Yes, reheating pork chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to warm them up to serving temperature while maintaining a crispy exterior. Air fryers use super hot air and convection to quickly heat and crisp food, similar to a convection oven but on a smaller scale. Follow these tips for reheating leftover pork chops to crispy perfection in your air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Reheat Pork Chops
There are several advantages to using an air fryer rather than a conventional oven or microwave to reheat pork chops:
- Speed – Air fryers heat up and cook food very rapidly, reheating pork chops in just 5-10 minutes.
- Crispiness – The high heat from the air fryer gives reheated pork chops a crispy, browned exterior.
- No oils needed – Air frying requires no added fats or oils to get food crispy.
- Even heating – The circulating hot air provides even and consistent heating throughout the air fryer.
- Food safety – The high heat helps kill any bacteria on the surface of the pork.
- Convenience – Air fryers are a quick and hands-off way to reheat pork chops straight from the fridge.
An air fryer gives you the speed and convenience of a microwave for reheating leftovers but with the bonus of keeping foods crispy on the outside just like they just came off the grill or stove. The technology is ideal for reheating previously pan fried or baked pork chops.
How to Reheat Pork Chops in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for air frying leftover pork chops to warm, crisp perfection:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Make sure they are not icy cold from the refrigerator.
- Brush both sides of the pork lightly with oil or melted butter to help promote browning and crispiness.
- Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping chops halfway through. Thicker chops may need a minute or two longer.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches safe reheating temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let pork rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The exact air frying time will vary based on thickness of your chops and how cold they are to start. Monitor closely and adjust time as needed to achieve hot, sizzling, crispy reheated pork chops.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your reheated pork chops come out perfectly crispy from the air fryer:
- Use chops that were previously pan seared or roasted, not boiled or slow cooked.
- Brush chops lightly with oil or melted butter before air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Reheat in batches for even crisping.
- Allow refrigerated pork chops to come closer to room temp before air frying.
- Flip chops over halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Let chops rest a minute or two after cooking before cutting to let juices redistribute.
How Long do Air Fried Pork Chops Last?
Properly stored, reheated leftover pork chops will stay fresh for:
- 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- 2-3 months in the freezer
Be sure to seal air fried leftover pork chops in an airtight container or bag, refrigerating within 2 hours of cooking. Reheated pork chops can be stored for a few days but are best when consumed soon after reheating for ultimate flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Reheated Pork Chops
Here are some tasty side dish ideas to serve along with your reheated air fried pork chops:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf or wild rice
- Sauteed vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli
- Green salad or cabbage slaw
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or cauliflower
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
The possibilities are endless! Play around with complementary flavors and textures to make a well-rounded meal featuring your crispy reheated pork chops straight from the air fryer.
Can You Reheat Pork Chops from Frozen in an Air Fryer?
It is possible to reheat frozen pork chops in the air fryer but extra cooking time is required. Here are some tips for the best results:
- Add 5-8 extra minutes to the reheating time, depending on thickness
- Flip frozen chops over halfway through cooking
- Brush both sides with oil to help crisp and brown
- Cook chops in a single layer, not stacked
- Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness
Frozen pork chops may never get quite as evenly crispy as refrigerated chops when reheated. For best texture and browning, thaw chops overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer.
Common Problems and Solutions
Having trouble getting perfect results when reheating pork chops in your air fryer? Here are some common issues and fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pork chops not browning | Brush chops lightly with oil before air frying. Don’t overcrowd basket. |
| Chops dried out | Cook at lower temp (325°F) and monitor closely. Brush with oil. |
| Not heating through | Increase air fry temp to 380°F. Cook chops longer. |
| Breading falling off | Avoid breaded chops. Use plain chops brushed with oil. |
Conclusion
An air fryer is a quick and convenient appliance that makes reheating leftover pork chops a breeze. The technology allows you to reheat refrigerated or frozen pork chops in just minutes while keeping that delicious crispy, browned exterior you loved when they were first cooked. Just be sure to brush chops with oil, preheat at 370°F, flip halfway, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. In just 4-8 minutes you can be enjoying hot, juicy pork chops boasting crispy edges and golden brown color as if they were freshly made. Pair your reheated chops with favorite sides and you have an easy, tasty meal in minutes using your trusty air fryer.