Pork is a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in countless ways, from savoury ribs to succulent roasts. If you want an easy way to cook pork perfectly, the air fryer is a great tool in your kitchen. This article provides the most helpful information about cooking pork chops in air fryer, from selecting the right cut to seasoning and cooking tips.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
When cooking pork in the air fryer, the first step is choosing the right meat cut. Some of the best cuts for air frying include pork chops, tenderloin, and pork belly. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for the air fryer’s high heat and rapid cooking.
Preparing the Pork
Once you’ve selected your cut of pork, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Pat the meat dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the pork develop a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer. Next, season the pork with your favourite spices and herbs. Combining salt, pepper, and garlic powder works well for most cuts of pork, but feel free to get creative with your seasoning.
Cooking Tips
When cooking pork in the air fryer, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind. First, be sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the pork. This will help ensure the meat cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking.
For thicker cuts of pork, such as pork chops or pork tenderloin, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook the pork at an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of your air fryer, so you must check the internal temperature to ensure the pork is fully cooked.
Air Fryer Pork Recipes
Now that you know the basics of cooking pork in the air fryer, it’s time to put your skills to the test with some delicious recipes. These are some ideas that you will find helpful.
Air Fryer Pork Chops: Season bone-in pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: Season a pork tenderloin with your favourite spices and herbs, then cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Air Fryer Pork Belly: Cut pork belly into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through,
until crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer BBQ Ribs: Rub baby back ribs with your favourite BBQ seasoning, then cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce halfway through.
You should try cooking pork chops in an air fryer as it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious and flavorful pork dishes at home. You can achieve perfectly cooked pork every time by selecting the right cut of pork, seasoning it to your liking, and following a few simple cooking tips. So next time you’re craving pork, dust off your air fryer and get cooking!