Are you a fan of juicy and flavorful smoked pork chops? Do you want to learn how to cook them in an air fryer for a quick and easy meal?
Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook the perfect smoked pork chops in an air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
So, let’s get started and discover how to make the best-smoked pork chops in an air fryer!
How To Cook Smoked Pork Chops In Air Fryer?
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, season your smoked pork chops with your favorite spices. You can use Montreal Steak seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to give your pork chops a delicious flavor.
Next, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket. If you have an egg steaming rack or something else to bring the meat closer to the heating element, place it in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer with it inside. Make sure the top of the rack is at least 2 inches away from the top heating element.
Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for 7 minutes then flip them over and cook another 7 minutes. You only need 14 minutes total cooking time for the best pork chops you’ve ever had.
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook smoked pork chops in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 smoked bone-in pork chops (7-1/2 ounces each)
– Nonstick cooking spray
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons cooking oil (such as olive oil)
These ingredients are all you need to create a delicious and healthy meal in your air fryer. The seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika will give your pork chops a smoky and savory taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The cooking oil will help the seasoning stick to the pork chops and ensure they cook evenly. With these simple ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparing The Pork Chops
Before cooking smoked pork chops in an air fryer, it’s important to prepare them properly. Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and prevent excess moisture from steaming the pork chops in the air fryer.
Next, season the smoked pork chops with your favorite spices. A combination of Montreal Steak seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper works well to enhance the flavor of the pork chops. Be sure to season both sides of the meat evenly for a balanced taste.
Once seasoned, place the pork chops in the air fryer basket. If you have an egg steaming rack or something else to elevate the meat closer to the heating element, use it to ensure even cooking. Preheat the air fryer with the rack inside to ensure that it’s hot enough to cook the pork chops.
When cooking, set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 7 minutes on one side before flipping and cooking for another 7 minutes on the other side. This will ensure that the pork chops are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
After cooking, remove the pork chops from the air fryer basket and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.
Seasoning The Pork Chops
Seasoning your pork chops is an important step to ensuring a delicious and flavorful meal. While you can use any seasoning you prefer, a great option for smoked pork chops is a mix of Montreal Steak seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
To season the pork chops, start by patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each chop, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly.
For the most even seasoning, spread the pork chops in a single layer and sprinkle the seasoning back and forth over the chops from about a foot above the meat. This will ensure that the seasoning falls evenly like snow and covers all surfaces of the meat.
Once seasoned, let the pork chops sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For even better results, you can let them sit for 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator to really let the seasoning absorb.
When you’re ready to cook your smoked pork chops in the air fryer, place them in the basket and follow the cooking instructions above. The result will be perfectly seasoned and deliciously smoked pork chops that are sure to impress!
Preheating The Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure that your smoked pork chops are cooked to perfection. Before you begin, check the operating manual specific to your air fryer for preheating instructions. Some models come equipped with a preheat setting button, while others do not. If there is no preheat button, follow these steps:
1. Set your air fryer to the temperature at which you plan to cook your food or the temperature recommended in the recipe.
2. Turn your empty air fryer on and let it heat for 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is at the correct temperature before you start cooking.
3. Once the preheat timer has elapsed, add the seasoned pork chops in a single layer (handling the basket carefully since it will be hot) and cook according to the recipe.
It’s important to note that smaller air fryers tend to cook fast and hot, which means that preheating the air fryer is typically not necessary. However, if you have a larger air fryer or one with the heating element of the appliance rather close to the food, preheating can be helpful in ensuring that your smoked pork chops are cooked evenly and thoroughly. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your smoked pork chops are cooked to perfection every time you use your air fryer.
Cooking The Smoked Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
Cooking smoked pork chops in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Here are some detailed steps to cook smoked pork chops in the air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. While the air fryer is heating up, season your smoked pork chops with your favorite spices. You can use Montreal Steak seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to give your pork chops a delicious flavor.
3. Next, place the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket. If you have an egg steaming rack or something else to bring the meat closer to the heating element, place it in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer with it inside. Make sure the top of the rack is at least 2 inches away from the top heating element.
4. Cook the pork chops in the air fryer for 7 minutes then flip them over and cook another 7 minutes. You only need 14 minutes total cooking time for the best pork chops you’ve ever had.
5. Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook delicious smoked pork chops in your air fryer. The result will be perfectly cooked and juicy pork chops that are full of flavor.
Checking For Doneness
To ensure that your smoked pork chops are fully cooked, it is important to check for doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, making sure not to touch the bone. The thermometer should read at least 145°F for the pork chops to be considered fully cooked.
If the temperature is below 145°F, return the pork chops to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops, so it’s best to keep a close eye on them.
It’s important not to overcook the pork chops as this can result in dry and tough meat. By using an instant-read thermometer, you can ensure that your smoked pork chops are perfectly cooked and juicy.
Once your smoked pork chops have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop.