Air Fryer Pork Chops: Timing For Thick Cuts

Thick pork chops can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and the desired level of doneness. It is recommended that pork chops be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. To achieve this temperature, thick pork chops will need to be cooked for around 12-14 minutes in an air fryer set to 400°F.

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 specific ingredients and quantities you'll need will depend on your personal preferences. However, here is a list of commonly used ingredients for an air fryer pork chop rub:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Ground mustard

You can also add other spices like chili powder or cayenne pepper for some extra spice. To make the rub, simply mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl.

Once you have your rub ready, here are the steps to follow:

• Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. This is an important step to ensure that the rub adheres properly to the meat.
• Brush or coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil. This will help the rub stick to the meat and also add some extra crispiness to the pork chops.
• Sprinkle the rub generously on both sides of the pork chops and press it into the meat. Make sure to use enough rub to properly coat the meat.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the pork chops are done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F in the thickest portion of the meat.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute and result in juicy and tender pork chops.

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

How to cook thick pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

To cook thick pork chops in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pork chops ?(bone-in or boneless)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your pork chops. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel on both sides, then brush each pork chop with olive oil.

Next, make your rub. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Sprinkle the rub on both sides of the pork chops and press it into the meat.

Once your air fryer has preheated, place the pork chops inside and cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The total cook time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. For thicker pork chops, you may need to cook them for up to 30 minutes.

To check if your pork chops are done, use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork to 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

• For the best results, be sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the pork chops.
• It is important to choose pork chops that are similar in size and thickness so that they cook evenly.
• Do not overcook your pork chops, as this can make them dry.
• You can adjust the amount of rub you use according to your preference.
• For a crispy finish, spray your air fryer basket with olive oil before adding the pork chops.
• If you are cooking multiple pork chops, be sure to leave space between them in the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.

How long to cook thick pork chops in an air fryer

The cooking time for thick pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat, the temperature of the air fryer, and your desired level of doneness.

For example, for 1-inch-thick pork chops, you can cook them for around 10 minutes in an air fryer set to 400°F. If your pork chops are thicker, around 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches, you may need to cook them for 12 to 14 minutes at the same temperature.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the pork chops with an instant-read food thermometer. The target internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F, but this can range from 145°F to 160°F depending on your preferred level of doneness, from medium-rare to well-done.

To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pork chops. Additionally, flipping the pork chops halfway through the cooking time helps to ensure even browning and cooking.

Instructions for Cooking Thick Pork Chops in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels and coating them with a small amount of olive oil.
• Season the pork chops with your desired rub or seasoning blend. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or create a more complex rub with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
• Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
• Cook the pork chops for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F to 160°F. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of your pork chops and your desired level of doneness, you can ensure that your thick pork chops turn out juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

What temperature to cook thick pork chops in an air fryer

To cook thick pork chops in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. The cooking time will be around 12-30 minutes, depending on how well done you like your pork. Aim for an internal temperature of 140-160°F, flipping the chops halfway through.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

It is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure your pork chops cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 370-400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Prepare Your Pork Chops

Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. If your pork chops have a thick rind, use a sharp knife to cut through it at 1-inch intervals to prevent curling. Place the chops in a bowl and drizzle with a small amount of oil, or brush each side with olive oil.

Make a Rub

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. A simple rub can be made with brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the rub on both sides of the pork chops and press it into the meat.

Cook the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 12-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-160°F. For thicker pork chops, you may need to cook for a few minutes longer. Flip the chops over halfway through the cooking time.

Rest and Serve

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and your chops stay juicy.

Tips

• The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and the power of your air fryer. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure your chops are cooked to your liking.
• If your air fryer starts smoking, it is due to too much fat in the pan. Simply drain the fat and continue cooking for the remaining time.
• If your pork chops won't fit in a single layer, cook them in batches or overlap them in the basket, ensuring you flip and rotate them for even cooking.
• You can also bread your pork chops by tossing them in mayonnaise and pressing them into breadcrumbs before air frying.

What to serve with thick pork chops

When it comes to serving thick pork chops, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the meal. Here are some options to consider:

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Corn
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer broccoli
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer baby carrots
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Roasted asparagus
• Sautéed zucchini
• Coleslaw
• Homemade sauerkraut
• Cabbage

Starch

• Mashed potatoes
• Air fryer steakhouse loaded baked potatoes
• Air fryer Parmesan potatoes
• Air fryer Parmesan garlic pork chops
• Oven-roasted little red potatoes
• Baked French fries
• Oven-roasted cauliflower
• Basmati rice
• Brown rice

Salads

Simple green salad

Gravy

• Pan sauce made with chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, honey, and butter
• Pork gravy made with flour and broth or a combination of flour, pork broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth

Frequently asked questions