Air fryer pork chops are a fantastic option for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. They come out incredibly juicy and tender, rivaling pan-fried or grilled versions, but with less oil and fuss. If you’re wondering How Long To Cook Pork Chops In Air Fryer to achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and succulent interior, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master air fryer pork chops every time.
Choosing the right cut and thickness of pork chops is crucial for air frying success. For the best results, opt for thick-cut, bone-in, center-cut pork chops, ideally between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops prevent drying out during the air frying process and allow for a beautiful char on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Bone-in chops also tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better than boneless cuts. While thinner pork chops can be cooked in the air fryer, they are more prone to becoming dry and overcooked quickly, and they won’t develop the same appealing char.
To elevate the flavor of your air fryer pork chops, a flavorful rub is highly recommended. Instead of breading, a dry rub allows the spices to directly penetrate the meat, creating a delicious crust and enhancing the natural pork flavor. A simple yet incredibly tasty rub can be made with pantry staples. You’ll need: brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and caramelization, paprika for smokiness and color, ground mustard for a tangy kick, onion and garlic powder for savory depth, and salt and pepper to season. Before applying the rub, it’s important to rinse the pork chops under cool water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This removes any surface moisture and helps the rub adhere better. A light coating of olive oil before applying the rub further aids in binding the spices and adds a touch of richness.
Now, let’s get to the most crucial part: cooking time. Preheating your air fryer is a vital step often overlooked but essential for even cooking and achieving that desirable sear. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature when you add the pork chops.
Once preheated, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than air frying, resulting in unevenly cooked and less crispy pork chops. The cooking time for pork chops in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) is typically 12-14 minutes for thick-cut chops. It’s important to flip the pork chops halfway through, after about 6 minutes, to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
To guarantee perfectly cooked and juicy pork chops, always use an instant-read food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding the bone. The target internal temperature for pork chops is 140°F (60°C). Keep in mind that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting, a process known as carryover cooking. If your pork chops are exceptionally thick, they might require a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer.
Once the pork chops reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or cutting board. Let the pork chops rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in maximum tenderness and flavor. Slicing the pork chops against the grain and serving them with the flavorful juices that accumulate during resting will provide an exceptional dining experience.
For consistently juicy and tender air fryer pork chops, remember these key tips:
- Choose thick-cut, bone-in pork chops.
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer.
- Season generously with a flavorful rub.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Always rest the pork chops before serving.
Air fryer pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain for a complete and satisfying meal. Experiment with different rubs and seasonings to explore various flavor profiles and make this air fryer pork chop recipe your own. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of perfectly cooked pork chops right from your air fryer!
Recipe:
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12-14 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 center-cut, bone-in pork chops, 1 ½ – 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small bowl
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Rinse pork chops with cool water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the pork chops with olive oil on both sides.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place pork chops in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, after 6 minutes.
- Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
- Once cooked, remove pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Air fryer temperatures can vary. Always use a food thermometer to ensure pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Carryover cooking will bring the final temperature to 145°F (63°C), which is the recommended safe temperature for pork.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your specific air fryer model.
