Air-Fried Pork Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork chops, keeping them juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. There are many different recipes for cooking pork chops in an air fryer, but most involve coating the meat in oil and a rub or marinade of your choice. The air fryer is then set to around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, and the chops are flipped halfway through.

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 tend to cook a bit faster. On the other hand, bone-in chops have more flavour but may take a little longer to cook. Both options will turn out juicy and delicious with the air fryer method.

Thickness

Aim for pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. You can certainly use thicker or thinner chops, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker chops may require a few extra minutes, while thinner chops will cook more quickly. Try to choose chops of uniform thickness so they cook at the same rate.

Fresh vs Frozen

Fresh pork chops are ideal, but if you're in a pinch, frozen chops can work too. Just be sure to thaw them first for the best results. If you're short on time, you can cook frozen chops, but they may not be as tender.

Quality

Look for high-quality pork chops from a trusted butcher or grocery store. Choose chops that have a nice pink colour and firm texture. Avoid any chops with discolouration or an off-putting odour.

Quantity

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be limited in how many chops you can cook at once. A typical air fryer basket can fit about two chops at a time. If you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to work in batches.

Marinade or Seasoning

You can enhance the flavour of your pork chops by marinating them or simply seasoning them before air frying. A marinade will add moisture and tenderness to the meat, while a dry rub will create a delicious crust. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

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 the meat a beautiful char on all sides without overcooking.
• If you're using boneless pork chops, aim for a thickness of around 1 inch.
• Ensure all your pork chops are of similar thickness so they cook evenly.

Marinade or Seasoning:

• You can choose to marinate your pork chops or simply season them before cooking.
• For a marinade, combine olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Marinate the pork chops for 1 to 12 hours, but not longer, in the refrigerator.
• For a simple seasoning, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, just season with salt and pepper.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chops absorb the marinade or seasoning more effectively.
• If marinating, place the chops in the marinade and ensure all sides are coated. If using the seasoning option, rub the seasoning blend generously on both sides of the chops.
• Bring the pork chops to room temperature by removing them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for air fryer pork chops to ensure even cooking.
• 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.
• For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, air fry for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bone-in pork chops may take an extra 1 to 2 minutes.
• The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Remove the chops from the air fryer when they reach 140°F to 143°F, as the temperature will continue to rise while resting.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender chop.

Cooking the pork chops

There are a few different ways to cook pork chops in an air fryer, depending on the ingredients you have available. Here is a simple method:

Firstly, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil. Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or try something more complex. One option is to mix Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Another option is to use brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Now you're ready to coat the pork chops in your chosen seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides and press the seasoning in well. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each chop. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Resting the pork chops

The length of the resting time can vary, but it should be at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, keeping the pork chops moist and flavourful. During this time, the temperature of the pork chops will also rise a few degrees, so it is best to remove them from the heat at around 140-143°F and let them rest until they reach 145°F.

While the pork chops are resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany the meal. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

Once the pork chops have rested, they are ready to be sliced and served. The resting process ensures the meat is juicy and tender, and helps to enhance the flavour.

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 few minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and ensure your pork chops are juicy and tender.

You can then slice the pork chops into thin slices and serve with some of the seasoned juices on each bite.

Some recipes suggest serving the pork chops with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

Frequently asked questions