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Discover How long to cook thick pork chops in air fryer:New to air - frying pork?

Posted: 02/21/2025

Thick pork chops

Thick pork chops with a crispy exterior and tender interior are extremely delicious and can be made using an air fryer. Today, I'll teach you how long it takes to cook thick pork chops in an air fryer. Enjoy reading!

How long to cook thick pork chops in air fryer?

The cooking time of thick pork chops in an air fryer is related to the thickness of the pork chops and the model of the air fryer.

Firstly, if the thickness of the pork chops is about 1 centimeter, then bake them at 200°C in the air fryer for about 10 - 15 minutes.

If the thickness of the pork chops is about 2 - 3 centimeters, then the baking time is about 23 - 30 minutes. Ensure that each side is evenly heated to achieve a golden and crispy effect.

When baking pork chops, closely monitor the changes of the pork chops to avoid overcooking them due to excessive temperature.

When using an air fryer to bake pork chops, you can marinate the pork chops with seasonings such as salt, black pepper, light soy sauce, and cooking wine for at least 30 minutes in advance. This can help lock in the moisture of the pork chops and make the texture of the baked pork chops more tender.

If you prefer a crispy texture, you can coat the surface of the pork chops with a layer of flour or breadcrumbs, which will give it an even crispier taste.

How long to cook 1 inch pork chops in air fryer?

First, it should be noted that 1 inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters, which means the pork chops are relatively thick.

Thick pork chops

I recommend preheating the air fryer to 180°C first, then putting the pork chops in. Fry for 10 - 15 minutes until the surface of the pork chops changes color and sets. Then turn the pork chops over and bake for about 8 - 10 minutes.

If you want the outer skin of the pork chops to be more crispy and golden, then you can adjust the temperature of the air fryer to 200°C in the last 5 minutes and fry for about 5 more minutes. This can make the surface of the pork chops even crunchier.

However, it should be noted that air fryers of different brands and models have different powers. When actually frying, you can adjust the time according to the condition of the pork chops.

Why are my pork chops tough in the air fryer?

The working principle of an air fryer is to heat food through hot air circulation. Compared with traditional frying methods, it not only uses less oil but also has a shorter cooking time.

There could be several reasons why the pork chops cooked in an air fryer turn out tough. One possible reason is that the cooking time is too long. Excessive cooking time causes all the moisture in the food to evaporate, making it dry and tough.

Secondly, it may be due to setting the temperature too high. When the temperature is too high, the moisture on the surface of the pork chops evaporates quickly, causing the meat to shrink rapidly and become tough.

To prevent the fried pork chops from becoming tough, you can take the following measures:

Precisely control the cooking time:

Before cooking the pork chops, set an approximate cooking time based on the size of the pork chops. During the cooking process, check the doneness and texture of the pork chops in a timely manner. If you notice that the pork chops are already becoming dry and tough, stop cooking immediately to avoid overheating.

Reasonably set the cooking temperature:

Set a reasonable cooking temperature according to the model and power of your air fryer. A lower cooking temperature may extend the cooking time, but it allows the pork chops to be heated more evenly and reduces the risk of the meat becoming tough.

Use aluminum foil wrapping:

During the cooking process, you can wrap the pork chops with aluminum foil to reduce moisture evaporation and the risk of the meat becoming tough.

Apply an appropriate amount of fat:

Before cooking, coat the surface of the pork chops with a thin layer of fat, such as olive oil or butter. This can help enhance the texture and flavor of the pork chops and reduce the risk of the meat becoming tough.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?

Both 350°F and 400°F are suitable temperatures for cooking pork chops.

The difference is that roasting at 350°F is relatively gentle. At this temperature, the pork chops can be heated evenly and cooked slowly, while ensuring that the meat remains tender and juicy. This is more suitable for people who prefer a tender texture.

Thick pork chops

On the other hand, 400°F is a relatively high temperature. Roasting pork chops at this temperature makes it easier to form a crispy outer crust while keeping the inside tender.

Therefore, you can choose the cooking temperature according to your taste preference. However, no matter which temperature you choose, closely monitor the pork chops during the frying process to avoid over-browning.

If you're not sure if the pork chops are cooked, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The internal temperature of the pork chops reaching around 145°F (about 63°C) is a safe level of doneness.

3 ingredient air fryer pork chops

Ingredients:

Pork chops: Pork chops about 1 cm thick.

Seasonings:

Salt: For seasoning and marinating.

Black pepper: To add aroma and flavor.

Egg liquid: Used for coating the pork chops to make the outer skin crispier.

Preparing the Pork Chops:

Cut the pork chops into appropriate slices.

Gently pound the pork chops with the back of a knife to make the meat more tender.

Marinating the Pork Chops:

Evenly coat the pork chops with an appropriate amount of seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and marinate for 15 - 20 minutes.

Coating with Egg Liquid:

Evenly coat both sides of the marinated pork chops with egg liquid so that the breadcrumbs can adhere better.

Coating with Breadcrumbs:

Evenly coat both sides of the pork chops coated with egg liquid with breadcrumbs and gently press to make them adhere firmly.

You can preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius.

Cooking the Pork Chops:

Put the pork chops into the preheated air fryer and set the cooking time for 15 - 20 minutes.

During the cooking process, you can open the air fryer from time to time to check the doneness and crispness of the pork chops.

Taking out and Enjoying:

Once the time is up, open the lid and use tongs to take out the pork chops.

Season with pepper salt, lemon juice, or other sauces according to your personal taste.

Why are people stopping using air fryers?

The following reasons may account for this:

Small capacity

Compared with ovens, the capacity of air fryers is relatively small, only 3 - 5L. For families that need to cook a large amount of ingredients, it is not very convenient.

Thick pork chops

Difficult to clean

The internal structure of air fryers is complex. After frying food, oil stains and dirt tend to accumulate, making it difficult to clean.

Limited functions

Air fryers have relatively limited functions and cannot completely replace multi-functional kitchen appliances such as ovens and rice cookers.

Low cost-effectiveness

At present, the lifespan of air fryers is relatively short, and the maintenance cost is relatively high. They are prone to malfunctions during use.

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