Pork chops are a classic and delicious meal that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But have you ever tried cooking them in a convection oven?
This method can result in perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops with a crispy exterior. However, it’s important to know the right techniques and temperatures to use for the best results.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to cook pork chops in a convection oven and provide helpful tips to ensure your chops come out perfectly every time.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Chops In Convection Oven?
There are several ways to cook pork chops in a convection oven, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the thickness of your chops. Here are some popular methods:
1. Baking Bone-In Pork Chops: Preheat your convection oven to 350°F. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the pork chops and sprinkle with your desired seasoning. Place the chops in a baking dish and bake for 9-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Baking Boneless Pork Chops: Preheat your convection oven to 400°F. Dip the pork chops in an egg mixture, then coat them in breadcrumbs and seasoning. Place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Rubbed Pork Chops: Preheat your convection oven to 425°F. Rub the pork chops with olive oil and a spice mixture, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. BBQ Pork Chops: Preheat your convection oven to 200°F. Season the pork chops with BBQ seasoning and coat them with oil. Bake for 30 minutes, then brush them with BBQ sauce and finish cooking on the grill for approximately 4 minutes per side.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to use a digital thermometer to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the proper temperature. The thickness of your chops will also affect cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Understanding Convection Cooking
To understand how to cook pork chops in a convection oven, it’s helpful to understand how convection cooking works. A convection oven has a fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air around the food, resulting in more even cooking and faster cooking times. This means that pork chops cooked in a convection oven will cook about 25% faster than those cooked in a conventional oven.
When cooking with a convection oven, it’s important to adjust the temperature and cooking time of your recipe. Most appliance manufacturers recommend reducing the recipe’s temperature by 25°F when cooking with convection to avoid burning your food. Additionally, because the hot air surrounds the food, it’s the surface of your pork chops that will cook faster, while the interior will remain tender.
To ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the proper temperature, use a digital thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F. The thickness of your pork chops will also affect cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Prepping Your Pork Chops For The Oven
Before you start cooking your pork chops in a convection oven, it’s important to properly prep them. First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better and prevent the meat from steaming in the oven.
Next, season the pork chops with your desired seasoning or spice rub. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with a blend of herbs and spices. Rub the seasoning all over both sides of the chops, making sure to cover them evenly.
If you’re using boneless pork chops, you can also dip them in an egg mixture and coat them in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust. This will add texture and flavor to your pork chops, and make them more enjoyable to eat.
Finally, place the pork chops on a baking sheet or in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier. Preheat your convection oven according to the recipe instructions, and bake the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pork chops are properly prepped and ready to go in the oven. With a little bit of seasoning and some careful cooking, you can enjoy delicious and tender pork chops straight from your convection oven.
Cooking Pork Chops With High Heat
One popular method for cooking pork chops in a convection oven is with high heat. This method involves searing the chops on high heat to create a crispy exterior, then finishing them off in the oven. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your convection oven to 400°F.
2. Mix together kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub this mixture on both sides of the pork chops.
3. Heat a large, oven-safe, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat for about 3 minutes. Spray it with cooking spray.
4. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them for 2 minutes per side without moving them, until well-browned and even charred in spots.
5. If your chops are 1/2-inch thick, they should be ready now (check with a thermometer – their internal temperature should reach 145°F). Transfer them to a platter, loosely cover them with foil, and allow them to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
6. If your pork chops are thicker (3/4 to 1 inch), place them in the preheated oven and bake until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take between 8 and 10 minutes, depending on your oven and on the thickness of the chops.
7. Transfer the chops to a platter, tent them with foil, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking pork chops with high heat is a great way to create a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning.
Cooking Pork Chops With Low Heat
Low heat cooking is a great way to achieve tender and juicy pork chops in a convection oven. This method is similar to slow cooking and involves cooking the chops at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your convection oven to 275°F.
2. Season your bone-in or rib pork chops with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasoning.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat on the stove.
4. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Alternatively, you can also brine your pork chops before cooking to help keep them moist and tender during low heat cooking. To make a basic brine, mix 4 tablespoons of salt with 4 cups of water and any desired herbs or flavorings. Submerge your pork chops in the brine and refrigerate for up to an hour before cooking.
Low heat cooking is a great option for busy home cooks as it allows you to set it and forget it while the oven does all the work. Plus, the result is perfectly cooked and flavorful pork chops that are sure to impress your dinner guests.
Checking The Internal Temperature Of Pork Chops
To ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the proper temperature, it’s important to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, making sure not to touch the bone or fat. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for pork chops. Once the thermometer reads 145°F, remove the chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chop. Remember, ground pork should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pork chops are safe and delicious every time you cook them in your convection oven.
Letting The Pork Chops Rest Before Serving
After cooking your pork chops in the convection oven, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
To let your pork chops rest, remove them from the oven and place them on a cutting board or plate. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops.
Avoid cutting into the chops immediately after cooking, as this will cause the juices to spill out and result in a dry and tough chop. By letting them rest before slicing, you’ll ensure that each bite is juicy and delicious.