Air-Fried Pork Chops: The Perfect Nuwave Recipe

Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tender, juicy, and flavourful meal. This guide will show you how to make delicious pork chops in a Nuwave air fryer.

Choosing the right pork chops

Thickness: Opt for thicker pork chops, ideally between 1 to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops have more time to develop a beautiful char on all sides without overcooking. Thin pork chops tend to cook too quickly and can easily dry out, becoming tough and less juicy.

Bone-in or Boneless: Both bone-in and boneless pork chops can be used in an air fryer recipe. However, bone-in chops may take slightly longer to cook and will add more flavour to the dish.

Quality: Look for high-quality, fresh pork chops from a trusted butcher or grocery store. Choose chops with a good amount of marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the muscle. This fat will help keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process.

Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, choose pork chops that fit comfortably in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate properly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chops in batches.

Fresh or Frozen: While fresh pork chops are ideal, you can also cook frozen pork chops in an air fryer. Just be aware that the cooking time will be longer, and you may need to adjust the temperature settings accordingly.

By selecting the right pork chops and following the air fryer cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating juicy, tender, and delicious pork chops that your family and friends will rave about!

Preparing the seasoning

Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a smokier, slightly spicier flavour, you can use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. Alternatively, you can omit the brown sugar if you prefer a sugar-free option.

After mixing the dry ingredients, coat the pork chops with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mix generously over all sides of the meat. Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before adding the olive oil and seasoning. This will help ensure that the seasoning adheres well to the meat.

Finally, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer in a single layer, and you'll be ready to start cooking!

Coating the chops

The coating is what gives your pork chops that extra special something. It's a simple process but a crucial one, so here's a step-by-step guide to getting it just right.

First, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the coating stick to the meat. Next, you'll want to coat both sides of the chops evenly with olive oil. Get out a small bowl and mix together all your chosen seasonings. For a simple but delicious rub, try a combination of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. You can also add dried thyme for an extra flavour kick.

Now for the fun part: coating the chops. Take your seasoned pork chops and generously apply the rub to all sides, making sure to press the seasoning so that it sticks to the meat. This will add a tasty, crispy crust to your pork chops. You can also dredge the chops in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, parsley and pepper for a mouth-watering alternative.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork chops in a Nuwave air fryer depend on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.

For boneless pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, cook the pork chops at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork chops over and continue to cook for 3-7 more minutes, until the internal temperature of the center of the pork chops is 145°F.

For bone-in pork chops, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, cook the pork chops at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork chops over and continue to cook for 6-10 more minutes, until the internal temperature of the center of the pork chops is 145°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. As a general rule, thicker pork chops will require a longer cooking time. Additionally, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicy and tender pork chops.

Resting and serving

Once your pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F, it's time to take them out of the air fryer and let them rest. Place them on a plate and let them sit for a few minutes. This is a crucial step, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your pork chops are juicy and tender.

After resting, it's time to serve. Slice the pork chops into thin slices and drizzle the seasoned juices over the top. You can also serve them with a vegetable side dish, potatoes, or bread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pork chops in an oven set to 350°F, adding a few drops of broth or water to prevent dryness.

Frequently asked questions