Ella Walter
Bacon-wrapped pork chops are a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer, skillet, or oven. Cooking the pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that results in a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The air fryer also reduces the mess created by grease spatter and requires less oil than other cooking methods. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a special weekend feast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pork Chop | Boneless, Thick-cut |
| Type of Bacon | Thin-cut |
| Seasoning Blend | Smoked paprika, garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, rosemary, thyme, salt |
| Brining Solution | Yes/No |
| Cooking Method | Air Fryer |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Resting Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 140°F-145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork chop
When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork chop, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is generally recommended to go for thick-cut boneless pork chops. The fat marbling in these cuts gives the meat its flavour, and a pink colour indicates freshness. Bone-in pork chops can also be used, but they will take longer to cook.
The thickness of the pork chops is also important. For air-frying, thicker chops are preferable as they have the cooking time to develop a beautiful char on all sides. Thin pork chops will cook too quickly and won't achieve the same level of doneness. Aim for chops that are between 1 ½ inches to 2 inches thick, or at least 1-inch thick, as thinner chops are more prone to drying out and overcooking.
It is also worth considering the shape of the pork chops. Centre-cut chops will ensure even cooking, and it is important to choose chops with a good amount of meat that will provide a sufficient cooking area.
When preparing the pork chops, it is crucial to bring them to room temperature before cooking. This helps the chops cook evenly, preventing the outside from cooking much faster than the centre. Additionally, oil is necessary to seal in moisture and aid in the adhesion of seasonings.
Lastly, when wrapping the pork chops in bacon, it is recommended to use thin-cut bacon. Thinner slices of bacon will allow heat to pass through and cook the pork evenly, resulting in crispier bacon.
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Wrapping the pork chops in bacon
To wrap the pork chops, lay two slices of bacon horizontally on a cutting board. Place the pork chop on top, at the meaty end, and wrap the bacon around. Secure the bacon with toothpicks, inserting them vertically so the chop can lay flat. You can also tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the chop to prevent curling.
If you want to add extra flavour, you can coat the pork chops with a seasoning blend before wrapping them in bacon. Try a combination of brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, and red pepper flakes (optional). Alternatively, for a savoury blend, use smoked paprika, garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, rosemary, or thyme. Remember, if you brine your chops in advance, avoid adding salt to your seasoning blend.
You can prepare the bacon-wrapped pork chops in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to cook, let the meat sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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Preparing the seasoning
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your chosen spices and herbs. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, rosemary, thyme, parsley flakes, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. You can also include salt in your seasoning blend if you are not brining your pork chops in advance. Additionally, you may want to include brown sugar or bread crumbs in your seasoning mixture for a touch of sweetness.
Step 2: Combine and Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all your selected spices, herbs, and any additional ingredients like brown sugar or bread crumbs. Mix them well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can adjust the proportions of each ingredient to personalise your seasoning blend.
Step 3: Customise the Spiciness
If you prefer a spicier kick to your pork chops, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. You can adjust the amount added according to your desired level of heat. Alternatively, if you want to avoid any spiciness, simply omit the red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper from the mixture.
Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops
Once your seasoning blend is ready, it's time to coat the pork chops. You can pat the pork chops dry with paper towels first, and then use a brush to apply oil to the surface. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the meat. Next, take each pork chop and generously apply the seasoning blend, making sure to cover all sides of the meat. You can use your hands or a spoon to rub the seasoning onto the pork chops, pressing slightly to ensure it sticks.
Step 5: Wrap in Bacon
After seasoning the pork chops, wrap each one with two slices of uncooked bacon. Place the bacon slices horizontally on a cutting board, lay the pork chop on top, and then wrap the bacon around the top, meaty portion of the chop. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks, inserting them vertically so the chop can lay flat.
Step 6: Refrigerate (Optional)
At this stage, you can choose to refrigerate your seasoned and bacon-wrapped pork chops if you are preparing them in advance. Place them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This step is optional and depends on your meal preparation timeline.
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Cooking the pork chops
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, stir together your seasonings and, if desired, brown sugar or breadcrumbs. You can use a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, rosemary, or thyme. If you did not brine your chops, add some salt to the mix. Coat the pork chops with the seasoning blend, or for a sweeter option, a brown sugar mixture.
Now you are ready to cook the pork chops. Place the chops in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap them. Close the lid and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through the cooking process. If your air fryer has a sear function, you can use this to sear the chops first, turning them until the bacon is brown and crispy on all sides, before cooking at a lower temperature.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chops, so use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer, or 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. When the chops are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Bacon-wrapped pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a hearty and comforting meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the juicy, tender pork chops:
- Baked beans, buttery mashed potatoes, or homemade cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal. The starch and creaminess of the mashed potatoes, combined with the sweetness of the cornbread and the heartiness of baked beans, will balance out the savouriness of the pork chops.
- Air fryer vegetables are a great option if you're looking for something quick, healthy, and crispy. You can cook them right alongside the pork chops in the air fryer, making it a convenient choice.
- For a more indulgent side, try Hasselback potatoes. These potatoes are sliced thinly, creating a crispy and crunchy texture that pairs well with the juiciness of the pork.
- If you're a fan of spicy food, try serving the pork chops with a side of Healthy Air Fryer Asparagus. The crispness of the asparagus will complement the tenderness of the pork, while the spice adds a kick.
- For a classic combination, serve the pork chops with a side of applesauce and roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli. The sweetness of the applesauce will balance out the savouriness of the pork.
- If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can serve the pork chops with a side of roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles. This will add some extra vegetables to your meal while keeping the carb count low.
Remember, the beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different sides and find the combinations that you and your family enjoy the most!
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Frequently asked questions
First, wrap each pork chop with two slices of bacon and secure them with a toothpick. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place 2-3 pork chops inside the basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F, and then let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to cook bacon-wrapped pork chops in an air fryer, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the chops and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
The ideal temperature to cook bacon-wrapped pork chops in an air fryer is 400°F.
Yes, you can prepare bacon-wrapped pork chops in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to cook, let the meat sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
