Cooking Pork Chops In A Toaster Oven
When it comes to cooking, I love easy. Pork chops seem like they would be simple, but the reality is that cooking them in a pan on the stove is hard and messy. There is an easier way though, cooking pork chops in your toaster oven. Here is my complete guide to cooking deliciously golden brown pork chops in your toaster oven.
How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops In A Toaster Oven?
A standard 1″ thick boneless pork chop will take about 12-15 minutes to cook in a toaster oven, flipped halfway through at 400°F. For thicker pork chops, add 2-3 minutes for every 1/4″ of thickness. Times will also vary depending on your toaster oven and if it has forced air convection or not, as well as for the different cuts of pork chops. See the table below.
Cooking Times For Different Pork Chop Cuts
All the different cuts of pork chops have slightly different cooking times. Here are the general cooking times for the most common pork chop cuts. Keep in mind that these are guidelines, your toaster oven may cook faster or slower, so always rely on your thermometer to know when they are done.
| Pork Chop Cut | Cooking Time (at 400°F) |
|---|---|
| Rib Chop | 12-15 minutes |
| Loin Chop | 12-15 minutes |
| Shoulder Chop (Blade Chop) | 0-25 minutes |
| Boneless Chop | 10-12 minutes |
| Sirloin Chop | 15-20 minutes |
Carry Over Cooking Can Ruin Your Pork Chops
Carryover cooking refers to the phenomenon where food continues to cook after being removed from the heat source due to residual heat trapped within the food. For pork chops, this means that they will continue to rise in temperature by a few degrees even after being taken out of the oven.
This means, that to prevent overcooking and ensure tender, juicy pork chops, it’s advisable to remove them from the oven when they are about 5°F (3°C) below your desired final temperature. This precaution allows the pork chops to reach the perfect level of doneness during the resting period, resulting in a delicious meal every time.
Can I Cook Frozen Pork Chops In A Toaster Oven?
You can cook frozen pork chops in a toaster oven, although it will require a longer cooking time. In general, allow for about 50% longer cooking time if you are cooking frozen pork chops in your toaster oven.
Why Use Your Temperature Probe For Cooking Pork Chops
If your toaster oven has a temperature probe, use it! The biggest mistake that you can make is overcooking pork chops. If you do, they will be hard and dry. The secret to cooking pork chops in your toaster oven is to bake them to 145°F internally and let carryover take care of the rest. If you don’t have a toaster oven with a built-in temperature probe, get yourself a stand-alone unit. They are essential for cooking meat in your oven!
Here is a link to a very well-reviewed meat thermometer with a probe on Amazon that is very well reviewed and less than $20 that will keep you from overcooking your pork chops.
Preparing Pork Chops for Cooking
If possible, before cooking pork chops in a toaster oven, give them 20-30 minutes to come up to room temperature. This will shorten the cooking time and make it easier to get a perfectly cooked, golden brown pork chop.
Pat them dry to promote even cooking and apply some bacon grease or other natural high temp oil, to assist in getting that golden brown crust. Season the chops with your choice of spices and herbs, such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary, to enhance flavors.
To Marinate or Not to Marinate Your Chops?
To marinate or not to marinate? If you have the time, putting your pork chops in some marinade can really bump up the flavor. Here is a basic pork chop marinade recipe. It goes without saying that there are as many variations on pork chop marinades as there are people cooking them, but this is a good place to start.
Marinade Recipe for Pork Chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a glass container.
- Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade, pat dry, and cook in the toaster oven as desired.
Do keep in mind that you can over-marinate pork chops, and if you do, they can either dry out, or become mushy depending on the marinade that they are in.
Seasoning Your Pork Chops
If you aren’t going to marinate your pork chops, you can really make them shine by using some dry seasoning. Dry rubs quickly infuse pork chops with bold flavors and require no extra time. Here are some of the most common seasonings to elevate your pork chops:
Common Pork Chop Seasonings
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Brown Sugar
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- Rosemary (dried or fresh)
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Ground Mustard
- Sage (dried or fresh)
Pork Chop Seasoning Mix Recipe
Don’t know where to start with making a seasoning mix for your pork chops? Try this simple yet flavorful dry seasoning mix. This recipe is perfectly scaled for four pork chops and will enhance their natural taste with a blend of spices and herbs. Once you have tried it, adjust it to your liking until it is your own signature pork chop seasoning mix.
Dry Pork Seasoning Recipe for 4 Pork Chops
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Evenly rub the seasoning mixture onto all sides of the pork chops.
- Let the seasoned pork chops rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
- Cook the pork chops in a toaster oven at 400°F until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), approximately 20-30 minutes depending on thickness.
