Cody Casey
Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. The small size of the air fryer prevents the juices from evaporating, and the hot air circulation cooks the meat evenly. The air fryer is also a convenient option when you don't want to heat up your house by turning on the regular oven. This guide will teach you how to cook pork chops in an air fryer with flour, resulting in a delicious and crispy crust.
How to cook pork chops in an air fryer with flour:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pork chop type | Boneless or bone-in |
| Thickness | 1" to 2" thick |
| Flour type | Gluten-free all-purpose flour |
| Oil type | Olive oil, vegetable oil, or cooking oil |
| Seasonings | Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, pepper, oregano, mustard powder, onion powder |
| Marinade | Olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, salt, pepper |
| Preheat temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cook temperature | 375°F to 400°F |
| Cook time | 8-15 minutes |
| Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the pork chops
Once you have selected your chops, the next step is to rinse them with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important, so don't skip it! After drying the chops, coat them lightly with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.
Now it's time to prepare the flour mixture. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Mix the flour and seasonings well to combine.
The next step is to coat the pork chops with the flour mixture. Press each chop into the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chops in beaten egg before dredging them in the flour mixture a second time. Allow the chops to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes after dredging to help the flour adhere better.
Your pork chops are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. The air needs to circulate around the chops to cook them evenly and crisp up all sides. If needed, cook them in batches.
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Making the flour mixture
To make the flour mixture, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour. The flour mixture will act as a breading substitute and will give your pork chops a crispy texture.
First, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil or vegetable oil. Next, prepare a small bowl and add all your dry ingredients. You can use a combination of Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, and mustard powder. Mix the dry ingredients together.
Now, you are ready to coat the pork chops with the flour mixture. Press each pork chop into the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. For an extra crispy texture, dip each side into a beaten egg, and then dredge it through the flour mixture a second time. Allow the chops to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to help the flour adhere before cooking.
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Cooking the pork chops
Coat each pork chop with olive oil, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring both sides are covered. You can also dip the chops in beaten egg before dredging again in the flour mixture. Allow the chops to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to help the flour adhere before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes. Place the pork chops into the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as the air needs space to circulate and cook the chops evenly. Spritz or spray the tops of the chops with cooking oil.
Cook the pork chops for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Check this with an instant-read food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop.
When the chops are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to meld into the meat, keeping the pork chops tender and juicy. Then, serve and enjoy!
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Resting the pork chops
During the resting period, the chops will continue to cook due to carryover cooking, so it is important to remove them from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 140°F, as the temperature will rise to 145°F while resting. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can estimate the cooking time based on the thickness of your chops. For chops that are 1" thick, 8-10 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient, followed by a 5-10 minute rest. Thicker chops, around 1 ½ inches to 2 inches, will need a longer cooking time of 12-15 minutes, and a 10-minute rest.
The resting period is also a great time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your pork chops. Some tasty side dish options include roasted acorn squash, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, or a simple air-fried vegetable side like asparagus, butternut squash, baby carrots, or green beans.
Once the pork chops have rested, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!
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Storing leftovers
When storing leftovers, it is important to let the cooked pork chops cool down to room temperature before placing them in the airtight container and into the refrigerator. This helps to prevent bacterial growth, keeping your food safe to eat for longer.
Additionally, when storing meat, it is good practice to use a shallow container to allow for quicker cooling. You should also ensure that the container is food-safe and that the meat is not left uncovered, as this can lead to cross-contamination and dryness.
When reheating your pork chops, it is recommended to use the air fryer to restore the crispy exterior and juicy interior. Before reheating, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and pat them dry. Spritz or lightly brush the chops with olive oil or cooking spray, and add extra seasoning if desired. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F, depending on the thickness of the chop and whether it contains bones, and heat for 2 to 5 minutes until warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 9-12 minutes to cook pork chops in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the chops.
Thick, center-cut, boneless pork chops are recommended for air frying. The ideal thickness is between 1 ½ to 2 inches. Bone-in pork chops can also be used, but they may take a bit longer to cook.
Rinse the pork chops with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Coat the chops with olive oil and season them with a mixture of spices and Parmesan cheese.
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. The ideal internal temperature for the pork chops is 140-145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Yes, you can bread the pork chops with flour or dredge them in a Parmesan cheese mixture before air frying. You can also dust them with panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
