Air-Fried Pork Chops: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, producing a juicy, tender, and delicious result. The rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are crispy on the outside, yet flavourful and juicy on the inside. This method is also versatile, working for both boneless and bone-in pork chops.

Choosing the right pork chops

Bone-in vs. Boneless:

Firstly, decide whether you want bone-in or boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops have more flavour but take longer to cook. Boneless chops, on the other hand, are easier to eat and are less likely to dry out in the air fryer. If you opt for bone-in, look for thick, centre-cut chops, ideally between 1½ inches to 2 inches thick. This will ensure you get a beautiful char on all sides.

Thickness:

The thickness of your pork chops will impact the cooking time and the overall result. For air frying, choose chops that are at least ½ inch thick, with 1-inch thick chops being ideal. Thinner chops will cook more quickly and may not get the desirable char. If your chops are thicker than 1 inch, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Type of Pork Chop:

There are different types of pork chops, such as loin chops and rib chops. Both work well in the air fryer, but it's important to choose chops that are of similar thickness so they cook at the same rate.

Fresh or Frozen:

You can use fresh or frozen pork chops for this recipe. If using frozen, adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and consider thawing them first for better results.

Marinade or Seasoning:

You can either marinate your pork chops before cooking or simply season them. A marinade will add more flavour and help keep the meat moist, while seasoning is a quicker option. If you have time, a marinade with olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic is a great option. For seasoning, a simple blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper will do the trick.

Preparing the pork chops

Next, you have the option to marinate your pork chops or simply season them. If you opt for marination, prepare a marinade using olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can brush the pork chops with oil and apply a seasoning blend of your choice. A simple blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper works well. Make sure to coat all sides of the pork chops evenly.

If you have the time, it is recommended to let the pork chops sit in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours after marination or seasoning. This enhances the flavour and tenderness of the meat. However, if you're in a hurry, you can cook the pork chops right away.

Before cooking, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand to bring them to room temperature, which will help them cook more evenly.

Cooking the pork chops

Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. If you are using a marinade, add the chops to the marinade and leave for up to 12 hours in the fridge. If you are using a seasoning, rub this onto the pork chops, coating all sides.

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each chop. Spray the basket with cooking spray if you are using a seasoning.

Cook the pork chops for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops will take 9-12 minutes, while bone-in pork chops will take 1-2 minutes longer.

Check the temperature of the pork chops with a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F, but the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the meat rests. Remove the pork chops from the air fryer when they reach 140-143°F and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Resting the pork chops

The resting time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. For chops that are around 1-inch thick, let them rest for about 10 minutes. Thicker chops may need a little longer, while thinner chops may only require a few minutes.

During the resting time, the pork chops will continue to cook a little, and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees. For this reason, it's best to remove the chops from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 140-143°F, as they will come up to the recommended 145°F while resting.

You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, to serve with your juicy, tender pork chops.

Serving the pork chops

Once your pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate to rest for a couple of minutes. You can then slice the pork chops into thin slices and serve with the seasoned juices.

Some side dishes that go well with pork chops include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, or mixed air fryer vegetables. Potatoes are also a good pairing, whether that's simple roasted potatoes, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or air fryer roasted potatoes. For a lighter alternative, a salad such as sweet kale, crunchy and creamy cucumber, or tangy artichoke salad can be a good option.

Frequently asked questions