Forgot to take dinner out of the freezer? No problem with this easy Air Fryer Frozen Pork Chops recipe. Just place the frozen chops in the air fryer and in less than 20 minutes you'll have golden brown, juicy, tender, and delicious pork chops the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Air Frying Frozen Food
I don't know about you, but on busy days, I often forget to plan dinner and take something out of the freezer. Now, with my trusty air fryer, there is no more last-minute stress or calling for takeout. I just place frozen food in the air fryer and a delicious meal is on the table in no time.
The air fryer cooks everything from Air Fryer Frozen Whole Chicken to Air Fryer Frozen Scallops to sides like Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots to a perfectly cooked golden brown outside and juicy, tender inside. It's the ultimate shortcut to delicious and stress-free dinners.
Why You'll Love Cooking Frozen Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Minimal Prep - just rub a simple dry rub into these air fryer pork chops and you're ready to cook!
- Cleanup is a Breeze - just throw the air fryer basket in the dishwasher.
- Simple Recipe - stirring the seasoning mix is the hardest part.
- Last Minute Meal - when you forgot to thaw meat for dinner.
- Quick - Less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Healthful - Low-carb, low-fat, gluten-free, paleo, and protein-rich.
- Versatile - Switch up the seasonings or add a glaze or sauce.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need for air frying frozen pork chops. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Frozen Pork Chops - use thick pork chops as they will be juicier and more tender than thin pork chops.
- Smoked Paprika
- Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onions Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Cayenne Pepper
Boneless vs Bone-in Pork Chops
You can use either boneless chops or bone-in chops. Bone-in pork chops will take a few additional minutes to air fry.
How to Cook Frozen Pork Chops in Air Fryer
These are the simple steps and photos to air fry frozen pork chops:
- Place all seasonings in a small bowl and stir together.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay the frozen pork chops in the bottom. Air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes.
- Separate chops.
- Spray both sides of the boneless pork chops with avocado or olive oil.
- Rub the seasonings into all sides of the pork chops.
- Place the seasoned pork chops back in the air fryer, in a single layer, and cook for 13-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F on a meat thermometer.
This is why I love my air fryer! It's the best way to cook up juicy pork chops with beautiful golden brown exteriors while keeping the meat both juicy and tender. It's my favorite solution to last-minute dinners on busy weeknights. I know you'll love it!
How Long to Cook Frozen Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
It will take approximately 20 minutes to air fry frozen pork chops at 380°F.
How to Know When Pork Chops are Done Cooking
According to the USDA, pork chops are done when the internal temperature is 145°F.
Recipe Tips
These tips for cooking pork chops from frozen in the air fryer will help you choose the right thickness of the chops and give some suggestions on adjusting the cooking time based on your air fryer's specs.
- Opt for pork chops approximately ¾ inch in thickness to ensure even cooking. You will need to adjust the cooking time for thinner or thicker cuts.
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking for the best cooking results.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and make sure the pork chops are not overlapping for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Take into account variations in wattage among different types of air fryer ovens, and adjust the cooking time by a few minutes as necessary to accommodate these differences.
Pork Chop Seasoning Mixes
Why serve the same 'ole pork chops all the time? Switch up the flavors! Use store-bought spice mixes or make your own. Here are some of my favorite seasonings ideas:
- Cajun Seasoning: Create a spicy and flavorful blend using ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Chipotle Lime Rub: Mix chipotle powder, lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt for a spicy and zesty seasoning that adds depth to your pork chops.
- Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Combine minced garlic with a variety of fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage for a fragrant and savory seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuse your pork chops with Italian flavors by using a mixture of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Add brightness to your pork chops with a combination of lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and optional herbs like thyme or basil.
- Ranch Seasoning: Coat your pork chops with a mixture of powdered ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for a tangy and herby flavor.
- Smoky BBQ Rub: Create a smoky and sweet flavor profile by mixing brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Easy Pork Chop Sauces
Or maybe you prefer to slather on the sauce! These suggestions work great in the last few minutes of cooking:
- BBQ Sauce: Brush your pork chops with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. Choose from traditional BBQ sauce, honey BBQ sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce for added variety.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Maple Bourbon Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper for a rich, sweet glaze.
- Maple Dijon Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Orange Ginger Glaze: Combine orange juice, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bright and zesty glaze.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Coat your pork chops in a teriyaki glaze or sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savory flavor mix.
Favorite Sides to Serve with Pork Chops
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic and comforting side dish.
- Vegetables: Serve your pork chops with a side of veggies such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs is a delicious side.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh grilled corn on the cob is a summery side dish.
- Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad can complement the richness of the chops.
- Applesauce: Classic applesauce is a traditional accompaniment to pork chops, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meat.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans flavored with bacon, brown sugar, molasses, bourbon, and spices are a flavorful side dish.
- Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve pork chops with freshly air fried bread or dinner rolls to soak up any delicious sauces or juices.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover pork chops wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze leftover pork chops wrapped in aluminum foil, in a plastic freezer bag with the air squeezed out, or vacuum sealed. They will last up to 4 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheat leftover pork chops in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Cornish Hens
- Air Fryer Ground Beef
- Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Find lots of easy recipes for air frying right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Frozen Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops frozen, 1" thick
Pork Chop Rub
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoons onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place all the rub ingredients into a small bowl and mix together.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil cooking spray. Place the frozen pork chops in the bottom of the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes. At this point, if the chops are stuck together, they will be defrosted enough to break them apart.
- Remove the pork chops from the air fryer to a cutting board and spray or rub them with olive oil. Press the rub into both sides of the chops.
- Return the seasoned pork chops to the air fry and cook for another 13-15 minutes or until a meat thermometer measures 145°F.
- Let them rest 5 minutes before serving.
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