Pork chops are one of the most popular cuts of meat to enjoy at dinnertime. If you’ve found yourself with a few chops leftover, you can easily reheat them the next day. You may find that the breading gets a bit soggy after being refrigerated, but there are a few tips to counter that.
You have multiple options when it comes to reheating your breaded pork chops. You can choose the oven, the stovetop, the air fryer, or the microwave. The microwave isn’t the ideal choice as far as texture goes, but it can be used in a pinch.
Whatever your choice is, you’ll be able to enjoy your leftover pork chops. You can also reheat frozen pork chops if you have some stored in your freezer.
How to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops in the Oven
This is a very effective method for reheating your pork chops, especially when you have several. You’ll only need a sheet pan to successfully reheat your pork chops in the oven. You can line it with parchment paper to avoid a mess.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2. Place your breaded pork chops on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- 3. Bake the pork chops for 10-12 minutes, depending on their thickness.
- 4. Flip the pork chops halfway, so both sides can be exposed to the heat.
- 5. Remove your breaded pork chops and check the center to ensure it’s heated through properly.
- 6. Continue baking the pork chops for a few minutes if they need some extra time.
- 7. Turn the oven off and remove the pork chops and allow them to cool briefly before serving.
If you’re concerned about the breaded pork chops drying out, you can wrap them in aluminum foil. Do this before placing them into the oven. However, keep in mind that the breading won’t have a chance to crisp up if it’s covered.
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Overall, this is a popular choice for reheating pork chops. It gives the breading the chance to crisp up again and is a good option if you’re reheating frozen pork chops.
How to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops on the Stove
Breaded pork chops are usually cooked on the stovetop to start with. It makes sense to reheat them similarly as well. You’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as a cast-iron pan, and a bit of oil for this method.
- 1. Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Place a small amount of oil into the skillet and allow it to heat up.
- 3. Carefully put your leftover breaded pork chops into the skillet.
- 4. Cook on each side for 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut of pork.
- 5. Remove the pork chops once they’re completely reheated.
- 6. Serve and enjoy.
You don’t want to cook the leftover pork chops over high heat, as this could burn the outer layer of breading. You can use a meat thermometer to check the center of the pork to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
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This is one of the best methods for regaining a crispy exterior on your pork chops. The little bit of oil allows the breading to get crunchy again.
How to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
This is a really good method for crisping up the outer layer of breading on the pork chops. This method doesn’t involve any extra oil the way the stove method does. The air fryer uses hot air to heat food, eliminating the need for extra oil.
- 1. Heat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2. Place your pork chops individually into the air fryer basket.
- 3. Allow the pork chops to heat for 5-7 minutes, or until reheated to your liking.
- 4. Remove the breaded pork chops from the basket and give them a moment to cool.
This method isn’t great for reheating several pork chops at once. The oven method would be the ideal way to cook multiple chops at once. If you’re looking to heat a single pork chop for lunch, then this is a great way to do so.
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How to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops in the Microwave
While this is certainly not the most ideal way to reheat meat in general, it can work if you’re in a hurry. The microwave may make the meat a bit chewy and the breading might stay a bit soggy. However, you can safely reheat your pork chops with this method.
- 1. Place your leftover pork chop onto a microwave-safe plate.
- 2. Heat in increments of 45-60 seconds, checking in between.
- 3. Remove the pork chop once it’s heated to the center.
This is, of course, the quickest method for reheating your pork chops. You may just need to sacrifice some of the overall quality of the dish. Make sure to not completely overheat the pork chops, as it could make the meat hard and difficult to chew.
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Can You Reheat Frozen Breaded Pork Chops
If you made too many pork chops and needed to freeze some, then no worries! You can still thaw and reheat them. To best thaw out frozen breaded pork chops, you should place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Once the pork chops are thawed all the way through, you can reheat them according to any of the above methods. If you don’t have time to let the pork thaw out, you can place the frozen ones into the oven.
You will need to add extra time to the baking length if they’re frozen solid. Aim for 15-20 minutes for them to be properly reheated. You can always check the center with a meat thermometer if you’re not sure.
How Do You Avoid Dry Pork Chops?
This is a common concern when reheating pork chops. The last thing you want is for the meat to have become dry and chewy as opposed to tender and juicy. There are several ways to combat this.
You don’t want to heat your pork chops at too high of a heat. This is a surefire recipe for a dry reheated pork chop. You can also add a bit of liquid while you’re cooking them, such as a broth.
This will allow the pork chops to regain some of their original juiciness. Remember that all you want to do is reheat them and not cook them for a second time.
You’ll also want to be careful how many times you’re reheating your pork chops. Each time the pork gets reheated, it loses quality and becomes drier.
In Conclusion
Breaded pork chops can make for some delicious leftovers. You have quite a few methods for reheating them, depending on the time you have. You can even freeze and reheat them later if you don’t think you’ll get to them within a day or two.
If you want your pork chops to be crispy again, the stove, oven, and air fryer are your best bets. If you just want a quick meal, then the microwave will be the fastest way to reheat your leftovers. If you’re worried about your pork chops drying out, you can even add a few tablespoons of broth to them.