Air Fryer Marinated Pork Chops: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking marinated pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious, tender meat. The whole process takes around 30 minutes, including the time it takes to marinate the pork chops, cook them, and let them rest. The cooking time in the air fryer is around 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

Marinating the pork chops

When the pork chops have finished marinating, remove them from the marinade and lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking oil. It's important to discard the remaining marinade.

You can then place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook according to the instructions below.

Preheating the air fryer

• Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or buttons on your air fryer to reach 400˚F (204˚C). This temperature is ideal for cooking pork chops as it ensures they cook through without drying out.
• Allow time for preheating: Depending on your air fryer model, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes to preheat. Refer to your air fryer's user manual to determine the exact preheating time.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: While the air fryer is preheating, brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial as it prevents the pork chops from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.
• Place the pork chops: Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, carefully place the marinated pork chops into the basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded and have enough space around them for even cooking.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is just the first step in cooking marinated pork chops. Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, the total cooking time will vary. For thicker chops, you may need to cook them for 10 minutes or slightly longer, flipping them halfway through. For thinner chops, reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145˚F (63˚C) to ensure they are safely cooked.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for marinated pork chops in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the meat. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400˚F. Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket and place the pork chops inside. Cook the pork chops for 5 minutes at 400˚F, then baste and flip the chops over, basting again. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145˚F when inserted into the side of the chops. The total cooking time should be 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Thinner pork chops will require less cooking time.

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Tent the plate with foil and allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145˚F to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. To achieve this, it is recommended to flip the chops halfway through the cooking process and baste them with the marinade. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out.

While the pork chops are cooking, you can also prepare the marinade by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer the marinade for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reduces by about half. This reduced marinade can then be served alongside the pork chops, adding extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Internal temperature

When cooking marinated pork chops in an air fryer, the internal temperature of the meat should be 145°F when they are done. This should take around 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops. You should baste the meat halfway through cooking and then flip the chops over. If you are using thinner pork chops, you should reduce the cooking time. Once the pork chops are done, place them on a plate and loosely tent them with foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting the pork chops

While the pork chops are resting, you can prepare the sauce. Place the saucepan with the marinade on the stove over medium heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. This will create a delicious sauce to accompany your pork chops.

If you are using thinner pork chops, you may need to reduce the resting time slightly. However, it is important to ensure that the meat has rested sufficiently before serving. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your air-fried pork chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavour. The resting process is an essential part of the cooking process, allowing the meat to relax and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions