Pork chops are a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed hot off the grill or skillet. But leftovers are common and reheating them properly is important to keep them moist and flavorful. Here are tips for reheating pork chops using the microwave, oven, and air fryer.
Reheating Pork Chops in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat pork chops without drying them out.
- Place chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, flipping halfway. The time will depend on thickness and quantity.
- For one boneless pork chop, microwave for 30-60 seconds. For two chops, microwave 1-2 minutes. Bone-in or thicker chops may need longer, around 1 1/2 to 3 minutes.
- Allow chops to rest covered for a minute before serving so the heat distributes evenly.
- Avoid overcooking as the pork can quickly become dry. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Reheating Pork Chops in the Oven
The oven helps reheat pork chops gently and evenly throughout.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place chops on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- For boneless chops, bake 7-10 minutes. Bone-in or thicker chops may need 15-20 minutes.
- For added moisture, add a few tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth to the baking sheet. Tent loosely with foil.
- Flip chops halfway through baking. Cook until heated through, 145°F internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The carryover cooking will ensure the center reaches a safe temperature.
Reheating Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
The air fryer reheats pork chops to crispy perfection in just minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Rub chops lightly with oil or cooking spray.
- Place chops in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping.
- Cook 5-8 minutes until heated through, flipping halfway. Thickness affects cook time.
- Check internal temperature, aim for 145°F. Smaller boneless chops may only need 2-5 minutes.
- Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving for juices to redistribute.
Tips for Reheating Pork Chops
- Always reheat pork thoroughly to 145°F internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and prevent overdrying.
- Flip or turn chops during reheating for even heating.
- Avoid reheating more than once to prevent drying out the pork.
- Add a splash of broth or sauce to add moisture when reheating.
- Let chops rest after reheating so juices can absorb back into the meat.
- Use a lower power level (50-70%) when microwaving to prevent overcooking edges.
- Add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to the baking dish or air fryer basket for extra moisture.
- Brush chops with oil or cooking spray before air frying for crispy reheated results.
- Flip or turn chops halfway through reheating for even heating.
- Let chops rest 5-10 minutes after reheating to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you reheat pork chops in the microwave?
For one boneless pork chop, microwave for 30-60 seconds. For two chops, microwave 1-2 minutes. Bone-in or thicker chops may need 1 1/2 to 3 minutes. Check internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F.
How long should you reheat pork chops in the oven?
For boneless chops, bake 7-10 minutes at 325°F. Bone-in or thicker chops may need 15-20 minutes to fully reheat. Always check internal temperature.
How do you reheat pork chops in the air fryer?
Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Rub chops with oil or spray and cook 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until 145°F internal temperature. Cook time varies based on thickness.
Should you cover pork chops when reheating?
Covering loosely with foil or a paper towel can help retain moisture. But avoid a tight seal that would cause steaming. Venting is key for crispy reheating results.
Can you reheat pork chops more than once?
It’s best to avoid reheating pork chops more than once. Multiple reheats can cause meat to dry out and become tough.
Recipes
Balsamic Pork Chops
- Brush pork chops with balsamic vinegar. Reheat in oven at 350°F or air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Pork Chops with Apples
- Top pork chops with sliced apples and brown sugar. Bake in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes until warmed through.
Pork Chop Parmesan
- Coat reheated pork chops in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Broil for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
Pork Chops and Rice
- Serve reheated pork chops over cooked rice with gravy or sauce spooned over the top.
Skillet Pork Chops and Veggies
- Sauté chopped veggies like peppers, onions, and zucchini. Add pork chops and cook until heated through.
Citrus Pork Chops
- Top reheated pork chops with a salsa made with orange segments, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and olive oil.
Pork Chop Lettuce Wraps
- Slice reheated pork chops and wrap in lettuce leaves with hoisin sauce, carrots, and cucumber.
Pork Chop sandwiches
- Reheat pork chops, then layer on toasted rolls with cheese, garlic mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Jalapeño Pork Chops
- Season reheated pork chops with a dry rub containing cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Top with sliced jalapeños.
Rosemary Pork Chops
- Rub pork chops with olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Here are several specific model recommendations for reheating pork chops in different appliances:
Microwaves:
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – 1.2 cu. ft capacity, 1100 watts
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS – 1.2 cu. ft, 1200 watts
- LG NeoChef LMC1575ST – 1.5 cu. ft, 1000 watts
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.2 cu. ft, 10 power levels
- GE JES1656SRSS – 1.6 cu. ft, 950 watts
Ovens:
- GE JB645RKSS – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity, 300 CFM convection
- Bosch Benchmark Series BOV5301UC – 5 cu. ft, convection baking
- KitchenAid KFDD500ESS – 5 burners, true convection
- Samsung NE59M6850SS – 5.9 cu. ft., dual fan convection
- Frigidaire FFEW2726TS – 5.3 cu. ft., Even-Bake technology
Air Fryers:
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL – 3 lbs capacity, fat removal tech
- Ninja AF101 – 4 qt capacity, 1500 watts
- Instant Vortex Plus – 6 qt capacity, dual fans
- Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven – 0.6 cu. ft, 1800 watts
- Cosori Smart Air Fryer – 5.8 qt, 11 one-touch presets
With the proper technique, reheated pork chops can taste nearly as delicious as they did fresh off the grill. Now you know how to reheat them using the microwave, oven, or air fryer for quick, juicy results.