Air fryers have become a go-to kitchen gadget for those seeking an easy, healthy, and foolproof way to prepare their favorite dishes. These compact appliances take up minimal counter space, eliminate the need for excessive frying oils, and utilize hot air circulation to ensure a consistently crispy end result. While air fryers are commonly used for foods like chicken wings, steak, bacon, pizza, and even grilled cheese sandwiches, one underrated option is the pork chop. Surprisingly, you can achieve a crispy and juicy air fryer pork chop in under 15 minutes, offering a time-saving alternative to traditional pan or grill methods. Chef Chris Nirschel of New York Catering Service shares his expert insights on how to make the perfect air fryer pork chop with ease.
Achieving a delicious, quick, and easy pork chop might come as a surprise, but Chef Nirschel's secret weapon is the air fryer. According to him, the air fryer consistently delivers perfect, flavorful, and juicy pork chops with ease.
1) Gather Your Ingredients and Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you begin, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. You'll need pork chops and your choice of seasonings. Make sure your air fryer is clean and prepared. Chef Nirschel recommends preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees. While most air fryer brands will work, he particularly likes the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer.
2) Season the Pork Chops and Place Them in the Air Fryer Basket
Feel free to use your preferred seasonings, but if you're looking for some inspiration, here's Chef Nirschel's recipe for an Air Fryer Pork Chop Spice Rub:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels, then evenly rub the spice mixture over both sides of each pork chop to ensure they are well-coated. Before placing the pork chops in the air fryer, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each chop for even cooking.
3) Cook Your Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
With your air fryer preheated and your pork chops seasoned, it's time to start cooking!
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pork chops for approximately 12-15 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your pork chops, so be sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they're fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
4) Let Cool and Serve
Now comes the enjoyable part: savoring your mouthwatering pork chops.
After your pork chops have reached a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked, take them out of the air fryer, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving," advises Nirschel. "This final step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
If you're looking for side dish ideas to accompany your pork, Chef Nirschel suggests serving them with options like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a refreshing salad.