What Pan Do I Use For Cooking pork chops in a toaster oven?
The general pan that you will want to use for cooking pork chops in the toaster oven is a rimmed, 1/4 sheet pan. These are inexpensive and the main workhorse when it comes to cooking in your toaster oven. I suggest avoiding using non-stick pans in your toaster oven (or anywhere really), as the high temps can break the coatings down. Instead, use a good quality aluminum rimmed sheet pan.
Here is a link to the exact sheet pans I use in my toaster oven on Amazon. They are nice and thick and will hold up for years.
Line Your pan for easy cleanup
Again, I like cooking, but I like easy cooking. Cleanup is always a chore, so one tip for making your toaster oven pork chops easy to clean up after is lining the pan with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup as easy as dumping the dirty liner into the trash and a quick rinse of the pan. No more fighting burned on grease or marinade!
Modifying Traditional Pork Chop Recipes for a Toaster Oven
Converting pork chop recipes meant for a full size oven, for use in a toaster oven involves tweaking cooking times and temperatures to ensure delicious results. Toaster ovens tend to cook faster due to the small size and proximity to the heating elements. In addition to that, there is the issue of space. Big pans don’t fit in small toaster ovens, so most recipes will need to be scaled accordingly. Here are some suggestions for changing up your existing recipes to work in your toaster oven.
Adjustments for Cooking Times and Temperatures
To ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked in a toaster oven, consider adjusting the cooking times and temperatures. Due to the smaller size and different heat distribution of toaster ovens compared to traditional ovens, it’s essential to tailor your cooking parameters accordingly.
When adapting your favorite pork chop recipes for the toaster oven, keep these factors in mind:
- Temperature: Toaster ovens tend to run hotter than standard ovens, so you may need to reduce the temperature by 25-50°F (15-25°C). Start with a lower temperature and adjust as needed.
- Cooking Time: Due to their smaller size and more concentrated heat, toaster ovens often cook food faster. Reduce the initial cooking time by 25% and check for doneness earlier than the recipe suggests. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 140°F (60°C) internal temperature for optimal carryover cooking.
- Pan Size: Choose a baking sheet or pan that fits comfortably in your toaster oven with some space around the edges for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can hinder even cooking.
- Positioning: Place the pan in the center of the toaster oven rack, ensuring it’s not too close to the heating elements. If your toaster oven has multiple rack positions, experiment to find the best one for even cooking.
- Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the pork chops as they cook, as they can quickly go from perfectly done to overcooked in a toaster oven. Check for doneness early and often, or use a probe thermometer, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Recipe Adjustments: Some recipes may require additional adjustments for the toaster oven. For example, you might need to reduce the amount of liquid or cover the pan with foil to prevent excessive browning.
final thoughts on cooking pork chops in the toaster oven
In conclusion, mastering the art of cooking pork chops in a toaster oven opens up a world of tender, flavorful possibilities. By following the right cooking times, ensuring the pork reaches a safe internal temperature, and experimenting with seasonings, you can achieve delicious results every time. Whether you prefer a quick weekday meal or a special weekend dinner, toaster oven pork chops offer a convenient way to enjoy a hearty dish with minimal effort. Elevate your culinary skills by exploring different flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep pork chops from drying out?
The biggest factor in pork chops drying out is overcooking them. Especially lean pork chops have a very low tolerance for being overcooked and can go from juicy and delicious to dry and hard very quickly. My other trick is to make sure that my pork chops are well lubed with bacon grease or other oil before popping them in the toaster oven. That helps form a crust on the chops and give them a more juicy flavor.
Can I Cook Bone-In Pork Chops in a Toaster Oven?
Yes, you can cook bone-in pork chops in a toaster oven. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Adjust cooking time for bone-in chops and consider using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
What Temperature Should I Use for Cooking Pork Chops in a Toaster Oven?
When cooking pork chops in a toaster oven, it’s important to set the temperature to 425°F (218°C). This high heat will help to sear the outside of the chops while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To ensure that the pork chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C).
Now if you are making chops in a sauce, you will want to reduce your temperature to 350°F which allows the pork chops to cook through evenly while the sauce simmers gently.
What temperature should I cook my pork chops to?
When cooking pork chops in a toaster oven, it’s important to cook them to a safe internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). To accurately measure the temperature, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop. Cooking the pork chops to this temperature will result in juicy and tender meat.
That being said, I suggest pulling your pork chops out when they hit 140°F (60°C), then letting them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to stabilize, and the internal temp will continue to climb to about the ‘safe’ temp of 145°F.
