Air Fryer Pork Neck Chops
Air fryer pork neck chops come out browned and spice-crusted outside and properly juicy in the middle after 15 minutes at 200°C. Neck is a well-marbled cut from the shoulder end, so it copes with high heat far better than lean loin chops. A smoked paprika and garlic rub is all the seasoning it needs, and the whole dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 365kcal
Choosing the chops
Pork neck chops are also sold as collar steaks or neck fillet steaks, and they are one of the cheaper cuts at the butcher's counter. Look for even 2cm slices with streaks of fat running through them, because that marbling bastes the meat as it cooks. Most baskets hold two chops in one layer. For four people, cook in two batches rather than stacking them, which would steam the pork instead of browning it.
Cooking air fryer pork neck chops
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season the pork Pat the chops dry with kitchen paper. Mix the salt, garlic granules, paprika and pepper in a small dish. Rub the oil over both sides of the pork, then press the spice mix on evenly.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for so the chops start browning as soon as they go in.
- Cook Lay the chops in the basket in a single layer without touching. Cook for , turning them over after , until deep golden at the edges.
- Check the temperature Push a meat thermometer into the thickest part. The pork should read 75°C, with no pink meat and clear juices. If not, cook for another and check again.
- Rest Move the chops to a warm plate and leave them for , loosely covered with foil. The juices settle back into the meat, so they stay moist when you cut them.
What to serve with pork neck chops
The rub on air fryer pork neck chops is smoky rather than hot, so they go well with roast potatoes, buttered cabbage or green beans, and a spoonful of apple sauce. If you do not have an air fryer, the same seasoning works on pan-fried pork chops, and for a saucy family dinner, try a creamy pork chop bake.
Cold slices make a good sandwich filling the next day. Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge and eat them within 2 days, reheating until steaming hot all the way through.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Pork Neck Chops
- The chops come out dry and tough.
- Check the temperature from about 12 minutes rather than guessing, and take them out at 75°C. Chops thinner than 2cm may be done in 10–12 minutes.
- The fat edge curls up and the chop cooks unevenly.
- Snip through the fat along the edge at 2cm intervals before seasoning, which stops it pulling the meat out of shape.
- The basket smokes while cooking.
- Neck chops release plenty of fat. Wipe out any old grease before you start, and tip away the fat from the drawer if you cook a second batch.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Pork Neck Chops
How long do you cook pork neck chops in the air fryer?
Cook 2cm-thick chops at 200°C for about 15 minutes, turning halfway. Thicker chops need 2–3 minutes more, and they are done when the centre reaches 75°C with no pink.
Can I cook bone-in chops this way?
Yes, but add 3–5 minutes, as the bone slows down the heat. Use the thermometer to confirm the thickest part reaches 75°C.
Can I cook them from frozen?
No, defrost the chops fully in the fridge first, usually overnight. Frozen chops cook unevenly and the outside overcooks before the middle is safe.
How do I cook pork neck chops in the oven instead?
Roast them on a baking tray at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6, for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until they reach 75°C in the middle. Rest them for 5 minutes before serving.
How did you like the recipe?
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