How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops in an Electric Skillet for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking pork chops in an electric skillet is a quick and convenient way to make a tasty weeknight dinner With an electric skillet, you can cook the chops evenly on both sides without needing to babysit them on the stovetop But exactly how long should you cook pork chops in an electric skillet to get the best results? Let’s break it down!

Factors That Affect Pork Chop Cooking Time

Several factors impact how long pork chops need to cook in an electric skillet:

• Thickness of the chops – Thicker chops will require a longer cooking time than thinner chops. Bone-in chops are thicker than boneless.

• Bone-in vs. boneless – Bone-in chops take longer to cook since the bone acts as an insulator. Boneless chops cook faster.

• Temperature of the skillet – Higher heat sears and cooks faster Lower heat requires more time

• Chop size – Larger chops need more time than smaller chops.

• Doneness – Cook for less time for slightly pink chops or longer for well-done.

• Cooking method – Grilling, pan searing, or baking all require different cooking times.

Recommended Cook Times

Here are general guidelines for how long to cook pork chops in an electric skillet:

• 1-inch thick boneless chops: 4-6 minutes per side

• 1-inch thick bone-in chops: 6-8 minutes per side

• 1.5-inch thick boneless chops: 6-8 minutes per side

• 1.5-inch thick bone-in chops: 8-10 minutes per side

These times are for cooking at a medium-high skillet temperature (around 350°F) to achieve mildly pink doneness. Increase cook time for thicker chops or well-done.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked pork chops in your electric skillet:

1. Preheat electric skillet to 350°F (medium-high heat).

2. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and other spices.

3. Place chops in the preheated skillet, evenly spaced. Do not overcrowd.

4. Cook chops for recommended time, flipping halfway. Check for doneness a few minutes early.

5. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chops reach 145°F for safe consumption.

6. Remove chops from skillet and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Visual Tests for Doneness

In addition to using a meat thermometer, you can check the pork chops for visual signs of doneness:

• The meat should be lightly browned and firm to the touch

• Cut into a chop and check that the interior is slightly pink but not red

• The juices should run clear, not bloody

If the chops are still too pink inside, return them to the skillet for 1-2 minutes more. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Handy Cooking Tips

• Brush chops with oil or melted butter before cooking for enhanced browning and flavor.

• Avoid moving the chops too much for better sear development. Use tongs to gently flip.

• Cook chops in batches to prevent overcrowding. They won’t brown properly if too close together.

• Let chops rest a few minutes after cooking – this allows juices to redistribute for tender and juicy meat.

• Add a sauce, glaze, or chopped herbs right before removing from heat for extra flavor.

• Clean the electric skillet thoroughly after each use and store properly when cooled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to over or undercook pork chops. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Cooking at too high a temperature can cause dry, tough chops. Stick to medium-high.

• Not properly preheating the skillet can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat.

• Overcrowding chops will steam rather than sear them. Leave space around each.

• Undercooking poses a safety risk if chops are still pink near the bone. Use a meat thermometer.

• Neglecting to let chops rest results in dry, stringy meat. Resting allows juices to redistribute.

• Cutting into chops too soon releases the juices rather than retaining them in the meat.

Choosing the Right Electric Skillet

Look for an electric skillet with these features:

• Large enough cooking surface to fit 3-4 chops without crowding

• Adjustable temperature dial ranging from warm to 425°F

• Nonstick surface for easy cooking and cleaning

• Flat bottom provides direct, even heat to food

• Heavy base retains heat well during cooking

A quality electric skillet makes cooking pork chops a breeze. Popular models include the Presto 16-inch Electric Skillet, the BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Skillet, and the Cuisinart Electric Skillet.

Savory Pork Chop Recipes for the Electric Skillet

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these tasty recipes:

• Breaded Pork Chops – Coated with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust

• Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops – Brushed with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze

• Garlic Herb Pork Chops – Infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano

• BBQ Pork Chops – Smothered in sticky-sweet homemade barbecue sauce

• Hawaiian Pork Chops – Topped with grilled pineapple rings and teriyaki glaze

The possibilities are endless for quick and easy pork chop dinners in your electric skillet!

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook pork chops at in an electric skillet?

Preheat the skillet to 350-375°F, which is a medium-high temperature best for searing juicy chops. Avoid exceeding 400°F.

Can I make pork chops in a nonstick electric skillet?

Yes, nonstick electric skillets work great for boneless or bone-in pork chops. The nonstick surface allows for easy cooking and cleanup.

Should pork chops be flipped frequently when cooking in a skillet?

It’s best to flip pork chops only once during cooking. Frequently flipping can disrupt browning. Just gently flip halfway through.

My electric skillet doesn’t have temperature settings. How do I know when it’s preheated?

For skillets without temperature controls, preheat on medium-high for roughly 5 minutes before adding oil and pork chops.

Do I need to use oil when cooking pork chops in an electric skillet?

A small amount of oil helps promote browning and prevents sticking. Use just a teaspoon or two to lightly coat the preheated skillet before adding chops.

Make Juicy, Flavorful Pork Chops with Ease

Cooking pork chops in an electric skillet allows you to achieve browned, tender chops without the hassle of monitoring a stovetop skillet. With the proper cook times and temperature, you’ll enjoy juicy, deliciously seasoned pork chops any night of the week. Once you get the basic method down, explore endless variations with different seasonings, sauces, and sides. Enjoy this easy pork chop cooking adventure!