Air-Fryer Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, yielding a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender middle. This method is also quick and easy, and can be done in a variety of ways. For example, you can season your pork chops with a dry rub, or coat them in olive oil and parmesan cheese. You can also cook them plain, or with a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops, but generally, they will be done in around 10-12 minutes.

Choosing the right pork chops

Boneless vs Bone-in

You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops for air frying. Boneless chops are easier to eat and have less concern with dryness. Bone-in chops have more flavour but take longer to cook. If you're using bone-in chops, make sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Thickness

The thickness of your pork chops will impact the cooking time and the final char on your chops. Thick pork chops, between 1 1/2 to 2 inches, are ideal for air frying as they allow for a beautiful char on all sides. Thin pork chops will cook too quickly and may not develop the desired char. Aim for chops that are around 1 inch thick, but thicker chops will work too – just increase the cooking time.

Quality

Look for chops that are centre-cut and have a nice marbling of fat. This will ensure they stay moist and juicy during cooking. Avoid chops that have a lot of water or excess liquid in the packaging, as this can affect the final texture and flavour.

Freshness

Always check the "best before" date on the packaging to ensure you're using fresh pork chops. Look for chops with a bright pink colour and avoid any with discolouration or an off-putting odour. Fresh chops will have a tighter grain, while older chops may have a looser grain.

Preparation

Before air frying, rinse your pork chops under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is important, as it helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and promotes even cooking. You can also trim any excess fat to prevent flare-ups in the air fryer.

Once you've selected the perfect pork chops, you can move on to the seasoning and cooking process. Remember to preheat your air fryer and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of chop you're using. Enjoy your juicy and flavourful air fryer pork chops!

Preparing the pork chops

Start by selecting your pork chops. For the best results, choose thick, centre-cut, boneless pork chops, ideally between 1 and 2 inches thick. If you can't find boneless chops, don't worry—bone-in chops will work too, but they may require a little longer to cook.

Next, rinse your pork chops under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important, so don't skip it!

Now it's time to make your rub. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen dry ingredients. A simple but tasty option is brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika. Get creative and make a rub that suits your taste!

Once your rub is ready, coat the pork chops with olive oil and generously rub the spice mixture into the meat. Make sure to get a nice, even coating so that every bite is full of flavour.

If you have time, let the pork chops sit for a few minutes to let the rub work its magic. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour.

Making a rub

To make the rub, you will need a combination of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include brown sugar, dried parsley, or smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavour. Simply mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl.

Before applying the rub, it is important to prepare the pork chops. Start by rinsing the pork chops and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the rub will adhere properly to the meat. Then, coat the pork chops with a thin layer of olive oil, avocado oil, or butter. The oil will help the rub stick to the meat and also promote a crispy exterior while the chops are cooking in the air fryer.

Now it's time to apply the rub! Generously coat both sides of the pork chops with the spice mixture, using your hands to rub it in well. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the meat, and don't be shy with the seasoning—the more rub you use, the more flavourful your chops will be.

Once the pork chops are nicely coated, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches to ensure even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, and let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Cooking the chops

The key to getting juicy, tender pork chops in the air fryer is to get a good sear on the outside without overcooking the inside. The rapid air circulation of the air fryer helps to achieve this, yielding pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Firstly, pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel. Rinsing and drying the meat is an important step, so don't skip it. Then, coat both sides of the chops evenly with olive oil.

Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a mixture of Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper, or get creative with your own blend of spices and herbs. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a shallow bowl, then coat both sides of the pork chops with the mixture. Make sure to press the seasoning so that it adheres well to the meat.

Now you're ready to cook the chops. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set the temperature and timer according to the thickness of your chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. As a guide, boneless chops will take around 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in chops will take 11-15 minutes. For a good sear, you'll want to cook them at a high temperature, around 375-400°F. Flip the chops halfway through the cooking time.

To check if your chops are done, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. If they're not quite there yet, cook in 1-2 minute increments to avoid overcooking.

Once the chops are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in an even juicier bite. Then, slice and serve.

Serving suggestions

There are many different types of side dishes that go well with pork chops. Here are some suggestions:

• Vegetables: Air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer baked sweet potato, air fryer carrots, or a green salad.
• Potatoes: Air fryer French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, or mashed potatoes.
• Salads: Try something hearty like a kale, orzo, or green goddess salad.
• Classic combinations: Caramelized Brussels sprouts, creamy Parmesan polenta, steamed carrots with hot honey butter, or Mediterranean chickpea salad.
• Other side dishes: Air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer potato wedges, or mashed potato alternatives.

You could also serve the pork chops with a heaping of smoked mac and cheese, or some air fryer cauliflower wings on the side.

Frequently asked questions