Air-Fried Pork Chops: The Perfect Timing

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 can take 12-14 minutes to cook at 400°F, while thinner ones will cook more quickly. Bone-in pork chops may take a minute or two longer. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F to adhere to food safety guidelines.

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 herbs. Here's a list of common ingredients used in a dry rub for pork chops:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Ground/Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Ground mustard

You can mix and match these ingredients to your taste preferences. Once you've selected your desired ingredients, simply mix them together in a small bowl.

When you're ready to apply the rub to your pork chops, follow these steps:

• Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle or brush the pork chops with olive oil, coating both sides.
• Generously apply the rub to the pork chops, ensuring the spices cover all sides of the meat.
• Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, ensuring an even coating.

Now your pork chops are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! You can follow the cooking instructions provided in your air fryer's manual or refer to online resources for specific cooking times and temperatures.

How to cook pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice

Method

• First, pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel.
• Next, coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
• If you're using any seasonings, mix them together in a bowl, then coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
• Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping the pork chops halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.
• Check that the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F using an instant-read food thermometer.
• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• For juicy, tender pork chops, choose thicker cuts of meat (around 1-2 inches thick).
• Bone-in pork chops have more flavour but will take longer to cook.
• You can use a variety of seasonings on your pork chops, such as Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• For a crispy crust, coat the pork chops in a breading of egg and breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Always flip your pork chops halfway through cooking for even results.
• Let the pork chops rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

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, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the pork chops are boneless or bone-in.

Thickness of the Pork Chops

The thicker the pork chops, the longer they will take to cook. For example, pork chops that are 1/2 inch thick will take less time to cook than those that are 1 inch or 2 inches thick.

Temperature of the Air Fryer

The cooking time will also depend on the temperature of the air fryer. Most sources recommend setting the air fryer between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it should take around 12 minutes to cook pork chops in an air fryer. At 380 degrees Fahrenheit, it should take around 10 minutes.

Boneless vs Bone-in Pork Chops

Boneless pork chops will cook faster than bone-in pork chops. On average, boneless pork chops will cook 1-2 minutes faster than bone-in pork chops.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if your pork chops are done is to use an instant-read food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop and make sure the internal temperature has reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Pork Chops in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the pork chops.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave a small space between each pork chop to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.

How to store leftover pork chops

It's important to store leftover pork chops properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover pork chops:

Step 1: Cool the Pork Chops

If you have cooked pork chops, let them cool to room temperature. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours.

Step 2: Wrap the Pork Chops

Wrap each pork chop individually in plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, place them in a shallow container or a plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the chops from drying out.

Step 3: Label and Date the Pork Chops

Use a marker or a label to indicate the date and contents of the package. Also, include any relevant heating instructions.

Step 4: Refrigerate or Freeze the Pork Chops

If you plan to eat the leftover pork chops within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. Place them on a dish with sides to prevent any meat juices from dripping onto other foods. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or lower. Leftover pork chops will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

If you don't plan on eating the leftover pork chops within four days, it's best to freeze them. Place the wrapped chops in the freezer, ensuring they are stored at 0°F or below. Frozen pork chops will stay fresh for up to three months.

Step 5: Reheat and Enjoy

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover pork chops, simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and reheat them. You can reheat them in an oven, air fryer, or microwave. Make sure to reheat them to a temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety.

How to reheat pork chops

Reheating pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers without compromising on flavour or texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat pork chops to achieve juicy and tender results.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature will depend on whether your pork chops are breaded or not. For regular, non-breaded pork chops, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (177°C). If you are reheating fried or breaded pork chops, a slightly higher temperature of 400°F (204°C) is recommended to maintain their crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. For even cooking, it is best to arrange them in a single layer with some space between each chop. If you are reheating breaded pork chops, you may also choose to line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or paper for easier cleanup.

Step 3: Reheat the Pork Chops

Now, it's time to reheat your pork chops! For regular, non-breaded pork chops, reheat them in the air fryer for around 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through. Breaded pork chops will take less time, typically 2 to 3 minutes, to ensure the centre is warm and the outer breading is crispy.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To ensure your pork chops are safely cooked and juicy, it is important to check their internal temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Additionally, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.

Tips for Reheating Pork Chops:

• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Keep the chops in a single layer to ensure even heating.
• Preheat the air fryer for best results. This ensures the basket or tray is hot when you add your leftovers, promoting even cooking.
• Spritz the pork chops with oil or cooking spray before reheating for enhanced crispiness.
• Drizzle melted butter over the pork chops before air frying to add moisture and flavour.
• Add extra seasoning to boost the flavour of your reheated pork chops.
• To prevent drying out, allow the pork chops to reach room temperature before reheating and always preheat the air fryer.
• The reheating time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. Thinner cuts will need less time, while thicker cuts may require an additional minute or two.

Frequently asked questions