Air-Fryer Pork Chops: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender main course on the table in under 20 minutes. This method of cooking ensures a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the meat moist on the inside.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. On average, boneless pork chops will take 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in chops will take 11-15 minutes. The target internal temperature for pork is 145°F.

How to season pork chops for the air fryer

Choosing the Right Cut

The best pork chops for the air fryer are thick, center-cut, and can be either bone-in or boneless. Bone-in cuts have more flavour but take a bit longer to cook. Thicker chops, around 1 to 2 inches, are better as they have a beautiful char on all sides.

Marinade or Seasoning?

You can either marinate your pork chops or simply season them. A marinade will make them more tender and flavourful, but it does require some forward planning. A simple seasoning rub is a great option if you're short on time.

Marinade

For a marinade, you'll need olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves, plus salt and pepper. The olive oil locks in moisture, the lemon juice makes the pork tender, and the coconut aminos add flavour and a hint of sweetness.

Seasoning

For a seasoning rub, you can use garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You'll need around 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of pork. A simpler option is to just use salt and pepper.

How to Apply

Whether you're using a marinade or a seasoning rub, make sure you pat the pork chops dry first with paper towels. This will help them absorb the flavours. Then, simply add your marinade or rub and make sure all sides are coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the basket, leaving a small space between each piece. Cook for around 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should be 145°F.

Resting

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

Sides

Air fryer pork chops go well with a variety of sides. Try air fryer vegetables, potatoes, or simple salads. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables, rice, or in a sub with slaw and BBQ sauce.

How to cook pork chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings/spices (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, etc.)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Start by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
• If desired, create a marinade or rub for your pork chops. You can use a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or try something more complex like a mix of olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub of seasonings like brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• If possible, bring the pork chops to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
• Cook the pork chops for 8-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of pork chops you are using. Boneless pork chops will generally take 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops may take 11-15 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• If using a marinade, marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 12 hours.
• Preheating the air fryer is important, especially for this recipe as the cooking time is relatively short.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to avoid overcooking.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

How long to rest pork chops after air frying

Air-fried pork chops are a quick and easy meal to make, but it's important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the pork chops are juicy and tender.

Most recipes recommend letting the pork chops rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This short resting time ensures that the meat stays warm, while also giving the juices a chance to settle.

However, if you are cooking thicker pork chops, or if you want to be extra sure that the juices are redistributed, you can let the pork chops rest for up to 5 minutes. This will give you slightly cooler meat, but it will still be warm enough to enjoy.

The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F, but the temperature will rise a few degrees while the meat rests. So, it's best to remove the chops from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 140-143°F and let them come to the ideal temperature while resting.

You can use this resting time to prepare a side dish or get your table set. Some great side dish options include roasted vegetables, salads, or potatoes.

By following these simple steps and allowing your pork chops to rest for a few minutes, you'll end up with a delicious and juicy meal that your family and friends will love.

How to store leftover pork chops

Leftover pork chops should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If you're not going to eat them within this time, it's best to freeze them.

Before storing, it's important to let the pork chops cool down. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or a leak-proof bag, or place them in an airtight container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, which can cause dry, white splotches on the meat and affect its taste and texture. You can also double-wrap the chops in plastic and foil for extra protection. Label the package with the date and, if necessary, reheating instructions.

Leftover pork chops can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, it's important to note that while pork can be safely eaten after this time, its texture may suffer.

When it comes to reheating, you can use an air fryer, oven, or microwave. If using an oven, consider adding a few drops of broth or water to prevent the meat from drying out. Always ensure that leftover pork is reheated to a temperature of 165°F to eliminate any potential bacterial growth.

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

Air fryer pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy pork chops:

Potatoes

Air fryer pork chops and potatoes are a perfect match and a convenient one-pan meal. You can use boneless pork loin chops or pork sirloin chops, and choose roasting potatoes such as russet, Maris Piper, Agria, or Sebago. Cut the potatoes into chunks, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper, or a simple homemade pork seasoning rub. Then, cook them in the air fryer along with your pork chops for a crispy golden feast.

Vegetables

A variety of vegetables go well with air fryer pork chops. You can opt for roasted or steamed veggies such as:

• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Zucchini

Salads

A simple salad can complement the hearty pork chops without overwhelming their flavour. Try a side salad with a tasty dressing or sauce, or opt for something more substantial like a cucumber salad, kale salad, or beet and kale salad.

Rice

Rice is another great option to serve with air fryer pork chops. Go for simple brown or white rice, or add a twist with Portuguese-style mint rice or buttery garlic rice.

Fruits

Fruits like apples can be a great complement to pork chops. Try serving them with a side of applesauce or an apple walnut salad.

Other Sides

Pork chops also go well with a variety of other sides, such as:

• Couscous
• Pasta
• Gravy
• Mushrooms
• Bread

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can mix and match to create a delicious and well-rounded meal!

Frequently asked questions