These Instant Pot pork chops come out tender, juicy, and full of amazing flavor in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Make a quick gravy out of the leftover cooking sauce and dig in for an easy weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe
We love pork in this household, and after you’ve tasted these succulent Instant Pot pork chops, you’ll want it on regular rotation! Pressure cooking is the easiest method for tender, juicy pork chops that are full of amazing flavor. This recipe is:
- Flavorful. A simple seasoning blend and a stint in the pressure cooker is all it takes. Pressure cooking locks in all the seasoning and juices, for succulent, savory pork that melts away with every bite.
- Quick. Save the lengthy oven time for your holiday ham. The Instant Pot makes cooking pork super quick and easy, perfect on weeknights when you need dinner on the table, stat.
- Mess-free. Skip the greasy splatters and clean-up that comes with pan-frying. This recipe for pork chops in the Instant Pot is a hands-free, mess-free dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Have a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need. Don’t forget to refer to the recipe card below the post for the full ingredient amounts and recipe directions.
- Pork Chops – I use thick-cut (1” thick) boneless pork chops. If you’re using bone-in chops, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Brown Sugar
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Broth – Or beef broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Or soy sauce.
- Cornstarch – To make a slurry to thicken the gravy at the end.
Can I Cook Frozen Pork Chops In the Instant Pot?
Yes! If your pork chops are frozen and you’re in a hurry, you can still use them for this recipe. When cooking frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot, skip the searing step and add 5 minutes or so to the cooking time. The IP will also take additional time to come to pressure if you’re cooking from frozen.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Pork Chops
These Instant Pot pork chops turn out so juicy and you can serve them with just about anything! Keep scrolling for easy serving suggestions. But first, let’s pressure-cook some pork chops:
- Season the pork. Begin by generously coating the chops in a simple pork seasoning of brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the pork. Next, sear the pork chops in a bit of oil using the saute setting on the Instant Pot. When they’re nicely browned on both sides, remove the chops and set them aside for now.
- Deglaze. Pour in the broth and use a (not metal) spatula to gently lift the stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and nestle the chops back into the Instant Pot.
- Cook. Seal the lid and cook your pork chops on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
- Make the gravy. Quick-release the remaining pressure and open the lid, then remove the chops. Set the IP to saute and whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the juices left in the pot.
- Serve! Dish up your pork chops, smother them with gravy and serve with your choice of sides. See below for our favorite meal ideas.
How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops in the Instant Pot?
How many minutes your pork chops take to cook in the Instant Pot depends on the cut you’re using. Here are some quick guidelines:
- Boneless Pork Chops – 10 minutes, like in this recipe.
- Bone-In Pork Chops – 15-18 minutes for ¾”-1” thickness.
- Pork Steaks – 20 minutes for 1” bone-in pork steaks.
In addition to the suggested cooking times, you’ll need to budget for the time it takes the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking time begins. This can take anywhere between 5-15 minutes in most cases.
Can You Overcook Pork In the Pressure Cooker?
In this case, yes. Unlike pork butt (like the kind used to make Instant Pot carnitas), which tends to become more tender the longer it cooks, pork loin chops are leaner, and can overcook. Overcooked Instant Pot pork chops will be tough, so make sure your cuts are thick enough and pay attention to the correct cooking time.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pork Chops
Whether you’re a seasoned pro with the Instant Pot or just getting the swing of things, I think we can all appreciate a perfectly cooked pork chop! Here are some final tips:
- Sear the pork first. Browning the pork chops before pressure cooking locks in moisture and keeps the meat tender and juicy. However, if you’re using frozen pork chops, you won’t be able to sear them first.
- Use thick-cut pork chops. Thicker cuts are less likely to overcook. I don’t recommend cooking thin-cut chops (1/4- inch) in the Instant Pot.
- Be careful when opening the Instant Pot lid, as the steam will be HOT! Use oven mitts if needed.
What to Serve With Pork Chops
We love these saucy Instant Pot pork chops and gravy served with roasted potatoes or egg noodles and a side of green beans, garlicky mushrooms, or air fryer asparagus. They’re also tasty over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes in the colder months. For a lighter option, pair your chops with a side of green salad and soft homemade Parker House rolls. And don’t forget a slice of blackberry cobbler for dessert!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- To Store. Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat pork chops in a skillet on the stove, or microwave them in 30-second intervals until they’re hot throughout.
- Freeze. Freeze your pork chops in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1 month. Defrost the chops in the fridge before reheating.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Cubed Beef
- Instant Pot Short Ribs
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Instant Pot pork chops are tender, juicy, and full of amazing savory flavor. Make a quick gravy out of the leftover cooking sauce for an easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (thick cut)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Generously coat both sides of the pork chops with the seasoning mixture.
- Turn the instant pot to saute mode and add the oil.
- Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the pork chops and set them aside.
- Add the chicken broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the instant pot.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce to the chicken broth, then place the pork chops back in the instant pot. They can go directly into the liquid, no trivet is needed.
- Place the lid on the instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside to rest.
- Turn the instant pot to saute mode. Make a slurry of the cornstarch and water. Whisk the slurry into the cooking sauce. Cook while stirring until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Pour gravy over the pork chops and serve.
Notes
Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
