Air Fryer Pork: Timing And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, making them juicy and tender on the inside with a crispy exterior. The length of time you should put pork in an air fryer for depends on the thickness of the meat and whether the pork chops are boneless or bone-in. For boneless pork chops, you should air fry for 8-12 minutes, and for bone-in pork chops, air fry for 11-15 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145°F.

How to prepare pork chops for the air fryer

Ingredients

To prepare pork chops for the air fryer, you will need pork chops, olive oil, and spices.

For the spices, you can use a combination of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can make a rub with brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Method

Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, add the olive oil and rub it all over the meat. Next, add the spices and coat the pork chops on both sides.

Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For thicker pork chops, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Cook the pork chops at 375-400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of pork chop you are using. Boneless pork chops will typically take 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops may take 11-15 minutes.

To check if the pork chops are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you are using pre-packaged pork chops, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid before seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the pork chops in batches if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy pork chops.
• For a crispier texture, lightly dust the pork chops with panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese before cooking.
• Pair your pork chops with simple sides like vegetables, potatoes, or salads.

How long to cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer

The cooking time for boneless pork chops in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes around 8 to 15 minutes to cook boneless pork chops in an air fryer, but the exact time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops and the model of the air fryer.

Prepare the pork chops:

Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the meat. You can also trim any excess fat or silver skin from the chops, but this is optional. Choose pork chops that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking.

Preheat the air fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.

Season the pork chops:

Drizzle or brush olive oil on both sides of the pork chops. In a small bowl, mix your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or create a rub with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and dried oregano. Coat the pork chops generously with the seasoning mixture, rubbing it into the meat.

Cook the pork chops:

Place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes for boneless pork chops, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops and your air fryer model. For thicker chops, you may need to add a few extra minutes.

Check the temperature:

To ensure your pork chops are cooked properly, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. This is the minimum safe temperature for pork, according to the US Pork Board.

Rest and serve:

Once the pork chops have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavorful meat. After resting, your boneless pork chops are ready to be served!

Tips for cooking boneless pork chops in an air fryer:

• Choose thicker pork chops: Thicker pork chops, around 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, work best in the air fryer as they have more time to develop a beautiful char on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air to circulate. You may need to cook the chops in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
• Avoid overcooking: Air-fried boneless pork chops can dry out if cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the chops from the air fryer once they reach the desired temperature.
• Let the chops rest: Don't skip the resting step! This allows the juices to redistribute and results in more tender and flavorful meat.

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

Bone-in pork chops are a great option for a tasty, juicy, and tender meal that can be cooked in no time using an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and the model of your air fryer, but on average, bone-in pork chops will take between 11 and 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Choosing the right pork chops

Thick, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops are the best choice for air frying. Aim for a thickness of between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches. This will give the chops a beautiful char on all sides without overcooking them.

Preparing the pork chops

Before cooking, rinse your pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the seasoning adheres to the meat properly.

Seasoning the pork chops

To season your pork chops, you can use a simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or ground mustard to taste. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then coat the pork chops with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture into both sides of the meat.

Cooking the pork chops

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply set it to 400°F and let it run for 5 minutes to warm up.

Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

Cook the pork chops for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through if your air fryer does not circulate air to the bottom of the basket. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and avoid overcooking.

Resting and serving the pork chops

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a paper towel for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender final product.

Tips for success

• Buy thick pork chops: Thicker chops will give you a better sear and a juicier final product.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your pork chops are cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking them.
• Let the pork chops rest: This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meat from drying out.
• Flip the pork chops if needed: If your air fryer doesn't circulate air to the bottom of the basket, flip the chops halfway through cooking.

Cooking bone-in pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender meal. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your pork chops turn out perfectly every time.

What temperature to cook pork chops in the air fryer

To cook pork chops in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F-400°F. Then, cook the pork chops for 8-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops will take 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in pork chops will take 11-15 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F-400°F. Preheating is important to ensure that the pork chops cook evenly.
• Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the pork chops absorb the seasonings and ensures they don't become rubbery, boring, and tasteless.
• Season the pork chops with your choice of spices and oil. A simple spice mix can include smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Olive oil, butter, or avocado oil can be used for seasoning.
• Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. If you are cooking multiple pork chops, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the pork chops for 8-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of pork chops. For boneless pork chops, aim for a cooking time of 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops will take 11-15 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork chops with an instant-read thermometer. The target internal temperature is 140°F-145°F. Remove the pork chops from the air fryer when they reach this temperature, as overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
• Let the pork chops rest for 2-10 minutes before serving. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender pork chops.

How to serve air-fried pork chops

Air-fried pork chops are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried pork chops and make a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Simple Salads

If you're looking for a lighter meal, pair your pork chops with a simple salad. Some options include a sweet kale salad, a crunchy and creamy cucumber salad, or a tangy artichoke salad. These options will complement the juicy pork chops without overwhelming the dish.

Roasted Vegetables

For a heartier option, consider roasting some vegetables to go along with your pork chops. You can roast asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli. These options provide a healthy balance to the meal and can be seasoned to suit your taste preferences.

Air-Fryer Vegetables

If you want to stick with the air-fryer theme, you can also cook vegetables in your air fryer while the pork chops are resting. Air fryer Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables are all excellent choices. This method is especially convenient if you're short on time or don't want to heat up your oven.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular choice to accompany pork chops. You can opt for roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or even air fryer French fries or sweet potato fries. These options provide a hearty and comforting side dish to your meal.

Other Side Dishes

• Steamed carrots with hot honey butter
• Mediterranean chickpea salad
• Butternut squash noodles
• Cheesy cauliflower bread
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• Creamy Parmesan polenta

No matter which side dish you choose, your air-fried pork chops are sure to be a hit! Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the thickness of your pork chops and always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions