Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy and tender pork with minimal effort. There are many ways to cook marinated pork in an air fryer, including pork chops, pork tenderloin, and Chinese BBQ pork. The key to cooking juicy and tender pork is to marinate the meat before cooking and not to overcook it. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat, with thinner cuts requiring less time in the air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat type | Pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork collar butt, pork shoulder, pork belly |
| Marinade ingredients | Olive oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, honey |
| Marinade time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Air fryer temperature | 330–400˚F |
| Cooking time | 8–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat |
| Internal temperature | 145˚F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
Thickness: Opt for thicker pork chops, ideally between 1 to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops provide a beautiful char on all sides due to the longer cooking time. Thinner chops tend to cook too quickly and may not develop the desired sear. However, if you prefer thinner chops, adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Bone-in or Boneless: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops in an air fryer. Bone-in chops may take slightly longer to cook. Boneless chops are easier to eat and are less likely to dry out. Choose based on your personal preference and the desired level of convenience.
Cut Type: Center-cut pork chops are a popular choice for air frying as they offer a good balance of meat and fat. You can also opt for pork tenderloin, which is a long, narrow, and very lean cut. Just be sure to select a package labelled as "pork tenderloin" specifically, as other similar cuts like pork loin or loin filet cook differently.
Freshness: Whenever possible, purchase your pork chops from a butcher instead of a grocery store. This allows you to select the exact thickness and cut you prefer. Additionally, look for chops with a fresh pink hue and avoid those with excessive liquid in the packaging.
By considering these factors and selecting the right cut of pork, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and juicy air-fried pork dishes.
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Preparing the marinade
A basic marinade for pork chops can be made with just five ingredients: olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. The oil locks in moisture, the lemon juice makes the pork tender, and the coconut aminos add a hint of sweetness to the pork. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
For a more complex marinade, you can try a balsamic marinade. This type of marinade uses balsamic vinegar as its base and results in a sweet and savoury dish. You can also add other ingredients like red fermented bean curd, which will give the pork a reddish-brown colour. Another option is a Chinese BBQ pork marinade, which involves marinating the pork in a sweet and salty sauce and then basting it with a sticky glaze before cooking.
It is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to absorb into the meat. However, for the best results, it is suggested to marinate the pork for at least a couple of hours or even overnight. If you are short on time, 30 minutes to an hour of marinating will still impart some flavour to the meat.
To marinate the pork, place the meat and marinade in a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and put it in the refrigerator. For safety, do not marinate the pork at room temperature for longer than one hour. Additionally, do not marinate the pork for longer than 12 hours, as it can become mushy. Flip the bag occasionally to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed.
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Marinating the pork
A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. The oil locks in moisture, the lemon juice makes the pork tender, and the coconut aminos add a hint of sweetness to the flavour profile.
If you are short on time, you can marinate the pork for as little as 30 minutes, but 2 hours is better, and overnight is best. If you are marinating for longer than 1 hour, place the pork in the refrigerator. Don't marinate for longer than 12 hours, as the meat can become mushy.
For Chinese-style pork, try a marinade with a sweet and salty sauce, basted with a sticky glaze. This will give the pork an iconic red colour and a shiny finish.
For a balsamic vinegar base, mix all the ingredients in a large zip-top bag. Add the pork tenderloin, seal, and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Again, 2 hours is better, and overnight is best.
For a mustard-glazed pork tenderloin, marinate the pork overnight or in the morning, so it's ready to go in the air fryer when you get home.
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Cooking the pork
The cooking time for your pork will depend on its thickness. Thinner pork chops will cook faster than thick ones. For boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick, cook them for 8–10 minutes at 400˚F in an air fryer, flipping them over halfway through cooking, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145˚F.
If you are cooking pork tenderloin, preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Remove the pork from the marinade and lightly grease the air fryer basket. Place the pork tenderloin in the basket and air fry at 400˚F for 20–25 minutes, turning after 10 minutes. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F.
If you are cooking Chinese BBQ pork, preheat the air fryer to 200˚C/400˚F. Baste the meat with the honey and marinade mixture. Spray the air fryer racks with a little oil, then cook the meat for 12 minutes, basting again and flipping the meat halfway through. Flip one more time and cook for another 3 minutes to cook off any raw pork residue. You may need to repeat the cooking/flipping/basting a few more times to get the desired look, as every air fryer is a little different.
If you are cooking marinated pork chops, preheat the air fryer and place the pork in the basket in a single layer. Air fry the pork chops, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and cooked through. The ideal internal temperature is 145˚F, but the temperature will rise a few degrees while the meat rests, so remove the pork from the air fryer at 140–143˚F and let it rest until it reaches 145˚F.
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Resting the pork
Temperature Control
The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C). When cooking in an air fryer, it is recommended to remove the pork from the heat at an internal temperature of 140-143°F (60-62°C) and let it rest until it reaches 145°F. This ensures the pork is cooked through but not overdone. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
Resting Time
Let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This duration allows the meat fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute, ensuring the pork stays moist and tender. If you cut the pork immediately after cooking, the juices will run out, resulting in drier meat.
Tenting
After removing the pork from the air fryer, place it on a plate or cutting board and loosely tent it with foil. Tenting helps retain heat while still allowing steam to escape, preventing the pork from overcooking or becoming soggy.
Bringing to Room Temperature
Before cooking, it is advisable to take the pork out of the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand to bring it to room temperature. This promotes even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooked or overcooked spots.
Marinade Considerations
Avoid marinating the pork for longer than 12 hours, as it can become mushy. If you plan to marinate for more than an hour, place it in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, discard any remaining marinade after coating the pork to prevent cross-contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes. However, for the best flavor, marinate it for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Do not marinate for longer than 12 hours as the pork can turn mushy.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork. For boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick, cook them for 8-10 minutes at 400˚F, flipping them over halfway through. For pork tenderloin, cook for 20-25 minutes at 400˚F, flipping halfway.
Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F.
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
