Air Fryer Pork Chops: Bone-In, But How Long?

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. The air fryer's rapid cooking time and even heat distribution ensure that the pork chops are perfectly cooked without drying out.

This guide will show you how to make juicy and flavourful bone-in pork chops in an air fryer, with tips on ingredients, preparation, and cooking times.

How to make a rub for bone-in pork chops

There are a few different ways to make a rub for bone-in pork chops, depending on your taste preferences and how much time you have. You can make a dry rub with spices, a wet rub with olive oil and spices, or a marinade with olive oil and other liquids.

Dry Rub

A dry rub is a mixture of spices that you rub onto the surface of the pork chops. This method is quick and easy, and you probably already have the spices you need in your kitchen. Here's a simple recipe:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well blended. You can also add a little cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder if you like your meat spicy. Generously rub the mixture over the pork chops before cooking. This rub can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Wet Rub

A wet rub is similar to a dry rub, but you mix the spices with a small amount of olive oil to create a paste that you then rub onto the meat. Here's a recipe for a wet rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl, then mix in the olive oil to form a paste. Rub the paste generously over the pork chops, making sure to coat all sides.

Marinade

A marinade is a mixture of oil, acid (such as lemon juice), and spices that the pork chops are soaked in for a period of time before cooking. This method adds extra flavour and tenderness to the meat. Here's a recipe for a marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then add the pork chops and turn to coat. Marinate the pork chops in the refrigerator for 1 to 12 hours before cooking.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Chop

• Bring the pork chops to room temperature before cooking.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before applying the rub or marinade. This helps the meat absorb the flavours.
• Don't marinate the pork chops for longer than 12 hours, as they can become mushy.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Now you have all the tools to make delicious, flavourful, and tender bone-in pork chops in your air fryer!

How to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bone-in pork chops (about 1 1/2-2 inches thick)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, cumin, dried thyme, brown sugar, etc.)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, run it at 400°F for 5 minutes to warm up.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
• Drizzle or brush olive oil on both sides of the pork chops.
• In a small bowl, mix all your seasonings together.
• Rub the seasoning mixture into the pork chops, making sure to coat both sides.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Thicker pork chops will likely need a few extra minutes.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Bone-in pork chops tend to be meatier and more flavourful than boneless chops, but they do take longer to cook.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you are cooking more chops than will fit comfortably in a single layer, cook in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. This will help you avoid overcooking them, which can make them tough and dry.
• Letting the meat rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute and be reabsorbed, resulting in juicy and tender pork chops.

How to store and reheat bone-in pork chops

Bone-in pork chops are a tasty treat, but what do you do if you have leftovers? Here's a guide on how to store and reheat bone-in pork chops to perfection.

Storing Bone-in Pork Chops

Leftover pork chops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Bone-in Pork Chops in the Oven

The oven method is a great way to reheat bone-in pork chops while keeping them juicy. Here's what you do:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water or broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) to an oven-safe pan.
• Place the pork chops in the pan.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
• Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly heated.
• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Reheated pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Reheating Bone-in Pork Chops in the Microwave

The microwave is a quick option for reheating bone-in pork chops, but they can dry out easily. To prevent this, use the following method:

• Place the pork chops in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the pork chops with a damp paper towel.
• Heat on 50% power for 30-second intervals, checking after each interval to make sure the pork chops are warm and not drying out.
• Continue until the meat is warm in the center and edges.
• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Reheated pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating Bone-in Pork Chops on the Stovetop

The stovetop method is a great option if you want something faster than the oven but tastier than the microwave. Here's how to do it:

• Use a skillet large enough to fit the pork chops.
• Add a splash or two of water, broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable), or oil to the skillet.
• Place the pork chops in the skillet.
• Cover and simmer until the pork is hot, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Add more liquid if the skillet starts to dry out.
• Continue until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now you know how to store and reheat bone-in pork chops like a pro! Enjoy your juicy and flavorful pork chops any time.

What to serve with bone-in pork chops

Juicy, tender, and flavourful bone-in pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

• Air fryer vegetables: Cut and season your favourite veggies while the pork chops are cooking, then air fry them while the meat rests. Try air fryer Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or a mix of vegetables.
• Roasted veggies: For a heartier meal, roast some vegetables in the oven while the pork chops are marinating. Good options include asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli.
• Sautéed zucchini, cabbage, or green beans
• Mashed cauliflower or creamy mashed potatoes

Salads

• Sweet kale salad
• Crunchy and creamy cucumber salad
• Tangy artichoke salad

Starches

• Roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
• Fried rice or cauliflower fried rice
• Mac and cheese

Other

• BBQ sauce: Spread it on the pork chops before or after baking for a wonderful BBQ flavour.
• Parmesan cheese: Add some to the spice rub for extra flavour.
• Ranch seasoning packet: Sprinkle it on the pork chops for added flavour; it's a hit with the kids!

Why bone-in pork chops are better than boneless

Bone-in pork chops and boneless pork chops are both great options for a quick and tasty meal. However, bone-in pork chops offer several advantages over their boneless counterparts. Here are some reasons why bone-in pork chops may be a better choice:

More Flavourful

Bone-in pork chops are believed to have a fuller flavour due to the presence of the bone and extra fat. The bone and fat release moisture and impart a rich, juicy taste to the meat. This can prevent the meat from drying out, resulting in a more tender and succulent dish.

Better Presentation

Bone-in pork chops also offer a more appealing and professional presentation, especially when "Frenched". Frenched bone-in pork chops have the meat carefully removed from the exposed bone, giving them a high-end, elegant appearance.

More Affordable

Bone-in pork chops are typically less expensive than boneless chops because they contain less meat. While you get a smaller amount of edible meat, it is often more flavourful due to the bone and fat content.

Easier to Find

Bone-in pork chops might be harder to find pre-packaged in grocery stores, but they are usually available at the meat counter or from a local butcher. This gives you the opportunity to source fresh, high-quality meat directly from a trusted source.

Slower Cooking

Although bone-in pork chops take a little longer to cook, this can be advantageous. The slower cooking time allows for more flavour development and gives you a greater margin of error, reducing the risk of overcooking.

In conclusion, while boneless pork chops offer convenience and speed, bone-in pork chops deliver on flavour, presentation, and affordability. They are an excellent choice for a juicy, memorable meal that your taste buds will surely appreciate!

Frequently asked questions