Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops Easy Recipe
The thin pork chops made in an air fryer not only save time and effort but also allow you to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with low oil and low fat. Let me teach you some practical cooking skills so that you can easily recreate restaurant-level cuisine.
Why choose to make thin pork chops with an air fryer?
Crispy and less oily
The high-temperature hot air forms a crispy crust. You only need to brush a thin layer of oil, making it healthier than deep-frying.
Juicy meat
The closed-loop heating system locks in the moisture. A 1-cm thick pork chop is not easily dried out during baking.
Easy to operate
After setting the temperature and time, you don't need to keep an eye on it. It will automatically remind you to turn it over.
Time-saving and efficient
The whole process takes only 13 minutes to complete, which is 30% faster than using a traditional oven.
Easy to clean
Line the air fryer with tin foil and use only a small amount of oil. After baking, you can simply discard the tin foil, and the cleaning process only takes 1 minute.
Ingredient Instructions
Pork chops: A thickness of 1 cm makes the pork chops easier to absorb the marinade after being pounded. If using refrigerated pork chops, they need to be brought to room temperature 20 minutes in advance, so they are less likely to break when pounded.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder to help the marinade adhere. When beating the egg, add half a teaspoon of water to make the egg liquid coat the meat more evenly.
Cooking wine: The alcohol evaporates at high temperatures, removing the fishy smell. 15 milliliters is just enough to remove the odor without leaving a bitter taste. It is better to wipe the surface of the pork chops dry before applying the cooking wine.
Light and dark soy sauce: Provide the basic salty and umami flavors. Choose the low-salt version to avoid being too salty. When paired with dark soy sauce, the safest ratio is 2:1.
Oyster sauce: A natural meat tenderizer containing sugar and starch. It thickens after refrigeration. Soak the bottle in warm water for 1 minute before use to make it easier to pour out.
Salt: Ensures an even distribution of saltiness inside and outside the meat.
White sugar: It has a more concentrated sweetness compared to brown sugar, so you don't need to use much.
Starch: Forms a protective layer to lock in the meat juices. Potato starch is more heat-resistant than corn starch and is suitable for the continuous hot air in the air fryer.
Cooking oil: Choose high-smoke-point oils such as refined olive oil or canola oil. Brush the oil on after marinating instead of mixing it in to prevent the spices from charring and turning bitter at high temperatures.
Temperature and Cooking Time Setting Reference
Thin pork chops (about 1 cm thick): 180°C (356°F). Bake for 8 minutes first, then turn over and bake for another 5 minutes. The total cooking time is 13 minutes.
Thick pork chops (about 2 - 3 cm thick): 180°C (356°F). Bake for 12 minutes first, then turn over and bake for 6 - 8 minutes. The total cooking time is 18 - 20 minutes.
Chicken cutlets / Chicken breast: 180°C (356°F). Bake for 10 minutes first, then turn over and bake for 3 - 5 minutes. The total cooking time is 13 - 15 minutes.
Pork ribs: 190°C (374°F). Bake for 18 minutes first, then turn over and bake for another 6 minutes. The total cooking time is 24 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·3 Thin pork chops (recommended thickness: ½ inch)
Additional Ingredients
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·1 egg
Seasonings
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·15ml cooking wine
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·10ml light soy sauce
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·5ml dark soy sauce
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·5ml oyster sauce
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·1 teaspoon salt
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·1 teaspoon starch
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·1 teaspoon baking soda
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·1 teaspoon white sugar
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·A little cooking oil (brush it on the surface)
Table of Contents
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Place the thin pork chops (about 1 cm thick) on a chopping board and pound both sides with a small meat mallet to loosen the meat texture.
Step 2
Put the pork chops in a plate, then add the egg, 15 ml of cooking wine, 10 ml of light soy sauce, 5 ml of dark soy sauce, 5 ml of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of starch.
Step 3
Put on gloves and evenly stir the marinade by hand, then marinate the pork chops for 1 hour.
Step 4
Line the bottom of a baking pan with tin foil and brush it with oil. Put the marinated pork chops into the baking pan and brush a layer of cooking oil on them.
Step 5
Place the pork chops in an air fryer, set the temperature to 180°C and bake for 8 minutes.
Step 6
Flip the pork chops and bake for another 5 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and crispy.
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Secrets to Lock in the Juice
Pound the Meat
Gently pound the pork chops with a small hammer. This helps loosen the meat fibers, making it easier for the marinade to penetrate. During cooking, this will better lock in the moisture.
Marinating Time
When marinating the pork chops, make sure to use an appropriate amount of salt and seasonings. Salt helps the meat retain moisture. Marinate for about 1 hour, which allows the flavors to seep in while maintaining the juiciness.
Adequate Oil
Brush a thin layer of cooking oil before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also forms a protective layer in the air fryer, preventing moisture from escaping.
High-Temperature and Quick Cooking
Use a relatively high temperature for quick baking. This can form a thin and crispy crust on the surface, sealing in the internal moisture and keeping the pork chops tender and juicy.
Flipping Technique
When cooking in the air fryer, don't wait too long to flip the pork chops. Avoid the surface from cracking. Flipping in a timely manner helps retain the moisture of the ingredients.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Oil: Although I like to use olive oil, you can definitely use other oils that you usually use in the air fryer, such as rapeseed oil or vegetable oil. The effect will be the same.
Pork Chops: If you want to try other flavors, you can use pork chops with bones. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are well cooked.
Seasonings: I recommend my own seasoning recipe, but you can also choose different seasonings according to your taste. For example, ranch dressing, Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning can all bring different flavors to the pork chops.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Put the leftovers in a sealed container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F), and heat for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.
FAQs:
Moreover, adding cooking oil in the air fryer helps keep the pork chops moist. However, it's better not to roast them for too long, otherwise they will become dry over time.
If you don't have tin foil, you can place the pork chops directly on the baking pan of the air fryer. Just make sure to brush the pork chops with cooking oil, which can help prevent sticking and keep the surface crispy.
However, you may need to adjust the cooking time to 15 - 18 minutes, or until the meat thermometer reads 145°F/65°C.
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