Air-Fryer Pork Rinds: Crispy, Crunchy, And Delicious

Pork chops are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. Cooking pork chops in an air fryer is a convenient way to get a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. The air fryer's rapid air circulation yields pork chops that are cooked evenly and efficiently.

To make pork chops in an air fryer, start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, coat both sides of the pork chops with olive oil and the seasoning mixture of your choice. Place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375-400°F for 9-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your perfect flavor profile. Some popular options include Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper.

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can enjoy delicious and juicy air-fried pork chops any day of the week!

Choosing the right pork chops

Bone-in vs. Boneless:

Start by deciding whether you want bone-in or boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops have more flavour but take longer to cook. Boneless chops are easier to eat and are less likely to dry out in the air fryer.

Thickness:

The thickness of the pork chops will impact the cooking time. For air frying, choose chops that are at least 1-inch thick, with a range of 1 ½ inches to 2 inches being ideal. Thinner chops will cook too quickly and may not get the desired char.

Cut:

The best cut for air fryer pork chops is the centre cut. This cut provides a good balance of flavour and cooking time.

Quality:

Look for high-quality, fresh pork chops from a reputable source. The quality of the meat will impact the final taste and texture of your dish.

Preparation:

Before cooking, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the meat absorb any seasonings or marinades and promotes even cooking.

Marinade or Seasoning:

You can choose to marinate your pork chops or simply season them before air frying. A marinade will add more flavour and help tenderize the meat, but it requires some advance preparation. A simple seasoning blend can also be delicious and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Remember, the key to choosing the right pork chops for air frying is to select thick, centre-cut chops that are either bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Don't forget to pat them dry and season or marinate before cooking!

Preparing the pork chops

Choosing the Right Pork Chops:

• Select thick, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops if possible. The ideal thickness is between 1½ to 2 inches. Thick chops give a beautiful char on all sides when cooked in the air fryer.
• If you opt for boneless pork chops, choose chops that are about 1 inch thick.
• Ensure all chops are of similar thickness so they cook evenly.

Marinade or Seasoning:

• You can either marinate your pork chops or simply season them before cooking.
• For a delicious marinade, combine olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chops for 1 to 12 hours, but not longer, in the refrigerator.
• Alternatively, create a simple seasoning blend with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• If you're short on time, you can also just season the chops generously with salt and pepper.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the chops absorb the marinade or seasoning more effectively.
• If marinating, add the chops to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. If using the seasoning blend, rub it generously on both sides of the chops.
• For best results, bring the pork chops to room temperature by removing them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking the Pork Chops in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.
• For 1-inch-thick boneless pork chops, air fry for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For bone-in pork chops, add an extra 1-2 minutes.
• The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking the pork chops

Firstly, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. If you are using bone-in pork chops, opt for chops that are between 1 and 2 inches thick. For boneless pork chops, choose chops that are about 1 inch thick.

Next, prepare your chosen seasoning or marinade. For a rub, mix together brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. For a marinade, mix olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can use a simple blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Now, it's time to season the pork chops. If you are using a marinade, add the chops to the mixture and let them sit for 1-12 hours. If you are using a rub, coat the chops with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mix generously over the meat.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While you wait, you can spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if you are using a rub. If you are using a marinade, the oil in the mixture should be enough.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork chops inside in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. If you are cooking more chops than will fit comfortably in a single layer, cook them in batches.

Cook the pork chops for about 12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chops and whether they are bone-in or boneless. For boneless chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. For bone-in chops, you may need to cook them a little longer, until they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

When the pork chops are done, remove them from the air fryer 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 and the desired level of doneness. For thicker pork chops, allow them to rest for a couple of minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For thinner pork chops, a shorter resting time of around 5 minutes may be sufficient.

During the resting time, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with the pork chops. Some side dish suggestions include roasted vegetables, salads, or mashed potatoes.

Once the pork chops have rested, slice them into thin slices and serve. Enjoy the juicy and tender air-fried pork chops!

Serving the pork chops

Once your pork chops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle and ensure the pork chops are tender and juicy.

You can slice the pork chops into thin slices and drizzle the seasoned juices over the meat.

Some recipes recommend an internal temperature of 140°F, while others suggest 145°F. It's important to check the temperature of the meat before serving to ensure it's cooked properly.

You can serve air fryer pork chops with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. They're a versatile main course that goes well with a variety of side dishes.

Frequently asked questions