Depending on how you cook them, the time can vary, but pork chops generally can be cooked in an oven at 350 F for 30–45 minutes or in an air fryer at the same temperature for 20–30 minutes. But remember that the cooking time can be affected by the thickness of the pork chops, the temperature you cook at, and whether or not you use foil.
The best way to make sure your pork chops are cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, which is what the USDA says is the safest temperature for pork. Also, giving the pork chops a few minutes to rest before serving will let the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful and tender piece of meat.
Pork Chops Cooking Temperatures
Medium-rare – Cooking pork to perfection can be tricky, but with the appropriate internal temperature and rest period, you can attain the perfect finish. According to the USDA and Food Safety, the safe internal temperature for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To attain medium-rare doneness, this temperature should be reached and followed by a minimum of 3 minutes of rest time.
Medium – For folks who prefer their pork chops slightly firmer, an internal temperature of 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit is advised for medium doneness.
Medium-well – And for those who prefer their pork chops thoroughly cooked, 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit is the suggested temperature range for medium-well doneness.
Well-done – Lastly, an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is considered well-done for individuals who prefer their pork chops fully cooked.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at Various Temperatures
The information below will help you determine the proper baking time for pork chops baked at different temperatures.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 F
At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, pork chops can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to cook, depending on how thick they are. A meat thermometer is an essential tool for making sure the pork is cooked just right and not too much.
By keeping an eye on the temperature inside, you can ensure your pork chops are always juicy and tender. Don’t leave it up to chance; use the thermometer to make sure your pork chops are cooked just right.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 375 F
If you set your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit when baking pork chops. Check on the pork chops after 15 minutes, no matter how thick they are. If the chops are less than 1 1/2 inches thick, they should be done in 30 minutes or less.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 F
How long pork chops take to cook is directly related to how thick they are. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a pork chop that is 1/2 inch thick will take about 7-8 minutes to cook for every inch of thickness.
For instance, a chop that is 3/4 of an inch thick will take about 10 to 12 minutes to cook, while a chop that is 1 inch thick will take about 15 to 16 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time can change based on things like the cut of pork and how accurate your oven’s temperature is.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 425 F
It is critical to utilize a higher temperature oven to get a delightfully crispy coating on breaded pork chops. A temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate to get the required effect.
Cooking time for pork chops between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick is around 20 minutes.
Remember to keep an eye on the cooking process to ensure the meat is cooked to your liking and the breading is golden and crunchy.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Bone-in Pork Chops?
When baking pork chops, it’s important to remember that cuts with the bone in will take longer to cook than cuts without the bone. Most bone-in pork chops need 35 to 45 minutes of baking time at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
For example, a pork chop with a bone still in it that is 1 inch thick will need about 40 to 45 minutes to bake. In general, pork chops with bones should be cooked for 10% to 20% longer than chops without bones to make sure they are fully cooked.
This extra time will make the pork juicy and tender, and the bone will give the dish more flavor.
What is the Best Temperature For Baking Pork Chops?
Even though there is no “best” temperature for cooking pork chops, the texture and taste of the meat can change depending on how it is cooked and at what temperature. A juicy and tender pork chop can be made by baking it at 350 degrees F for 30-45 minutes and 375 degrees F for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the temperature inside reaches 145 degrees F.
If you want the outside to be more caramelized, you can turn up the heat to 400 degrees F and bake for about 15 to 16 minutes for 1-inch thick pork chops.
You can also pan-fry, air-fry, or grill pork chops, but make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Again, when cooking pork chops, the safe internal temperature recommended by the USDA, which is 145 degrees F, is the most important thing to think about. This temperature eliminates any dangerous bacteria that might be in the meat, making it safe to eat.
How to Know if Pork Chops are Done Without a Thermometer?
When you don’t have a meat thermometer on hand, it can be hard to cook the perfect pork chop. But don’t worry; there’s still a way to help you cook pork chops just right.
One way to do this is to look at how firm the meat is. If you press your finger into the pork chop, it should feel firm but not hard. This means the meat is cooked but still tender. If there are soft spots in the middle, that means the pork is still rare.
On the other hand, a pork chop that feels very tough is probably well-done.
A unique trick called the “finger test” is another way to tell if meat is done. Just put your left or right hand in front of you and press the meaty part under your thumb. This should feel like touching raw meat.
Next, press the pad under your thumb and first finger together. You will notice that as you press each finger, the meat feels more done. Finger 1 is for rare meat, finger 2 is for medium-rare, finger 3 is for medium-well, and finger 4 is for well-done.
This method can be used for any kind of meat, making it a good starting point for new cooks. It’s a simple and effective way to check if meat is done without a thermometer, and it’s a fun way to show off your cooking skills to your friends and family.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops in Air-Fryer
Using an air fryer to cook pork chops is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. Depending on how thick the chops are, they usually need to be baked at 350°F for 15–30 minutes or at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Use this air-fryer pork chops recipe with an amazing rub mixture. And don’t forget to check the chops’ internal temperature every two minutes once the recommended baking time is almost up to ensure they don’t get too dry or overcooked. Covering the pork chops with aluminum foil while they bake in the air fryer can help them keep more moisture.
Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Now is the time to turn on the oven and get ready to make some delicious pork chops that will make your mouth water! Now that we know how long to cook pork chops and at what temperature, let’s put that knowledge to use and make the best oven-baked pork chops you’ve ever had!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- First, heat your oven to 375° F and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Next, give your pork chops a quick rinse with water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, coat them with olive oil and put them on a baking sheet that has been prepared.
- Now, let’s make the spice mixture work its magic. Mix brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Ensure to stir it well so that all the flavors mix together. Once the mixture is ready, rub it all over your pork chops, making sure to cover all sides.
- Place the pork chops in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes if they are 1 inch thick and boneless. (If not, check the article above for how long it takes to cook different cuts of pork chops at different temperatures)
- Keep a close eye on the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. You want it to be 145° F for medium-rare. Note that thinner pork chops will cook faster and pork chops with bones will take longer to cook. Just be careful not to overcook the pork chops, or they might get dry.
- When they are done, take them out of the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. And that is it: cooked to perfection and seasoned pork chops that will be a favorite with your friends and family.
Don’t forget to save the image below to your Pinterest board, because we know you’ll want to make this recipe over and over again. 🙂
