Air Fryer Pork Chops: Cooking Time Perfection

Thick pork chops are a favourite for many, with their perfect balance of fat and meat. They are surprisingly quick to cook and are a great option for a hearty dinner. The air fryer is a great way to cook thick pork chops, giving them a beautiful char on all sides. The cooking time for thick pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chops and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, at 400°F, thick pork chops can be cooked for 10-14 minutes, while at 375°F, they can be cooked for 10-12 minutes. The key to getting juicy and tender pork chops is to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.

How long to cook thick pork chops in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking thick pork chops. Set the temperature to between 375 and 400°F and allow the air fryer to heat up for about 5 minutes. This will ensure your pork chops cook evenly and give them a nice char.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your thick pork chops. Start by rinsing the chops with cool water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat better. Next, create your seasoning blend. A simple blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and other spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper works well. You can also add brown sugar for a sweeter flavor. Mix your blend of choice with a little olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Once your seasoning blend is ready, coat the pork chops liberally on both sides. Use your hands to press the seasonings into the meat rather than sprinkling them on top to ensure maximum flavor. You can also use a simple spice rub with olive oil to create a delicious outer crust.

After your pork chops are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each chop to allow the heat to circulate. If your air fryer is not big enough, you may need to cook the chops in batches. Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, place the pork chops inside and set the timer.

Pat pork chops dry and coat with olive oil

Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This is an important step as it helps the seasoning stick better to the meat. Thick pork chops are the best option for juicy and tender air-fried pork chops. Thinner pork chops are more prone to drying out and overcooking.

Next, coat the pork chops with olive oil. You can also use a neutral-flavoured oil like canola oil or vegetable oil. Olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the pork chops and keep them moist. The oil is needed to seal in moisture. Drizzle over 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of seasoning and toss to thoroughly coat the pork. You can also brush the oil over the pork chops.

If you are using boneless pork chops, they will cook in less time than bone-in chops. For boneless chops, subtract about 2 to 4 minutes from the total cook time. For bone-in loin chops that weigh roughly 400g/14oz each and are around 2.5cm/1" thick, the cooking time is around 20 minutes. For bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick, the total cook time will be 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer. Thicker chops will need a bit more time.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar

Thick pork chops are a perennial favourite and surprisingly quick to cook. The air fryer is a great way to cook thick pork chops as it allows you to get a lovely sear and flavour on the outside of the chop while keeping the centre moist and tender.

To season thick pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, you can make a seasoning mix by combining these ingredients in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper, ground mustard, dried thyme, and dried sage to enhance the flavour. The brown sugar adds a delicate sweetness to the savoury spice blend. You can store this seasoning mix in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

When seasoning the pork chops, make sure they are completely dry by patting them with a paper towel. Then, brush the pork chops with olive oil and apply the seasoning mix liberally to all sides of the meat. You can use your hands to sprinkle the seasoning from a height of 8-10 inches above the chops, which will help the seasonings distribute evenly. Press the seasoning into the meat with your hands or the palm of your hand, rather than rubbing it in, to avoid clumping.

Let the seasoning sit on the pork chops for a few minutes or up to 20 minutes before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Cook for 10-14 minutes at 400°F

To cook thick pork chops in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your thick pork chops. Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, create a seasoning mix. A simple seasoning mix can be made with dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can also add brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together and coat the pork chops with olive oil and the seasoning mix.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the pork chops to allow air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork chops for 10-14 minutes. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time. The pork chops are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. You can use the meat juices that collect in the bottom of the air fryer basket to make gravy.

Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes

Once your pork chops have been in the air fryer for the recommended time, remove them and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This is an essential step as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chops are tender and juicy. The internal temperature will also rise a few degrees while the meat rests, so it's best to remove the chops from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 140-143°F and let them rest until they reach 145°F.

While the chops rest, you can prepare a simple side dish, such as roasted vegetables. Air fryer potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are all great options to accompany your pork chops.

If you have any leftover pork chops, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover chops for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions