Air-Fryer Thick Pork Chops: Juicy Perfection

Thick pork chops cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The air fryer's rapid air circulation ensures the pork chops are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless pork chops typically take 8-12 minutes to cook, while bone-in pork chops can take 11-15 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.

Choosing the right pork chops

Thickness: Opt for thicker pork chops, ideally between 1 to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops, such as those in the range of 1 ½ to 2 inches, provide a beautiful char on all sides due to the longer cooking time. Thin pork chops tend to cook too quickly and may not develop the desired char.

Bone-in vs. Boneless: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. Bone-in chops have more flavour and tend to be juicier due to increased marbling. However, boneless chops are easier to eat and are less likely to dry out in the air fryer. If using bone-in chops, allow for a slightly longer cooking time.

Cut: Look for centre-cut pork chops, as they tend to cook more evenly and provide a better balance of meat and fat.

Freshness: Whenever possible, choose fresh pork chops over frozen ones. If you do use frozen pork chops, thaw them before cooking for the best results.

Consistency: Ensure that your pork chops are of similar thickness so that they cook at the same rate. This will help you avoid overcooking or undercooking certain chops in a batch.

Quality: If you can, purchase your pork chops from a butcher instead of a grocery store. This way, you can select the exact type and quality of meat you desire.

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

Preparing the pork chops

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

Select thick, centre-cut pork chops, preferably bone-in, as they tend to have more marbling, resulting in juicier and more flavourful meat. The ideal thickness is between 1 to 2 inches. If you can, buy your pork chops from a butcher to ensure the best quality.

Drying and Marinating the Pork Chops

Before you begin marinating or seasoning the pork chops, it's essential to pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the meat absorb the marinade or seasoning more effectively. If you're using a marinade, add the pork chops and let them soak up all the flavours for at least an hour, but no more than 12 hours. If you're short on time, you can simply season the pork chops generously with your chosen spice blend.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375°F to 400°F. This step is crucial, as it ensures the pork chops cook evenly and efficiently.

Cooking the Pork Chops

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. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and whether the chops are bone-in or boneless. For thick pork chops, cook for around 12 to 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F when they're done.

Resting the Pork Chops

Once the pork chops are cooked, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork chops are juicy and tender.

Cooking the pork chops

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to cook the pork chops. Follow these steps to cook juicy and tender pork chops in an air fryer:

• Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the pork chops absorb the marinade and stay juicy.
• Next, prepare the pork chop marinade and marinate the pork chops for 1 to 12 hours. Alternatively, you can season them generously with the pork chop seasoning.
• Remove the pork chops from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This step ensures that the pork chops cook more evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for cooking pork chops in the air fryer.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
• For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, air fry for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Add an extra 1-2 minutes for bone-in pork chops.
• Remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender pork chops.

Your juicy and tender pork chops are now ready to be served! Enjoy your delicious meal!

Resting the pork chops

During the resting period, the pork chops will continue to cook slightly, as the heat from the air fryer will have been absorbed into the centre of the meat. This is called "carryover cooking". It is important to take this into account when checking the internal temperature of the pork chops, as they will continue to cook even after being removed from the heat. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145°F. However, it is safe to remove the chops from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 140°F, as they will continue to cook while resting and will reach the desired temperature.

Additionally, resting the pork chops gives you time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you may be serving with the meal. Some side dish suggestions include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus, or potatoes, such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries.

In conclusion, resting the pork chops is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it ensures that the meat is juicy, tender, and cooked to the recommended internal temperature. It also allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the flavour and texture of the dish.

Serving the pork chops

Once your pork chops are cooked, it's time to serve them. But first, let the chops rest for a few minutes—this will allow the juices to redistribute and make your pork extra juicy.

While your pork chops rest, you can whip up a side dish. Here are some suggestions:

• Air-fried vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus.
• Potatoes, such as roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or French fries.
• Salads, like a kale salad, cucumber salad, or artichoke salad.
• Other roasted vegetables, like carrots, beetroot, or green beans.

Now, it's time to eat! Slice your pork chops and serve them with your chosen side dish. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions