You know what, weekends are my favorite day that I became a chef without toque. I really like to experiment and make new dishes. But there are also lazy Sundays and on such days I came up with very quick delicious food with minimal effort and maximum result. Just think about the pork chops sliced on your plate with some salads. The pork is tender inside and packed with so much flavor. You may try the dish in the pan fry method or using the oven. But try this and you will wonder!
Why Cook Pork Chops in the Air Fryer?
I also tried so many ways to cook the pork chops and pan seared was my favorite. When I went from 48 kg to 63kg weight last year, an air fryer was the first option I made. Because I can’t resist food even if I resist oxygen, hahaaha! Jokes apart, that was the wonderful decision I made. Now my favorite pork chops are from the little cute airfryer. Not only this, you should also try chicken thigh in air fryer.
You wanna know what makes it my favorite? It is incredibly faster than all other methods and only needs zero oil. The ease and the result will make you a big fan of this recipe. You will get the better healthy option over all food stuff. The main highlight is it just needs one or two dishes maximum to cook. Who wouldn’t love fewer dishes to wash? For me, the air fryer is the ultimate kitchen gadget, especially for recipes like this.
Can You Put Raw Pork in an Air Fryer?
I know some of you still have not much idea about this and doubt that the air frying any food is the second step after other methods like steaming or pan frying. But that’s not true. Absolutely! You can put raw pork in an airfryer. If you do your favorite seasoning or marinade, then it is good to go for our taste buds and stomach.
You may store the pork in the refrigerator before cooking, so it’s better to keep it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
The Best Pork Chops for the Air Fryer I Choose
I usually go for bone in pork for some extra bite and if you want to know the brand, I am a wild fork foods fan and compared to others, it gives more fresh meat taste and 90 day return policy. If I not got this brand, then I will go for some brands like Butcher box and Snake River Farms.
If you get the raw pork from the farm, that is better and fresh. Then try to cook bone-in pork, it really helps in retaining moisture and adds an extra flavor. Cooking pork chops air fryer boneless is also good, even my grandma likes it. Yeah, she has no teeth in mouth for the bone.
Cooking Pork Chops Air Fryer
Now comes the real fun part. Even if you are a beginner in using kitchen gadgets like air fryer or even new to cooking, don’t worry. I got you!
Ingredients for the Recipe
- 2 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Make a Yummy Rub for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Creating a flavorful rub is where the magic happens. Here’s my go-to mix for air fryer pork chops:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a sweet-savory touch)
Marinating any meat is kind of satisfying for me. I like to mix all the recipes in a small bowl and gently coat it in the pork chops. It is better to rest for sometime. This will make a tight bond between teh spices and meat. When we were kids, my cousin had a tendency to taste the marinated raw meat and my grandma kept yelling at him for this.
Instructions Step by Step
Let the process be as simple as you! It only needs a short time and zero effort.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: This process is really important to getting the air fryer. So set the temp of the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Now you just pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Then you can take the heroe – marinated pork chops.
- Place in Air Fryer: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You should avoid overcrowding with all the pork chops and this will help to even cooking.
- Cook: Then you can air fry the pork chops for 10-12 minutes and flip halfway through. If you are not sure yet, then try it with a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest: As the second last step, rest the pork chops for 3-5 minutes before serving. This will make the juices to evenly come for maximum tenderness. You can also decorate the food at this time.
Recipe Tips
- I can share my secret for perfect cooking and avoiding flaws in airfryer. It’s better to preheat your air fryer before starting cooking.
- You should not skip the resting of meat after cooking, believe me, it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- For extra juicy chops, brine them in a saltwater solution (1/4 cup salt + 4 cups water) for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Pork Chops
If you are a bachelor or hostel student who just had the cravings at midnight for pork chops air fryer, this is for you my sweethearts!
3 Ingredients
1 bone-in pork loin chop (about 4 oz.)
¼ cup Zesty Italian dressing
A pinch of sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork Chop:
You may have a zip lock bag, take it and just put all the pork and Italian dressing with some pinch of salt and needed black pepper. You can marinate this and can keep it in the refrigerator for a long time. This will make your work easier if you have any sudden cravings and also the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets! - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Like I told you, preheating is important. So make your air fryer temperature setting to 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. - Get Ready to Cook:
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil if you want or use only butter paper. Place the pork chop inside, making sure it’s not crowded. - Cook to Perfection:
Set the timer for 15 minutes. Flip the pork chop over at the 10-minute mark to make sure it is even cooking. - Cheese It Up:
Now comes the real tasty part. At the 15-minute mark, open the air fryer and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese over the hot pork chop. Cook for one more minute so the cheese melts beautifully and gets that texture you saw on television advertisements. - Serve & Enjoy:
Finally, just serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy yourself.
Sliced Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
If you choose this dish as breakfast for a busy working day, then choosing sliced pork is better. Because the thinner the slice of pork, the sooner it will cook. It only needs 6-8 minutes at 400°F. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Also remember to flip once the one side is cooked. Lemon pepper seasoning or smoky paprika will go best for this.
What to Serve With Pork Chops
Serving is like the interior design of a new home. You have all the facilities at home, but after doing the interior, it will feel more like home. So, I always like to serve in a nice way. In pork chops, I love to pair it with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. When I’m craving something heavy, then I’ll serve them with creamy mac and cheese or buttery corn on the cob.
If you really want to try something new, then go for carrot salad or ranch potatoes. I go for jalapeno cornbread if I want a spicy kick.
Time Takes for Pork Chop in the Air Fryer?
If you are buying raw meat directly from a shop, it’s common to doubt how long a pork chop is and time taken for it to cook. For 1-inch thick pork chops, it usually takes 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Always flip halfway through for even browning. I have a neighbour Jahnavi and his husband. He always buys raw meat and cuts the meat himself. I think he knows all the measurements and cooking time. The real reason that he didn’t depend on the shop to cut meat is he wanted the fat in the meat for soup. He loves it and the shop staff may cut it.
How Long to Cook Bone-In Pork Chops in Air Fryer?
The bone-in pork chops usually take a little longer than pork chops air fryer boneless. It will take time almost 12-14 minutes at 400°F to cook bone in pork chops. If you are still confused about the cooking time, it’s better to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
Which is Better, Cook Pork Chops at 350 or 400?
I tried cooking pork chops in both temperatures and found 400°F to be the sweet spot. It’s really hot enough to cook a beautiful crust and at the same time it is cooking inside to tender perfection. At 350°F, you will face the risk of drying out the chops.
Storage Directions
Are you a lover of batch cooking? Or got leftovers? Don’t worry. You can easily store your pork chops for up to 3 days or weeks and even months.
Refrigeration: Using a refrigerator, you can customize the storing method. This is one of the best options and if you want just to save it for hours, go for the cooling option. This prevents bacteria growth for a short time. In my case, I can’t tolerate the flavor loss after storage. So I usually place the pork chops in shallow, airtight containers or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
Freezing: If you want it to save for months, then do the same aluminium foil hack and place them in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. After one and half months, you will not get the exact taste like fresh, but prevent the bacteria growth.
Additional Tips:
- Labeling: Clearly label the containers you keep food with the date of storage to keep track of freshness and have it before affecting bacteria.
- Portioning: Consider storing pork chops in meal-sized portions for convenience.
- Avoid Re-freezing: Once thawed, do not refreeze pork chops, as this can degrade quality.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Even in reheating the leftovers, pork chops air fryer temp and time may confuse you. So first bring the stored food into room temperature and arrange it in the air fryer. Then set temp at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This brings back the crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. If you want a little more flavor or taste, rub one teaspoon of olive oil to the dish before reheating.
My Other Favorite Pork Recipes
You know that I can die for pork recipes. My sister in law also has the same vibe. She also loves pork recipes. I can share with you some favorite variations to the pork chop recipes that also have not that much effort.
Pork Chops Air Fryer Shake and Bake
You only need to coat the pork chops with a little olive oil and egg white. Then easily dredge it into your favorite shake and bake mix. I usually put some random mis from walmart and you can make yourself at home like my mom do. Then place it into the airfryer and in some minutes, the dish will ready
Pork Chops Air Fryer Breaded
In this recipe, the process is much easier. We can finish this while counting 1-2-3. Dip the chops in flour, follow with an egg white, and coat them generously in breadcrumbs. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it work its magic for 12-15 minutes. I usually have it as my evening snack of mid snacks. You can try this without any complex steps and confusions.
There you have it, the best pork chops! Hope my trial and errors will help you a lot to avoid so many cooking errors. Whether you’re a professional chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will become one of your favorites forever, especially for pork lovers like me. Let me know how it turns out for you!