Air Fryer Pork Chops: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, as they can be 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. For example, boneless pork chops that are 1-inch thick will take around 12-14 minutes to cook, while thicker ones will take a few extra minutes. Bone-in pork chops may take 1-2 minutes longer than boneless. It is important to preheat the air fryer and ensure that the pork chops are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can affect cooking time and evenness.

How to season pork chops for the air fryer

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

The best pork chops for the air fryer are thick, center-cut, bone-in chops. Aim for a thickness of between 1 ½ inches to 2 inches. Thick pork chops give a beautiful char on all sides and require a cooking time of about 12 minutes. Thin pork chops will cook too quickly and won't get that nice char.

Rinse and Dry

Before you season your pork chops, it's important to rinse them with cool water and then pat them dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, so don't skip it!

The Dry Rub

Now it's time to make your rub seasoning mix. You can use a variety of spices and seasonings, such as:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Ground mustard
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Soy sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Barbecue sauce
• Montreal steak seasoning

Simply mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl. You can also add olive oil to your spice mix, or coat the pork chops with olive oil before applying the rub.

Applying the Rub

Once your rub is ready, it's time to apply it to the pork chops. Use your hands to make sure the rub is applied liberally and evenly to all sides of the meat. Really work it in there!

Cooking Your Pork Chops

Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place your seasoned pork chops inside and cook for around 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chops, so it's a good idea to keep a meat thermometer on hand to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of at least 145°F but preferably no higher than 160°F.

Resting and Serving

Once your pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, slice them into thin slices and serve. Enjoy the juicy, seasoned pork chops!

How to cook pork chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Parmesan (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or brown sugar)

Method

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them absorb any seasoning or marinade and keep them juicy.
• If you have time, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
• Alternatively, create a dry rub by mixing together your chosen seasonings. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and then coat them liberally in the dry rub.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a small space between each chop.
• Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.
• Check the pork chops are cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should reach 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 you want extra crispy pork chops, dredge them in a mixture of beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
• You can also marinate the pork chops for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to add extra flavour.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.
• Bring the pork chops to room temperature before cooking, if possible. This will help them cook more evenly.
• Don't marinate the pork chops for longer than 12 hours, or they may become mushy.
• If you are cooking frozen pork chops, cook for an initial 3-5 minutes, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply run it for 5 minutes at 400°F before adding the pork chops.

How long to rest pork chops after air frying

Air-fried pork chops are a quick and easy meal, but it's important to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure the best results. Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, you should let them rest for at least 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your pork chops are juicy and tender.

Factors Affecting Resting Time

The main factor affecting the resting time of your pork chops is their thickness. Thicker pork chops, such as those between 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, will benefit from a longer resting time, while thinner pork chops may only need a couple of minutes.

Another factor is the type of pork chop you are cooking. Bone-in pork chops may take longer to cook and rest than boneless pork chops.

Checking Doneness

To check if your pork chops are done, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F. If your pork chops are not quite at the desired temperature, you can always put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Once your pork chops have rested and you've checked that they're cooked to your liking, it's time to serve them! Air fryer pork chops go well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, salads, or potatoes. Enjoy your juicy and tender air fryer pork chops!

What temperature to cook pork chops in the air fryer

The ideal temperature to cook pork chops in an air fryer is 400°F (204°C).

To achieve the best results, it is important to preheat your air fryer to this temperature for about five minutes. Once preheated, place your pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, they will take around 12-15 minutes to cook. It is recommended that you flip your pork chops halfway through the cooking process.

To check that your pork chops are cooked, you can use an instant-read food thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F has been reached.

What to serve with air fryer pork chops

Juicy, tender, and delicious air fryer pork chops are best served with a side of vegetables, potatoes, salad, or rice.

Vegetables

Air-fried vegetables are a great option to serve with pork chops. You can cut and season the veggies while the pork chops are in the air fryer, and then quickly air fry them while the meat rests. Try air fryer Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, or mixed vegetables.

You can also roast vegetables while the pork is marinating. Some options include roasted asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli.

Potatoes

Pork chops and potatoes are a classic combination. You can make simple roasted potatoes or try something more indulgent like creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Air fryer roasted potatoes are also a great option, especially if you're looking for a crispy texture.

Salad

A salad can be a light and refreshing side dish to accompany the pork chops. Try an apple walnut salad or something more savory like a Mediterranean-style salad with cucumbers, fennel, olives, and feta.

Rice

A simple side of rice, either brown or white, can complement the flavors of the pork chops without overwhelming them. For a more flavorful option, try a rice dish like Portuguese-style mint rice or buttery garlic rice.

Frequently asked questions