Air-Fryer Thick Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Thick pork chops are a perennial favourite and surprisingly quick to cook in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chops, but they usually take around 12-20 minutes. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder or cayenne pepper.

How to season pork chops for the air fryer

Seasoning pork chops for the air fryer is simple. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl to make a rub. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil and a teaspoon of this seasoning over two thick pork chops and toss to thoroughly coat the meat. Place the chops into the air fryer basket, leaving as much space as possible between them so the air can circulate.

How long to cook pork chops in an air fryer

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. For example, 1-inch-thick pork chops will take around 12-14 minutes to cook, while thicker chops will take longer, around 15-20 minutes.

It is important to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, thoroughly dry the pork chops and drizzle them with oil and seasoning. Place the chops into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air to circulate.

For even cooking and browning, it is recommended to flip the chops during the cooking process. One method is to cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit as read by a food thermometer. Another method is to flip the chops during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

After removing the pork chops from the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute and result in tender, juicy pork chops.

How to cook pork chops from frozen in an air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While you're waiting for it to heat up, make a rub by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Next, thoroughly dry two thick pork chops. Drizzle over one teaspoon of oil and one teaspoon of your seasoning and toss to thoroughly coat the pork. Place the chops into the air fryer basket, leaving as much space as possible between them so the air can circulate.

Cook for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius/390 degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 minutes, flip the chops and cook for the remaining five minutes.

Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for three minutes before cutting. Then enjoy with your favourite side dishes.

How to cook juicy pork chops in an air fryer

Cooking juicy pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While you're waiting for it to heat up, pat your pork chops dry and drizzle over a teaspoon of oil and seasoning. Toss the chops to ensure they're thoroughly coated.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chops in the basket, leaving as much space as possible between them so the air can circulate. Bone-in loin chops weighing around 400g/14oz each and 2½cm/1″ thick will take around 20 minutes to cook. Thinner chops will cook more quickly, and boneless chops will cook 1-2 minutes faster than bone-in. For 1-inch-thick chops, cook for 3-5 minutes, then season and return to the air fryer for the remaining time (around 12-14 minutes in total).

After 5 minutes, flip the chops and cook for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check this with a food thermometer. Remove the chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

You can season your pork chops with salt and pepper, or add ½ teaspoon of chilli powder or cayenne pepper for some spice.

How to cook tender pork chops in an air fryer

Cooking tender pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect results:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, prepare your pork chops. For the best results, use bone-in loin chops that weigh roughly 400g/14oz each and are around 2½cm/1″ thick. Thoroughly dry the chops, then drizzle with oil and your chosen seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, or you can try a rub with garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavour.

Place the seasoned chops into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking and air circulation. For thicker chops, consider flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chops. As a guide, thicker chops will take around 15-20 minutes to cook, while thinner chops will be ready in 12-14 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy pork chops. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork chops with your favourite side dishes!

Frequently asked questions