Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops

These comfort-food Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops take less than 30 minutes to make, and thanks to a creative cut, keep all of the stuffing inside the pork chop where it belongs.

How To Keep The Stuffing Inside A Stuffed Pork Chop

A two-inch-thick, center-cut pork loin chop works best for this recipe, these are boneless pork chops. I use these because it can easily stand upright on its side without falling, which is key to keeping the stuffing in place while the chop is cooking, no need for toothpicks. We’re going to turn the chop into a “pita pocket,” by cutting a deep pocket slit into it, which will also help keep the stuffing in place.

To safely cut the pocket slit for the stuffing, stand up the pork chop on a flat cutting surface with the narrow, fat capped side facing up. You’ll see from the picture how the pork chop is standing up on one of the long edges. You’ll want the side without the fat cap against your cutting board, so that the fat is on top. (This way the fat gets deliciously brown while cooking.)

Then cut a deep, vertical slit down through the fat and into the chop with a sharp knife to create a pocket, leaving about a half-inch uncut on each end. The slit should be deep, but not all the way through. Repeat this with the remaining chops and then sprinkle salt around and inside the pocket of each.

Should I Brine Pork Chops?

Pork loin chops are an incredibly lean cut of pork, and can easily become dry if overcooked, especially in an air fryer. If you’re not a fan of the pork loin cut in general, or if you’re concerned about overcooking the chops in the air fryer, a quick 30-minute brine in a saltwater solution can help keep the meat moist and tender. This step isn’t mandatory, but it will contribute some additional moisture and tenderness to ensure you end up with juicy pork chops.

To quick-brine, cut the pocket slit into each chop as described above, and then place the chops into a large baking dish, in a single layer. Cover the chops with water and add three tablespoons of salt. Let this sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, then remove the chops from the saltwater solution and pat dry. There’s no need to add additional salt to the chops after the brine, so they can be stuffed according to the recipe.

What Kind Of Stuffing For Pork Chops?

I’m partial to my Mom’s homemade stuffing with onion and poultry seasoning, which I make for this recipe often without the egg. Any flavor of boxed stuffing mix works well in this recipe though, there are Stove Top stuffing varieties specially for pork as well as savory herbs and cornbread stuffing versions. 

A standard box mix will yield just about two cups, which is the perfect amount for four pork loin chops. Make the stuffing mixture according to package directions, and divide it into four equal portions (about a half cup each). I find that it helps to roll the portions into a ball before placing them into the pork loin chops.

Spread apart the pocket opening in one of the chops as far as you can without tearing the pork and place one ball of stuffing into the pocket. Gently press the stuffing into the chop as far as it will go. Some of the stuffing will be sticking out of the top, which is exactly what you want. Repeat this step with the rest of the pork loin chops and lightly spray them all over with olive oil spray.

What Temperature Is Safe For Pork?

In the basket of the air fryer, lean each pork chop against one of the basket walls, leaving the center of the basket empty. This will help to keep the pork chops from falling over during cooking, and will also allow the maximum amount of air to circulate for a quick cook.

Whole muscle pork, like a pork chop, should be cooked to 145°F. If the chop is stuffed, the stuffing also needs to reach that internal temperature. Because all air fryers vary in size and intensity of air circulation, you’ll always want to check the temperature of the stuffed pork chop right at the bottom where the stuffing meets the chop, inserting the meat thermometer into the pork, which will be the thickest part.

It will take about 15 minutes for the stuffed pork chops to reach a temperature of 137°F. The stuffing has browned nicely at this point as well. If cooking continues in the air fryer though, the top of the stuffing will burn.

To prevent the stuffing from becoming overcooked on top, while still allowing everything to come up to the correct internal temperature, keep the pork chops in the air fryer after the timer goes off for five minutes. Do not pull out the basket. The chops will continue cooking, but without the hot air circulating around the stuffing.

More Pork Chop Recipes

I have so many great options for preparing pork chops, many of which use bone-in pork chops. Whether you’re in the mood to air fry or grill, I’ve got a recipe for you.

• Baked Pork Chops
• Perfect Stovetop Bone-In Chops
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Pork Cutlets
• Grilled Pork Chops

This post originally appeared in March 2022 and was revised and republished in June 2023.