Pork chops are a delicious and easy dinner option, but what do you do when you have leftovers?
Reheating fried pork chops can be tricky – you want to make sure they’re heated through without drying them out or making the breading soggy. Luckily, there are several methods you can try to get perfectly reheated pork chops every time.
In this article, we’ll explore five different ways to reheat fried pork chops and give you tips on how to store and freeze them for later. Whether you prefer the oven, skillet, or microwave, we’ve got you covered.
So grab those leftovers and let’s get cooking!
How To Reheat Fried Pork Chops?
Method 1: Skillet
The skillet method is one of the most popular ways to reheat fried pork chops. It’s quick, easy, and results in juicy, flavorful pork chops.
To start, place your pork chops in a single layer in a skillet. Add 1-2 tablespoons of stock or water per pork chop, plus some butter. Reheat the pork chops over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and reheat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until piping hot.
Method 2: Oven
The oven method is another great option for reheating fried pork chops. It’s a bit more hands-off than the skillet method, but it takes a bit longer.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush it with some vegetable oil or cooking spray. Place your pork chops on the baking sheet and cover them with another layer of foil. Reheat the pork chops for 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through.
Method 3: Sheet Pan
If you have several pork chops to reheat, the sheet pan method is a great option. You’ll need a sheet pan and some parchment paper to avoid a mess.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your breaded pork chops on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake the pork chops for 10-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. Flip the pork chops halfway through so both sides can be exposed to the heat. Remove your breaded pork chops and check the center to ensure they’re heated through properly. Continue baking the pork chops for a few more minutes if needed.
Method 4: Microwave
The microwave method is the quickest way to reheat fried pork chops, but it can also result in dry, tough meat if you’re not careful.
Place your pork chop on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals until heated through, flipping the chop over after each interval.
Method 5: Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat fried pork chops as well. This method will give you crispy breading without drying out the meat.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your pork chop in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Why Reheating Fried Pork Chops Can Be Tricky
Reheating fried pork chops can be a bit tricky, especially if you want to maintain their crispy exterior and juicy interior. One of the main challenges is that the breading on the pork chops can become soggy or fall off during the reheating process. This can result in a less appetizing texture and flavor.
Another challenge is that reheating pork chops can easily dry out the meat, making it tough and chewy. This is especially true if you overcook the pork chops or use a method that doesn’t retain moisture.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to choose a reheating method that will help to restore the texture and flavor of the pork chops without drying them out. The skillet, oven, sheet pan, microwave, and air fryer methods outlined above are all good options, depending on your preferences and equipment.
It’s also important to note that reheating fried pork chops requires some attention to detail. For example, you should make sure to thaw your pork chops properly before reheating them, and you should use a food thermometer to check that they’ve reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Method 1: Reheating In The Oven
If you have some time to spare, reheating your fried pork chops in the oven is a great option. This method ensures that your pork chops are heated evenly without drying out the meat. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush it with some vegetable oil or cooking spray.
3. Place your pork chops on the baking sheet and cover them with another layer of foil.
4. Reheat the pork chops for 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through.
When reheating in the oven, it’s important to cover your pork chops with foil to prevent them from drying out. This method takes a bit longer than others, but it’s worth the wait for juicy, flavorful pork chops. Once your pork chops are heated through, you can serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal.
Method 2: Reheating In A Skillet
Method 2: Reheating In A Skillet
Reheating fried pork chops in a skillet is a great option if you want to maintain the crispy texture of the breading. It’s also a quick and easy method.
To start, heat up a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is heated, place your pork chops in the skillet, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause uneven heating and make the breading soggy.
Next, add a tablespoon or two of water or stock to the skillet. The liquid will help create steam, which will keep the pork chops moist during reheating. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam inside.
Reheat the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re heated through and crispy. Use tongs to flip the pork chops over and check for doneness. If the breading starts to get too dark before the meat is fully heated, reduce the heat slightly.
Once your pork chops are heated through, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help redistribute the juices and keep them moist.
Method 3: Reheating In The Microwave
Method 3: Reheating in the Microwave
If you’re short on time and need to reheat your fried pork chops quickly, the microwave method is a great option. However, it’s important to be careful when reheating in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
To start, place your pork chop on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the meat from becoming tough. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals until heated through, flipping the chop over after each interval.
It’s important to note that microwaving can break down nutrients, so if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using one of the other methods mentioned above. Additionally, if you have multiple pork chops to reheat, it’s best to use one of the other methods as microwaving them all at once can result in uneven heating.
Method 4: Reheating In An Air Fryer
Method 4: Reheating In An Air Fryer
Reheating fried pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy texture back without drying out the meat. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
2. Place your fried pork chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping and have enough space to cook evenly.
3. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy. Flip them over halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
4. Once done, remove the pork chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
Using an air fryer to reheat fried pork chops is a healthier option than using a microwave, as it doesn’t result in soggy or dry meat. It’s also a great way to enjoy your favorite meals again without having to go through the hassle of cooking from scratch. Just make sure to preheat your air fryer and watch your pork chops carefully to avoid burning them.
Method 5: Reheating In A Sous Vide
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to reheat your fried pork chops without drying them out, the sous vide method is the way to go. This method allows you to precisely control the temperature and ensure that your pork chops are heated through evenly.
To start, preheat your sous vide water bath to the temperature that your pork chops were originally cooked at. If you’re unsure of the temperature, aim for 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium doneness.
Place your pork chops in a vacuum-sealed bag and add any seasonings or sauces you like. Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method.
Once your water bath has reached the desired temperature, place the bagged pork chops in the water bath and let them cook for 30-45 minutes, depending on their thickness. If you’re reheating several pork chops, make sure they’re not touching each other in the water bath.
After the cooking time is up, remove the bag from the water bath and pat dry with a paper towel. Heat some oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the pork chops for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re browned and crispy.
Serve your reheated pork chops hot and enjoy their juicy, tender texture. With this method, you’ll never have to worry about overcooking or drying out your fried pork chops again.
