Air-Fryer Pork: The Perfect Timing Guide

Cooking pork in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tender and juicy cut of meat. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the cut and whether the pork is boneless or bone-in. Typical 1-inch-thick pork chops in the air fryer take about 12-14 minutes to cook. Thinner ones will cook more quickly, and boneless cuts will cook 1-2 minutes faster than bone-in.

How to cook pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Onion powder
• Ground mustard
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Dried parsley (optional)

Method

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
• If you have time, prepare a marinade with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub with brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Marinate the pork chops for up to 12 hours in the fridge. If you're short on time, you can simply brush the pork chops with oil and season them generously with your chosen rub.
• Remove the pork chops from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of pork chop you are using. Boneless pork chops will take 1-2 minutes less than bone-in.
• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• It is best to use a meat thermometer to check that your pork chops are cooked to the correct temperature.
• You can also cook frozen pork chops in the air fryer. Cook for 3-5 minutes first, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.

How long to cook pork chops in an air fryer

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

Bone-in Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops typically take longer to cook than boneless chops. They should be cooked for around 12-14 minutes in an air fryer set to 400°F. The internal temperature should be at least 140°F, and the chops should be flipped halfway through the cooking time.

Boneless Pork Chops

Boneless pork chops are easier to eat and less likely to dry out. They typically cook more quickly than bone-in chops, taking around 10-12 minutes in an air fryer set to 380°F. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F, and the chops should be flipped halfway through the cooking time.

Thickness

The thickness of the pork chops will also affect the cooking time. Chops that are less than half an inch thick will cook more quickly, while thicker chops (around 1 ½ inches to 2 inches) will take longer. It's important to ensure that all the chops are of a similar thickness so that they cook at the same rate.

Preheating

It's recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the pork chops. Preheat at 400°F for 5 minutes, or until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Resting

It's important to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, resulting in a juicier and more tender chop.

How to cook pork roast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork loin roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• Salt to taste

Method

• Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Dry the pork with a paper towel and coat all sides with oil.
• Sprinkle the dry rub over the pork and press it into the meat with your hands. Keep adding dry rub until it's all used up.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
• Add the pork to the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes per pound. A 3-pound roast will take around 45 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Let the roast rest, tented with foil, before serving with your choice of sides.

Tips

• This recipe works best with a 3-pound pork loin roast, but you can adjust the cooking time for different sizes.
• If you're not sure if the pork is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 145°F.
• This air fryer pork roast is tender and easy to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut it into ½-inch slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.

How long to cook pork roast in an air fryer

The cooking time for pork roast in an air fryer depends on the weight of the roast. As a rule of thumb, you should cook the roast for 15 minutes per pound at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40 minutes to cook. The ideal internal temperature for the pork roast is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before cooking, dry the pork with a paper towel and coat all sides with oil. Then, apply a dry rub and press it into the meat. You can make the dry rub by combining coconut sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

When the air fryer is preheated, add the roast and cook for the appropriate amount of time based on its weight. After cooking, let the roast rest tented with foil before serving.

What temperature to cook pork in an air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking pork chops in an air fryer is 360°F to 400°F. At this temperature, the pork chops will take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook, depending on whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops will cook faster than bone-in, so boneless chops should be cooked for around 12 minutes, and bone-in chops for 12 to 14 minutes.

For thicker pork chops, you will need to increase the cooking time. For example, chops that are 1-inch thick will take around 12 to 14 minutes, whereas chops that are 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick will take around 12 to 14 minutes.

It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pork chops. Preheat at the desired temperature for 5 minutes. Also, ensure that the chops are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overlapping, as this will affect the cooking time and temperature.

The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F. It is recommended to use a cooking thermometer to check that the chops are fully cooked before serving.

Frequently asked questions