Air-Fryer Pork Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Juicy, tender, and flavourful pork chops can be achieved in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The air fryer's rapid air circulation ensures the pork chops are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The key to achieving this is choosing the right cut of meat, seasoning, and cooking time.

How long to cook frozen pork chops in an air fryer at 375

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen pork chops, then your air fryer is your best friend. You can have juicy and tender pork chops on your table in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep work. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Defrost the Pork Chops

Place the frozen pork chops in a single layer in your air fryer. Set the temperature to 380°F and let them defrost for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking in the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasonings

While the pork chops are defrosting, it's time to mix your seasonings. You can get creative here and use your favourite blend of spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. You can also add some olive oil to the mix for extra flavour.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Once the chops have defrosted, take them out of the air fryer and transfer them to a cutting board. Spray them with cooking spray, and then generously sprinkle your dry rub all over the meat. Make sure to get a nice, even coating so that every bite is packed with flavour.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Chops

Now it's time to put your seasoned pork chops back into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F and let them cook for 12-18 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chops, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your pork chops have reached the perfect temperature, take them out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your chops are nice and juicy. After a 5-minute rest, your pork chops are ready to serve!

Tips and Tricks:

• Thick pork chops work best in the air fryer, as they have more time to develop a beautiful char on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• If you want a crispy coating, try dusting the chops lightly with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before air frying.

How to make juicy pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spices of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning)

Optional:

• Parmesan cheese
• Brown sugar
• Ground mustard

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel.
• Rub the pork chops with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, as well as any other spices you wish to include.
• If you want to include Parmesan cheese or brown sugar in your seasoning, mix these together in a bowl first, then rub the mixture into the pork chops.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Cook the pork chops at 375°F for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and number of pork chops you are cooking.
• Check that the pork chops are cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

How to make crispy pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless pork chops
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Cumin (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, so don't skip it!
• Next, rub your pork chops with olive oil. Make sure to coat both sides of the meat.
• Now it's time to add your seasonings. You can use a combination of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use smoked paprika and cumin for a smokier flavor. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl, then rub them onto the pork chops, making sure to coat both sides.
• If you want an extra crispy coating, you can dredge the pork chops in a shallow dish of Parmesan cheese after seasoning.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 9-12 minutes, flipping the pork chops halfway through. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Once the pork chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For thicker pork chops, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• If you want more crispy pork chops, try dusting them lightly with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before air frying.
• To check if your pork chops are done, use an instant-read food thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

How to make tender pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 4 pork chops
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper

Method

Step 1: Prepare the pork chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them to absorb the oil and seasoning.

Step 2: Season the pork chops

Add the olive oil to a bowl with the pork chops and rub the oil generously over them.

Mix the spices in a separate bowl, then rub the spices on both sides of the pork chops.

Step 3: Cook the pork chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 9 minutes at 375F, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Rest the pork chops

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you want crispy pork chops, lightly dust them in panko breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese before cooking.
• To test if the pork chops are cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• If you are cooking more than two pork chops, you may need to cook them in batches so as not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• For thicker pork chops, you may need to increase the cooking time.

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

Ingredients:

• Bone-in pork chops (2 chops, 1 1/2-2 inches thick)
• Olive oil (1-2 tbsp)
• Butter (2 tbsp, optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1/4-1/2 tsp)
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
• Smoked paprika (1 tbsp)
• Ground mustard (1 tsp)
• Brown sugar (2 tbsp)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or 400°F, depending on your recipe of choice). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, heat it at this temperature for 5 minutes.
• Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, mix together your olive oil, butter, and seasonings.
• Rub the spiced butter or oil mixture all over both sides of the pork chops.
• Place the pork chops in the preheated air fryer.
• Cook at 375°F for 9-15 minutes, or until your desired doneness. If cooking at 400°F, cook for 12-14 minutes. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time.
• Allow the pork chops to rest for 2-5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavourful and juicy than boneless pork chops.
• Thick pork chops (1 1/2-2 inches) are best for the air fryer as they char nicely on the outside without overcooking.
• You can use a variety of seasonings for your pork chops, including Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and ground mustard.
• It's important not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.
• To check if your pork chops are done, use an instant-read food thermometer. The target internal temperature is 140-145°F.

Frequently asked questions