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Stop Eating Dry Leftovers! How to Reheat Pork Chops in the Air Fryer (Perfectly Juicy Every Time)

Name: Stop Eating Dry Leftovers! How to Reheat Pork Chops in the Air Fryer (Perfectly Juicy Every Time)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 2 pork chops; 2 teaspoons olive oil

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: May 28, 2024

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Make your leftover pork chops taste like they just came off the grill! This easy air fryer method keeps them juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy every time.

Juicy pork chops being reheated in an air fryer basket

Reheating pork chops in an air fryer is the best way to bring leftovers back to life without drying them out like a microwave often does.

The air fryer’s hot, circulating air crisps the outside—perfect for breaded chops—while keeping the inside moist.

A light spray of oil or a small splash of broth helps retain juiciness, making your reheated pork chops taste just as tender and flavorful as when they were freshly cooked.

If you love easy air fryer pork chop recipes, try my recipe for air fryer boneless pork chops, instant pot air fryer pork chops, air fryer ranch pork chops, or air fryer keto pork chops.

Juicy reheated pork chops in an air fryer, perfectly crisp and tender

Why You Will Love Reheating Pork Chops In Air Fryer!

Quick and Efficient: The air fryer reheats pork chops in just a few minutes, significantly reducing waiting time compared to traditional oven reheating methods.
Maintains Juiciness: Reheating in the air fryer helps retain the pork chops’ natural juices, preventing them from becoming dry and tough.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer can restore the crispy exterior of breaded or fried pork chops, making them taste freshly cooked.
Even Heating: The air fryer’s design ensures that pork chops are reheated evenly, avoiding cold spots and ensuring a consistent temperature throughout.
Easy to Use: Reheating pork chops in the air fryer is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Simply preheat, place the pork chops in the basket, and set the timer.

Ingredients Needed

Pork Chops: Ensure they are fully cooked and stored properly before reheating. Use leftover pork chops that have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer to reheat them quickly and efficiently.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Lightly coat the pork chops to prevent them from drying out during the reheating process. A small amount of oil helps maintain the moisture and enhances the crispy texture of the pork chops.

Recipe Variations

Breaded vs. Unbreaded: Explain that breaded chops (like Cracker Barrel or Shake ‘N Bake style) need a light spritz of oil to regain their “crunch,” whereas unbreaded chops need a splash of liquid to stay moist.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in chops usually take 1–2 minutes longer because the bone acts as an insulator, while boneless chops can dry out in seconds if not watched.

How to Reheat Pork Chops in 3 Easy Steps

Place pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot enough to reheat the pork chops evenly.

Step Two: Lightly coat the pork chops with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps maintain moisture and enhances the crispy texture. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping to ensure even heating.

Step Three: Set cook time for 5-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through the reheating time to ensure both sides are evenly heated. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Once reheated, serve the pork chops immediately to enjoy them at their best.

Air fryer reheating pork chops to achieve juicy, tender, and crispy leftovers

Reheating Pork Chops In Air Fryer Recipe Tips

Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure even reheating.
Use a light spray of oil or a small splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space between pork chops for proper air circulation.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F for safety.
Cover breaded chops loosely with foil if the exterior is already crispy to prevent burning.
Reheat in short intervals (3–5 minutes), flipping halfway for even heating.
Serve immediately after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Storing Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the pork chops cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each pork chop tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pork chops last up to 3 months.
Tip: Label with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored. Thaw frozen chops in the fridge overnight before reheating in the air fryer.

Air fryer reheating leftover pork chops to stay juicy and crispy

Reheating Pork Chops In Air Fryer Faqs

How do you reheat pork chops in an air fryer without drying them out? The best method is to add a small amount of moisture before heating. Lightly brush the chops with olive oil or add a teaspoon of water or broth to the air fryer basket. Reheating at a 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minute also prevents the meat from becoming tough.

What is the best temperature to reheat pork chops in an air fryer? Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F. This temperature is high enough to crisp the exterior—especially important for breaded chops—without overcooking the center.

How long does it take to reheat a thick-cut pork chop? Thicker chops generally take 5-7 minutes. It is best to check the internal temperature after 4 minutes; you are looking for an internal temp of 145 degrees F to ensure it is heated through safely.

Can you reheat breaded pork chops in the air fryer? Yes! The air fryer is actually the best way to reheat breaded chops because it restores the “crunch” that microwaves destroy. A quick spritz of oil helps the breading crisp up perfectly.

Do I need to flip the pork chops while reheating? Yes. Flipping the chops halfway through ensures that the hot air circulates evenly, preventing one side from becoming soggy while the other gets too dark.

The Best Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipes

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