Fitness / September 20, 2024

Frozen Pork Chops in Air Fryer

Turn frozen pork chops into a tender and flavorful meal!

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At times, cooking can be as much about convenience as taste. That’s why it helps to have an air fryer on hand these days. Even if you forgot to defrost your dinner, an air fryer can deliver a delicious dinner in 30 minutes or less. That’s the beauty of this recipe for cooking frozen pork chops in an air fryer—you get convenience and taste.

With frozen pork chops, there isn’t time to defrost or marinate meat. Luckily, the air fryer takes care of that. You can even season the meat while it’s in the air fryer. Then, in under 20 minutes, the pork chops come out evenly cooked and tender. When you take that first bite, you’d never guess that the pork chops were in the freezer only a half hour ago.

If you’re a big fan of pork chops, here are a few other recipes you’ll enjoy. After all, you can still make easy and healthy pork chops without an air fryer. And for something a little different, I suggest baked bone-in pork chops. Meanwhile, if you want to try something even more out of the box, stuffed pork chops make for an amazing meal.

Is Frozen Pork Chops in Air Fryer Healthy?

In addition to being convenient, the air fryer also helps to produce healthy pork chops. An air fryer reduces the need for oil and grease like other cooking methods, which helps to reduce fat and calories. The sodium and cholesterol levels in this dish are also at levels that will be acceptable for most people. This recipe can also be considered low-carb and keto-friendly. Last but not least, there is a significant amount of protein from pork chops, adding to the nutritional value of this dish.

Season Generously

Since there is no time to marinate them, feel free to generously season the frozen pork chops. As the recipe states, paprika and garlic powder are the main seasonings. But if you want a kick, add a couple pinches of cayenne pepper. To balance the cayenne’s heat, I suggest sprinkling in some brown sugar. And don’t forget to top the pork chops with your favorite sauce once they finish cooking.

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless pork chops, frozen
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat air fryer, season pork chops.

Cook

Air fry pork chops, flipping once, until done.

Serve

Rest pork chops before serving.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

After cooling, leftover pork chops can be placed in an airtight container. Reheat the chops in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes. Eat them within 2 or 3 days.

Can I bread frozen pork chops?

To bread frozen pork chops, brush mustard on them and then coat them with bread crumbs or pork rind crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

I have a few go-to side dishes when cooking pork chops. One is a simple bed of cilantro lime cauliflower rice. I also enjoy healthy mashed potatoes or perhaps mashed red potatoes. Of course, it’s good to have a vegetable as a side dish for pork chops, which is why I also recommend air fryer asparagus or instant pot green beans.

Frozen Pork Chops in Air Fryer

Turn frozen pork chops into a tender and flavorful meal!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 18

Total Time 23

Servings servings

Calories 213kcal

Author Bryan Zarpentine

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops frozen
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen pork chops in a single layer in the basket.
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops.
Cook the pork chops for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes before serving.