork chops, set it to 400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded and have some space between them.
• For regular pork chops, reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
• For fried or breaded pork chops, reheat at 400°F for 2-3 minutes or until the center is warm and the outer breading is crispy.
• Always check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are thoroughly heated. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute and keep them moist.

Tips for Reheating:

• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, especially when reheating fried or breaded chops.
• Spritz or brush the pork chops with a small amount of oil before reheating to enhance crispiness.
• Drizzle melted butter over the chops before reheating for added moisture and flavor.
• Add extra seasoning to boost flavor, using your original blend or a simple combination of salt and garlic powder.

Keeping Pork Chops Juicy:

• Allow the pork chops to reach room temperature before reheating. This helps prevent the meat from drying out.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the basket is hot when you place the chops inside.
• Adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your pork chops. Thinner cuts may need 2-3 minutes, while thicker cuts might require an additional 1-2 minutes.

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer pork chops. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are a great option to serve with pork chops. Some ideas include:

• Roasted broccoli
• Roasted cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus
• Roasted zucchini
• Roasted eggplant
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Kale

Salads

A simple salad can also be a good side dish for pork chops. Some ideas include:

• Apple walnut salad
• Sweet kale salad
• Cucumber salad
• Artichoke salad

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for pork chops. Some ideas include:

• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Crispy air fryer baked potatoes
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Crash hot potatoes
• Garlicky Parmesan sweet potatoes
• Sour cream balsamic sweet potatoes
• Butter-roasted sweet potatoes

Rice

Rice is another good option to serve with pork chops. Some ideas include:

• Portuguese-style mint rice
• Buttery garlic rice
• Creamy spinach Parmesan orzo
• Smoked almond and herb couscous

Frequently asked questions