Air fryer pork chops are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a cheap, juicy, and flavorful dinner. The air fryer seals in the juices, leaving the pork tender and moist on the inside, while giving it a crispy texture on the outside.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Meat | Boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops |
Thickness | 1-2 inches |
Marinade | Olive oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, salt, pepper |
Seasoning | Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, pepper, brown sugar, ground mustard, onion powder, cumin |
Cooking time | 8-15 minutes |
Temperature | 375°F - 400°F |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pork chops
Type of Pork Chop
The type of pork chop you choose will impact the cooking time and final texture. Boneless pork chops are easier to eat and less likely to dry out, making them a popular choice for air fryer recipes. However, bone-in pork chops have more flavour and can still be successfully cooked in the air fryer.
Thickness
The thickness of your pork chops will affect the cooking time and the char you achieve. Thick pork chops, between 1 1/2 to 2 inches, are ideal for the air fryer as they allow for a beautiful char on all sides without overcooking. Thinner chops may cook too quickly and not develop the same level of flavour. Aim for chops that are all a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Quality
When it comes to choosing your pork chops, opt for quality. Try to source your pork from a butcher, where you can select the exact cut you want. Look for chops with a nice marbling of fat, which will help keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking.
Preparation
Before cooking, it's important to pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step will help the seasoning or marinade adhere better and promote even cooking. You can also lightly coat the chops with olive oil to further enhance the flavour and juiciness.
Seasoning or Marinade
The right seasoning or marinade can take your pork chops to the next level. A simple spice rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is a classic choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic to add moisture and flavour to the meat.
Remember, the key to choosing the right pork chops is selecting quality ingredients, preparing them properly, and seasoning or marinating them well. With the right cuts and some attention to detail, you'll be well on your way to air fryer pork chop perfection!
Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Cheesy Treat
You may want to see also
Preparing the pork chops
The first step to preparing your pork chops is to pat them dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, as it helps the meat to absorb the marinade and keeps them juicy. If you are using pre-packaged pork chops, make sure to remove any excess liquid before patting them dry.
Next, you will need to decide if you want to marinate your pork chops or simply season them. If you have the time, marinating your pork chops will add extra flavour and tenderness. To make a marinade, you will need olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Combine these ingredients and add the pork chops, making sure that all sides are coated. Marinate the pork chops for at least one hour, but no longer than 12 hours.
If you are short on time, you can simply season your pork chops with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also just season them with salt and pepper if you are in a rush.
Once your pork chops are marinated or seasoned, it is important to bring them to room temperature before cooking. Remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them.
Air-Fried Steak Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Making the rub/seasoning
The first step to making juicy and tender air fryer pork chops is to prepare a rub or seasoning mix. This will add flavour to the meat and help create a delicious crust. Here's a simple and effective rub recipe:
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Ground mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix these dry ingredients together in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences. For two pork chops, use almost all of the rub and really work it into the meat.
If you don't have time to make a rub, you can use a simple seasoning blend of staples you likely already have in your kitchen:
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
You can also keep it very simple and just season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
Before applying the rub or seasoning, it's important to rinse the pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the seasoning sticks to the meat and helps to remove any excess moisture. Once the pork chops are dry, coat them lightly with olive oil, then generously apply the rub or seasoning. Massage it into the meat, making sure to cover all sides.
Air Fryer French Fry Secrets: Crispy, Golden, Perfect!
You may want to see also
Cooking the pork chops
Firstly, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them to absorb the marinade and keep them juicy. If you are using a seasoning, this step will also help the seasoning stick to the meat.
Next, you can either marinate or season your pork chops. If you are marinating, add the chops to a mixture of olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you are seasoning, brush the chops with oil and use a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Make sure to coat all sides of the pork chops.
Now, it's time to cook the pork chops in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each chop to allow for even cooking. You may want to spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
For 1-inch-thick boneless pork chops, air fry for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For bone-in pork chops, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender pork chops.
And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender air fryer pork chops.
Air-Fryer Steak: Cooking the Perfect Steak with Nuwave
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Vegetables
Air fryer vegetables are a great side dish option. You can cut and season your veggies while the pork chops are cooking, and then quickly air fry them while the meat rests. Try air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer cauliflower, or mixed air-fried vegetables.
Potatoes
Pair your pork chops with simple roasted potatoes or creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting meal. Air fryer roasted potatoes are also a popular choice, especially with kids. For a lighter alternative, try fried radishes or cauliflower mash.
Salads
For a lighter meal, serve your pork chops with a simple salad such as a sweet kale salad, crunchy and creamy cucumber salad, or tangy artichoke salad.
Roasted Veggies
If you want your side dish to be ready at the same time as your pork chops, you can start roasting vegetables while the meat is marinating. Some great options include roasted asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli.
Cooling Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer: How Long?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Typically, boneless pork chops will take 8-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops will take 11-15 minutes. The best way to ensure your pork chops are cooked is to use a meat thermometer – pork is ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
You can use egg, olive oil, mayo, or Dijon mustard to get the breading to stick to the pork chops. Dip the pork chops in your chosen ingredient, then place them in the breadcrumbs and use your hands to press the crumbs in well.
The air fryer is a great way to cook pork chops and keep them juicy. However, you should still keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Using a cooking thermometer will help you prevent this. Once the pork chops are cooked, let them rest for at least 10 minutes so that the juices can settle into the meat.
Thick, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops tend to work best in the air fryer. Aim for a thickness of between 1 ½ to 2 inches. This will give the chops a beautiful char on all sides. Thin pork chops will cook too quickly and won't get the same level of char.
There are lots of great side dishes that go well with pork chops. Try roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, or a simple salad like kale or cucumber. Potatoes are also a popular choice – you could try mashed potatoes, air fryer French fries, or sweet potato fries.