To maintain the juiciness and flavor of pork chops when reheating, it’s crucial to reheat them properly. Look into different ways to reheat pork chops to make sure they stay juicy and tender later on.
Fried pork chops are a staple comfort food in many households. When battered and fried up crispy, pork chops are hard to resist! However, reheating fried pork chops can be tricky business. If you don’t use the right method, you risk ending up with dried out, rubbery chops.
As an experienced home cook and fried pork enthusiast, I’ve perfected the technique for reheating these crispy favorites. With my simple instructions, you can enjoy leftover fried pork chops that maintain that same tender and juicy interior wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Let’s get frying!
Why Bother Reheating Fried Pork Chops?
Many people think fried foods like pork chops don’t reheat well. However, with the proper techniques, fried pork chops can absolutely be just as delicious the second time around. Here are some benefits of reheating pork chops rather than frying up a whole new batch:
-
It saves time and effort compared to re-frying.
-
The flavors have a chance to meld and improve overnight.
-
You reduce food waste by enjoying leftovers.
-
It allows you to enjoy fried pork chops more often!
The keys are using the right reheating method and avoiding common pitfalls Follow my techniques for fried pork chop perfection every time
Storing Leftover Fried Pork Chops
Before reheating fried pork chops, you need to store them properly after the initial fry:
-
Allow chops to cool completely before storing.
-
Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
-
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
-
Use leftover fried pork chops within 3-4 days for best quality.
Proper cooling and storage prevents soggy breading and preserves texture. Now let’s discuss the reheating process.
Reheating Fried Pork Chops in the Oven
My top reheating method for fried pork chops is a low oven:
-
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
-
Place cold pork chops on sheet and heat 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
-
Adjust time as needed for more or fewer chops.
-
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The indirect oven heat crisps up the breading without overcooking the pork.
Microwaving Fried Pork Chops
You can also use your microwave to quickly reheat fried pork chops:
-
Place chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel.
-
Microwave on half power in 30 second intervals until heated through.
-
Allow chops to rest 2 minutes before serving.
While fast, microwaving can lead to soggy spots. Only use for a single portion.
Reheating Fried Pork Chops on the Stovetop
For a quick weekday lunch, stovetop reheating is an option:
-
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
-
Add chops and cook 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.
-
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
I only recommend the stovetop for already cooked chops you want to recrisp quickly.
Maintaining Crispiness
The biggest challenge with reheating fried foods is maintaining a crispy crust. Here are my tips for keeping pork chops crispy:
-
Let chops cool completely after frying before storing.
-
Reheat at a lower temp (300°F) to avoid overcooking.
-
Place chops directly on wire rack or foil rather than in a pan.
-
Flip halfway during reheating to evenly crisp both sides.
Follow these steps, and you can enjoy that same satisfying crunch!
Food Safety Tips
When reheating any meats, proper food safety is crucial:
-
Never leave fried pork chops out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
-
Always reheat fried pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
-
Only reheat previously cooked pork chops once. Don’t reheat the same portions twice.
-
Discard any leftovers sitting in the fridge longer than 4 days.
With safe handling and storage, leftovers pose no greater risk than fresh cooked foods.
Enjoy Delicious Fried Pork Chops All Week Long
With my handy reheating instructions, you can enjoy your favorite crispy fried pork chops on multiple occasions, not just the initial fry up. The oven provides the best results, but the stovetop and microwave work in a pinch.
Reheating leftovers saves time and money while still letting you enjoy that same satisfying crunch and savory, juicy pork flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and breadings to give your reheated chops even more flavor.
So go ahead and double up on your next pork chop dinner! With proper storage and reheating, you can continue enjoying those tender, golden fried chops for days to come.
Best Way To Reheat Pork – How To Reheat Pork Chop In The Oven
The oven allows you to easily reheat multiple pork chops at once without having to watch them closely. With this method, you can make side dishes or set the table without using your hands, and the food will still be tender and tasty.
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Put a wire rack inside a baking sheet with a lip around the edge. This will raise the chops so air can flow under them and heat them evenly.
Pat the pork chops dry and brush lightly with oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices if desired.
Arrange the chops on the rack without overcrowding. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through to 140°F internally. Check occasionally and tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
The low gentle heat of the oven reheats the chops while keeping them nice and moist. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
How to reheat pork chops on stovetop
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reheat pork chops is on the stovetop. This direct heating method allows you to closely monitor the chops and ensure they don’t overcook.
Start by taking the pork chops out of the fridge and letting them warm up a bit, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cold chops put directly into a hot pan are more likely to dry out.
Choose a skillet or sauté pan that is larger than the chops to allow heat to circulate evenly. Put the pan on medium-low heat and add a tablespoon of high-smoke oil, like canola or vegetable oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, increase the heat to medium and carefully add the pork chops. Try not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause them to steam rather than brown.
Cook the chops for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F. The USDA recommends reheating pork to an internal temperature of 145°F, but carryover cooking will continue to raise the temperature as the chops rest.
Baste the tops of the chops with the pan drippings to keep them moist. Avoid overcooking, as this will cause the pork chops to become dry and tough.
What can I do with tough leftover pork chops?
FAQ
How do you reheat crispy fried pork?
How to reheat leftover pork chops?
How do you make pork chops crispy again?
How do you reheat cooked pork without drying it out?
How do you reheat pork chops?
Heat your oven to 350°F. Remove the leftover chops from the fridge and place them in a glass baking dish (the size will depend on the number of pork chops you’re reheating, but the closer they are together, the better). Then add 1 tablespoon of liquid per pork chop and cover the whole dish tightly with foil and set the dish in the oven.
Can You reheat pork chops in the microwave?
Here’s how to reheat pork chops in the microwave: • Step 1: Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate or a container, and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or with a damp paper towel. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the pork chops from drying out, as stated by the USDA. • Step 3: Set the microwave to 50% power.
How do you reheat pork chops in an air fryer?
The process of reheating the pork chops in an air fryer is simple, and it doesn’t take much time to complete: • Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (232°C). • Step 2: Take the pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. • Step 3: Lightly coat the pork chops with cooking spray or oil.
How to reheat leftover pork chops without drying them out?
Here’s the very best way to reheat leftover pork chops without drying them out. The very best way to reheat leftover pork chops is low and slow with a little extra moisture — you can use either broth or water with great results.