Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook bone-in pork chops, as they keep the meat juicy and full of flavour. The air fryer's rapid cooking time means that the pork chop gets a beautiful char on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

There are a few different ways to season your pork chops, from a simple salt and pepper seasoning to a more complex spice rub. You can also bread your pork chops for a crispy texture.

The key to cooking juicy bone-in pork chops in the air fryer is to not overcook them. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork chop is 145°F.

Choosing the right pork chops

• Bone-in pork chops: Opt for bone-in pork chops as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. The bone helps retain moisture, resulting in tender and succulent meat.
• Thickness: Go for thicker pork chops, ideally about 1-inch thick. Thicker chops allow for a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside moist and juicy. Aim for chops between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick.
• Cut: Center-cut pork chops are ideal for even cooking. Look for chops with a nice marbling of fat, as this will add flavor and moisture to the meat.
• Freshness: Always choose fresh pork chops over frozen ones. Fresh chops will have a brighter color and firmer texture.
• Quality: Select high-quality pork chops from a reputable butcher or grocery store. Look for chops with a pinkish hue and avoid those with excessive liquid in the packaging, as this may indicate aging or thawing.
• Dryness: Before cooking, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even browning.

By following these guidelines, you'll be sure to choose the right pork chops for your air fryer, ensuring delicious and mouthwatering results every time!

Trimming away the fat

If you are using boneless pork chops, it is especially important to trim away any excess fat, as these cuts tend to cook faster and can dry out if there is too much fat.

For bone-in pork chops, look for cuts that are about 1 inch thick and trim away any excess fat. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent your chops from drying out.

The importance of resting the meat

So, you've got your bone-in pork chops, you've got your air fryer, and you're ready to cook. But before you dig in, there's one crucial step you shouldn't skip: resting the meat. Here's why it's so important to give your pork chops a little time to relax before serving them up.

When you're cooking any large piece of meat, whether it's a roast, a turkey, or in this case, pork chops, it's essential to let the meat rest after it comes out of the air fryer. This might seem odd, especially since we're usually told not to let food sit out for too long. But here's the thing: if you cut into your meat right away, all those delicious juices that have built up during cooking will spill out, and your meat will end up dry and less flavourful.

By letting the meat rest, you give those juices a chance to redistribute and be reabsorbed. This results in tender, juicy pork chops that are simply mouthwatering. It's a simple step, but it makes a big difference!

Now, there's also a second reason to let your pork chops rest. It's something called "carry-over cooking". Even after you take your pork chops out of the air fryer, they'll continue to cook for a few minutes due to the residual heat. This is why many recipes tell you to take meat out of the heat before it's completely done—it lets the carry-over cooking finish the job.

So, how long should you let your pork chops rest? As a rule of thumb, you should let your meat rest for about half the time it took to cook. For example, if your pork chops took 20 minutes to cook, they should rest for around 10 minutes. For thicker cuts of meat, like pork chops or lamb shoulder, aim for 10-15 minutes of resting time.

During the resting period, it's important to keep your pork chops in a warm area, such as the top of the stove. For smaller cuts, avoid covering them with aluminium foil, as this can trap heat and continue the cooking process. However, for larger cuts, like roasts, you should cover them with foil to keep them warm.

Remember, the resting time is crucial to ensuring your pork chops are juicy and tender. So, while it might be tempting to dive right in, a little patience will pay off in the end!

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your leftover pork chops, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

When you're ready to reheat your pork chops, take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature. This will help the chops retain their juices. Spritz or lightly brush them with olive oil and add any desired seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. If you're reheating breaded pork chops, set the temperature to the higher end of the range. Place the chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip the chops over halfway through the reheating process.

If you're reheating a large batch of pork chops, cook them in batches according to their thickness to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with pork chops

There are many side dishes that can complement the juicy, tender, and delicious bone-in pork chops made in an air fryer. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Classic Combinations:

• Apples and applesauce are classic pairings with pork chops. Try serving them with a sweet and savory spiced apple-pear sauce or a crunchy apple-slaw with a mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil dressing.
• Mashed potatoes are a traditional side dish that goes well with pork chops. For a twist, try making sweet potato mash or roasted cauliflower puree.
• Green vegetables like steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli rabe, or green beans are healthy and colorful options. You can also make garlic green beans or bacon-wrapped asparagus for extra flavor.

Salads:

• A fresh tomato and cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the pork chops.
• For something heartier, try a kale apple slaw or a sweet kale salad.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try a kimchi pancake or a fried corn mush with hot butter and black pepper.

Starches:

• Potato dishes like crispy potatoes, slice-baked potatoes, or potato salad are always a good choice.
• For a Southern-style meal, serve collard greens on the side.
• Sweet potato hash with bacon drippings will add a smoky flavor to your meal.
• Dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread are also great options to round out the dinner.

Vegetables:

• Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be roasted with maple syrup and bacon or made into a casserole with cheese and cream.
• Carrots pair well with pork chops, especially when glazed with honey and thyme or in a carrot salad with apples and raisins.
• Roasted butternut squash, either on its own or in a casserole with greens, cheese, and bacon, is a tasty option.
• Cauliflower gratin, made with Gruyère cheese and panko breadcrumbs, offers a creamy and crunchy contrast to the pork chops.

With so many options to choose from, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to impress your family and friends!

Frequently asked questions