How to Make Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops in a Convection Microwave

Cooking pork chops in a convection microwave is a quick and easy way to make a tasty dinner any night of the week. The combination of microwave energy and a fan allows pork to heat and brown faster than using just a microwave alone.

However to ensure your pork chops turn out juicy and tender every time there are some tips and tricks to follow. Proper seasoning, arrangement, power levels and cook times are all key when convection microwaving.

I’ve experimented extensively to determine the best methods for cooking bone-in or boneless pork chops of any thickness in a convection microwave oven. Follow my techniques for finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone pork chops in less time than ordering takeout.

Benefits of Convection Microwave Cooking

Convection microwaves use a heating element and fan to circulate hot air in combination with microwave energy This allows food to brown and crisp while cooking very quickly

Here are some perks for cooking pork chops this way:

• Cooks much faster than oven – Chops are done in 15-25 minutes
• Heating element browns and crisps the exterior
• Microwave energy cooks food all the way through
• Fan distributes heat evenly for consistent results
• Easy to monitor and adjust time as needed
• Simple clean up compared to oven

With the right techniques, you can enjoy succulent pork chops any night of the week thanks to speedy convection microwave cooking.

Choosing the Right Thickness

When selecting pork chops for the convection microwave, opt for cuts that are:

• 0.5 to 1 inch thick – Thinner chops dry out easily while thicker ones won’t cook through.
• Bone-in – The bone helps keep meat moist and adds flavor.
• Rib or loin – More fat/marbling than other chops like sirloin.

Thick, bone-in pork rib or loin chops offer the best results in the convection microwave. Avoid chops thinner than 1⁄2 inch as they tend to overcook very quickly.

Seasoning is Key

One of the keys to making juicy, flavorful pork chops is getting the seasoning right before cooking. Here are some tips:

• Pat chops very dry – For better browning and seasoning absorption.
• Use seasoning liberally – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
• Evenly coat all sides – Top, bottom and sides.
• Let sit briefly – 10-20 minutes allows flavors to penetrate meat.
• Oil may cause steaming – Use sparingly or brush on after microwaving.

Take the extra time to properly season your pork chops before convection microwaving for the best texture and flavor.

Arrangement in the Microwave

How you arrange the pork chops in the microwave matters. Follow these guidelines:

• Elevate on a rack – Use a microwave safe rack over a plate or bowl.
• Leave space between – No overlapping or touching to prevent steaming.
• Meatiest parts out – Arrange so thicker parts point towards the outside.
• Not too many – Cook just 2 or 3 chops at a time to allow proper heat flow.

Proper arrangement helps ensure even cooking and good browning during the convection microwave process.

Convection Microwave Power Levels

Cooking pork chops requires adjusting the microwave power setting and time. Here are the best power levels to use:

• 60-70% power – Gives the heating element time to brown while still cooking fast.
• Start at lower power – 50% for first few minutes then increase.
• Higher power if needed – For thicker chops or finishing cooking.

Lower microwave power settings are typically best, but feel free to adjust as needed based on your model. The goal is barely simmering liquid in a chop recipe at the end.

Cook Times and Internal Temp

The convection microwave significantly reduces pork chop cooking times. Use these cook times as a guide:

• 0.5 inch thick chop – cook 7-8 minutes (145°F internal)
• 0.75 inch thick chop – 9-11 minutes (145°F)
• 1 inch thick chop – 12-14 minutes (145°F)

Always rely on an instant read thermometer to check for doneness rather than cook time. Pork should reach 145°F for juicy, tender results.

If chops need more time, cook in 1-2 minute increments, flipping and checking temperature in between until desired doneness is achieved.

Standing Time

Never cut into hot pork chops right away! Letting them stand for 5 minutes after microwaving allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist and tender when you cut into it.

I like to tent the pork chops very loosely with foil as they stand to help retain heat without fully steaming the meat. This short standing time makes a big difference in the final texture.

Serving Suggestions

Perfectly cooked pork chops fresh from the convection microwave make a quick and easy dinner option. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

• Mashed or baked potatoes to soak up delicious pork juices.
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or asparagus.
• A fresh green salad or coleslaw.
• Applesauce, fruit chutney or roasted peaches.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with sides and sauces to complement your juicy microwave pork chops!

Tips for Convection Microwave Perfection

Follow these tips whenever you cook pork chops in the convection microwave:

• Use bone-in rib or loin chops 0.5 to 1 inch thick.
• Generously season chops and let sit 10-20 minutes before cooking.
• Arrange in a single layer on a microwave safe rack.
• Cook at 60-70% power until 145°F internal temperature.
• Let chops stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

Get Delicious Pork Chops Fast

Your microwave’s convection setting makes quick work of cooking boneless or bone-in pork chops for a fast weeknight dinner. With the right thickness, seasoning, arrangement and cook times, you can enjoy succulent, juicy chops in less time than takeout.

Give this convection microwave method a try the next time a pork chop craving hits!