Frying Pork Chops: Air Fryer Time And Tips

Juicy, tender, and delicious pork chops can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The air fryer's rapid air circulation makes the pork chops 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. Boneless pork chops typically take 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in pork chops can take 11-15 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.

How to cook pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless or bone-in pork chops
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese)

Method

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
• (Optional) Marinate the pork chops for 1-12 hours. Alternatively, brush or rub them with olive oil and season generously.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping and cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook at 375-400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork chops with an instant-read food thermometer. The target temperature is 145°F.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Bring the pork chops to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
• Preheating the air fryer is important for more even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

How long to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer

The cooking time for boneless pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the desired internal temperature. Most sources recommend cooking boneless pork chops in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 400°F, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. The target internal temperature for the pork chops is 145°F.

Steps to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
• Prepare a marinade or seasoning for the pork chops.
• Remove the chops from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips for cooking boneless pork chops in an air fryer:

• Choose pork chops that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops.
• Avoid overcooking the pork chops, as this can make them dry.
• You can marinate the pork chops before cooking, but not for longer than 12 hours.
• If using a seasoning rub, coat the pork chops generously.

How long to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer

Bone-in pork chops are a great option for a juicy and flavourful meal. Cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them absorb the marinade or seasoning more effectively. You can also bring the pork chops to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but will help the pork chops cook more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade or Seasoning

You can either marinate the pork chops or simply season them before cooking. For a marinade, combine olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves in a bowl. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you're short on time, a simple seasoning blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper works great.

Step 3: Coat the Pork Chops

If using a marinade, add the pork chops to the marinade and let them sit for 1-12 hours in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can generously season both sides of the pork chops with your chosen seasoning blend. Make sure all sides of the pork chops are well coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. For bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick, cook for about 12-14 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip the pork chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If your pork chops are thicker, they may require an additional few minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure your pork chops are cooked properly, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops are done when the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicy, tender pork chops.

Tips for Cooking Bone-In Pork Chops in an Air Fryer:

• Choose thick, centre-cut bone-in pork chops for the best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• For a crispy crust, consider breading the pork chops before air frying.
• You can also add different seasonings or rubs to your pork chops for extra flavour.

What temperature to cook pork chops in an air fryer

The ideal temperature to cook pork chops in an air fryer is 400°F (204°C).

It is important to preheat the air fryer to this temperature for at least 5 minutes. This is because the cooking time is relatively short, so the air fryer needs to be hot when the chops are put in.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

The cooking time for pork chops in an air fryer is around 12 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the power of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook pork chops in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

For boneless pork chops, 10 minutes in an air fryer set to 380°F (190°C) should be enough. An instant-read food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop should read at least 145°F (63°C).

For thicker pork chops, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C), but the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the meat rests. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the chops from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 140-143°F (60-62°C).

It is important not to crowd the air fryer basket when cooking pork chops. There should be a small space between the pieces to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook the chops in batches.

How to make juicy pork chops in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make juicy pork chops in an air fryer:

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, etc.)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help the meat absorb any seasonings or marinades and ensure they cook evenly. If your pork chops are thicker than 1 inch, you may want to consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook through properly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade or Seasoning

You can either marinate your pork chops or simply season them before cooking. Here are some options for both methods:

#### For a Marinade:

• Olive oil
• Coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari)
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the above ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add the pork chops to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

#### For a Dry Rub:

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix the above spices together in a small bowl, then rub the mixture generously over both sides of the pork chops.

Step 3: Cook the Pork Chops

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-14 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.

Step 4: Check the Temperature and Rest

To ensure your pork chops are cooked through, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If they are not quite there yet, put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Once the pork chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and will result in juicy, tender pork chops.

Enjoy your juicy air fryer pork chops!

Frequently asked questions