Find out How Long Does It Take to Air Fry Bone-in Pork Chops
Timing is crucial when cooking bone-in pork chops in an air fryer. If not timed correctly, the pork chops may burn. Below, I’ll share how long to cook bone-in pork chops in an air fryer—take a look!
How Long Does It Take to Air Fry Bone-in Pork Chops?
Achieving crispy on the outside and tender on the inside bone-in pork chops in an air fryer requires precise timing. For me, I preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) to 200°C (400°F), and then adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and size of the pork chop.
For thinner pork chops, about 10 minutes should be enough. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If the pork chop is thicker, you may need to extend the cooking time to 15 minutes or even longer.
However, it’s important to note that every air fryer has different characteristics. After cooking the first side, I recommend checking the pork chop’s condition. If it looks too dry, reduce the cooking time for the second side.
How Long Does It Take to Cook a 1-Inch Bone-In Pork Chop in an Air Fryer?
As mentioned earlier, controlling the cooking time is crucial when using an air fryer for bone-in pork chops. To cook a 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick bone-in pork chop, follow these steps:
First, set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat it for 3-5 minutes.
Then, place the pork chop inside. Since 1-inch thick pork chops are relatively thick, I recommend setting the timer for 15-18 minutes to get a nice color on the surface.
Afterwards, flip the pork chop and cook for another 12-15 minutes to ensure the other side is fully heated. This will ensure both sides are golden and crispy, with the inside fully cooked.
Keep in mind that the power of different brands of air fryers may vary. If your air fryer is powerful (1500W or higher), you can shorten the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. If the power is lower (around 1000W), you may need to extend the time by 2-3 minutes.
During the cooking process, it’s important to monitor the pork chop’s condition. Look for a deep golden color. You can also gently press it with chopsticks or tongs; if it feels firm and no longer soft, the pork chop is done.
How Long to Cook Bone-In Pork Chops at 350°F?
To cook a 1-inch thick bone-in pork chop at 350°F (177°C) in an air fryer, it will take about 15-20 minutes. The exact time depends on the pork chop's thickness and the air fryer’s wattage.
Here’s how to cook it:
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
Marinate the pork chop: Marinate the pork chop with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, or other seasonings for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cook the pork chop: Place the marinated pork chop in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, flipping it halfway to ensure even cooking.
Check the doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the pork chop. When it reaches 145°F (63°C), it’s done.
Should I Cook Bone-In Pork Chops at 350°F or 400°F?
Cooking at 350°F (177°C)
Advantages: 350°F is a relatively moderate temperature, suitable for slow roasting the pork chop. Cooking at this temperature takes longer (about 20-25 minutes), which helps retain moisture inside the pork chop, making it juicier—ideal for thicker cuts.
Disadvantages: Due to the lower temperature, the exterior may not become as crispy as when cooking at a higher temperature, and it will take longer to reach the desired level of doneness.
Cooking at 400°F (204°C)
Advantages: 400°F is a higher temperature, making it ideal for quick roasting. Cooking time is shorter (about 10-15 minutes), which helps seal in the moisture and results in a crispy exterior and juicy interior—perfect for thinner cuts.
Disadvantages: Higher temperatures can cause the surface to brown quickly, while the interior may not be fully cooked. Close monitoring is required to avoid overcooking.
Recommendation
If you prefer a crispy exterior and a shorter cooking time, choose 400°F, but remember to flip the pork chop to ensure even cooking.
If you care more about a juicy interior, go with 350°F.
Why Are My Pork Chops So Tough in the Air Fryer?
Generally, pork chops cooked in an air fryer should not be tough. If your pork chops turn out tough, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
The cut of the pork chop: If you’ve chosen cuts like the leg or shoulder, these parts tend to be tougher. These cuts cook better when braised or slow-cooked.
Improper preparation: If the pork chop wasn’t tenderized or prepped properly, it could result in a tougher texture.
Insufficient marinating: Marinating is key to tenderizing pork chops. If you didn’t marinate for long enough, the pork chop could become dry and tough.
Incorrect air fryer settings: Always adjust the time and temperature based on the thickness and size of the pork chop. Normally, the temperature should be set to 180-200°C (350-400°F), cooking for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3 Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Chops
Great ingredients lead to great pork chops! Here are three simple seasoning combinations for delicious pork chops:
Classic Five-Spice Pork Chops
Five-spice powder: Adds a rich aroma to the pork chops.
Cooking wine: Removes any pork odor and enhances flavor.
Salt: Simple seasoning to bring out the pork’s natural taste.
Steps:
After washing the pork chops, marinate them with five-spice powder, cooking wine, and salt for at least 1 hour.
Coat the pork chops in a mixture of flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
Place in the air fryer and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 8 minutes.
Delicious five-spice pork chops are ready!
Classic Garlic Pork Chops
Minced garlic: Adds a strong garlic flavor.
Soy sauce: Enhances the pork’s taste.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the flavor.
Steps:
Clean and dry the pork chops with paper towels to avoid oil splatter when frying.
Mix 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create the garlic sauce.
Coat the pork chops on both sides with the sauce and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes. Cook the pork chops for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy your crispy and tender garlic pork chops!
Classic Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Black pepper: Adds a distinct flavor.
Sea salt: Enhances the pork’s freshness.
Olive oil: Ensures a crispy surface.
Steps:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Grind black pepper and evenly sprinkle it on both sides of the pork chops.
Add a pinch of sea salt and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Place the pork chops in the air fryer and cook at 180-200°C (350-400°F) for 15-20 minutes.
When the timer goes off, your delicious pork chops are ready!
