Reheating pork chops can be tricky—nobody wants a dry, tough chop when you’re craving that juicy, tender bite from the first cook. The air fryer is a game-changer for bringing leftovers back to life, delivering a crispy exterior and moist interior in just minutes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to reheating pork chops in the air fryer, compiled from trusted culinary sources, with tips to ensure they taste as good as fresh.
Why Reheat Pork Chops in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is not just for fried food! It is one of the easiest ways to thoroughly heat up meat while keeping it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to reach every surface evenly, which is why it is great for reheating. It also has a double functionality of “frying up” the exterior without using much oil.
Reheating pork chops in the air fryer is a convenient way to heat them up, without drying them out. The pork chops will be hot and crispy, and perfect for a quick and easy meal.
What You’ll Need
- Leftover Pork Chops: You are going to get the best results with a thick cut pork chop. This is because the leftover chop will have time to warm through in the air fryer before getting completely overcooked. You can use this method to reheat breaded pork chops, boneless pork chops, or bone-in pork chops.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: A quick spray or a light brush of olive oil will help get the best results when reheating chops in an air fryer. When choosing an olive oil spray for your air fryer, look for the type that spritzes rather than an aerosol. The propellant in aerosol oil sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
- Seasonings (Optional): The beautiful thing about reheating is that you get a second chance at enhancing the flavor profile and adding your own seasoning. Aside from salt and black pepper, you can use a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or paprika.
- Air Fryer: A quart-sized air fryer, like the Ninja AF101, works well for reheating.
- Air Fryer Liner (Optional): For seamless reheating, you can get disposable or reusable air fryer liners so you don’t have to worry about cleanup.
- Tongs: You need a way to transport the pork chops in and out of the air fryer. These can get hot, so metal tongs are handy.
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork chops are heated safely to 165°F (74°C) in the center of the thickest part.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Let the leftover pork chops come to room temperature by letting them rest outside the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes or outside the freezer for a few hours. It is important to defrost them before reheating. Letting the pork chops “temp out” at room temperature is a good way to make sure that the pork chop doesn’t get dry or tight. This is because when meat goes from a very cold environment to a hot one, the muscle fibers tend to contract and tighten up.
Remove leftover pork chop from the refrigerator and pat dry. Give the chops a light spray or brush with olive oil. To prevent the pork chops from drying out during reheating, you can brush them lightly with olive oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Always preheat the air fryer so the basket or tray is nice and hot when you add your leftovers. It also ensures the pork chops cook evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the Pork Chops
Place leftover pork chop in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating more than one then place them in a single layer, and ensure they are not touching. Reheat in batches if necessary. Avoid stacking your chops. Keep food in a single layer. If the air fryer basket is overcrowded when reheating pork chops, they will not warm evenly.
Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or paper for easy cleanup. This is especially helpful when reheating fried or breaded pork chops.
Step 4: Reheat the Pork Chops
Reheat pork chop in air fryer for 2-3 minute intervals at 380°F/190°C. After each interval, check the internal temperature, flip the chops over, and continue reheating until they reach at least 165°F/74°C in the center of the thickest part. Regular, non-breaded pork chops will need around 3-5 minutes in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time depending on your pork chop’s thickness—thinner cuts only need 2-3 minutes, whereas thicker cuts may need an additional 1-2 minutes.
Got breaded pork chops? You can reheat breaded pork chops in the air fryer the exact same way, just make sure the breading does not become browned or burned. Breaded pork chops should be heated at a slightly higher temperature (400°F) to keep their crispiness, which typically only requires 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The best way to make sure your pork chop is both safe and juicy is to invest in a meat thermometer. Always check the pork’s internal temperature to ensure it’s thoroughly heated and safe to eat. If you will be reheating more than one batch of chops in your air fryer, reheat ones that are a similar thickness together. Chop thickness is the main factor that affects how long they take to reheat, so this will help to prevent some chops becoming overcooked before others have warmed through.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove your pork chops with tongs, then serve with your favorite side dishes! Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The chops need to have space all around them so the heat from the air fryer can circulate freely and cook them properly. If the air fryer is crowded, the pork chops will not cook evenly.
- Add Extra Seasoning: Use more of your original blend, or add salt and garlic powder to marinated chops to ensure you don’t lose an ounce of flavor when you reheat pork chops in the air fryer.
- Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: It is not recommended to reheat pork chops more than once, as they can start to get really dry, so only reheat what you are going to eat at the time.
- For Breaded Chops: Cook at a slightly higher temperature (400°F) to maintain crispiness, but watch closely to avoid burning the breading.
- Moisture is Key: Spritz with oil or lightly cover with foil to keep the pork chops moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I reheat frozen pork chops in the air fryer?
Yes, but you should thaw them first for best results. Place frozen pork chops in the air fryer at 380°F for 4-5 minutes to defrost, then proceed with seasoning and reheating as described. If reheating directly from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature.
How do I prevent pork chops from drying out?
To keep pork chops moist, let them come to room temperature before reheating, spritz with olive oil or cooking spray, and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without going beyond. You can also lightly cover with foil to trap moisture.
Can I reheat breaded pork chops differently?
Breaded pork chops can be reheated the same way, but use a slightly higher temperature (400°F) for 2-3 minutes to maintain the crispy coating. Watch closely to prevent the breading from burning, and spritz with oil to enhance crispiness.
How long can I store leftover pork chops?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What sides pair well with reheated pork chops?
Reheated pork chops go great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, try smoked mac and cheese or air fryer sweet potato fries.