As someone who loves cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always looking for tips and tricks to make leftovers taste just as delicious as the original meal This is especially true when it comes to breaded pork chops! I love the crunch of a freshly fried breading coating, but reheating breaded pork chops often leads to a soggy, mushy mess However, after plenty of trial and error, I’ve discovered some fantastic methods to reheat breaded pork chops so they stay crispy and delicious.
In this article, I’ll share the best techniques I’ve found for reheating breaded pork chops using the oven, skillet, air fryer, microwave, and more. With the right reheating method, you can enjoy juicy, tender pork encased in a crispy, crunchy breading – even if it’s leftover from last night’s dinner!
Why Do Breading Get Soggy When Reheated?
Before jumping into the various reheating methods, it helps to understand why leftover breaded pork chops often end up soggy.
When the breading is freshly fried, it develops a wonderfully crispy, crunchy texture. However, as the chops are refrigerated, the steam from the pork condenses and makes the breading soggy. Simply microwaving or baking the cold chops doesn’t effectively crisp up the breading again.
The key is using quick high-heat methods to crisp up and dry out the breading once again. Slow reheating gives the breading time to get soggy as the pork warms up. With the right technique you can revive that crispy texture!
5 Best Ways to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops
Here are my top reheating methods for keeping breaded pork chops crispy, from the most convenient to the more hands-on techniques:
1. Air Fryer
An air fryer is my favorite way to reheat breaded pork chops! The circulating hot air crisps up the breading better than any other appliance.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F
- Place chops in air fryer basket in single layer
- Cook 5-7 minutes until heated through
The air fryer gives you tender, juicy pork and an ultra-crispy coating using little to no oil. It’s a quick and easy reheating method.
2. Oven
The oven also does a great job of crisping up the breading on breaded pork chops. The key is using high heat.
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Place chops on baking sheet
- Bake 7-10 minutes until 165°F internal temperature
I like to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. The high heat from the oven gives you a nice, crisp coating.
3. Skillet
For a more hands-on approach, quickly frying the chops in a skillet works wonders.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chops 2-3 minutes per side until hot and crispy
The hot oil will re-crisp the breading nicely. Keep the heat high so the breading fries up before the pork overcooks.
4. Grill
If you have access to a grill, it’s a great way to reheat breaded pork chops. The open flame crisps up the outside coating.
- Heat grill to medium-high
- Grill chops 2-3 minutes per side
I like to brush the chops with a little oil first to help crisp and prevent sticking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Microwave (Last Resort)
I only recommend the microwave if you’re really in a bind. It won’t get the breading as crispy, but it’s better than cold pork chops!
- Microwave chops 1 minute at 50% power
- Check and microwave 30 seconds more if needed
Use short cooking times to prevent overcooking. The lower power setting helps heat the pork through without making the breading gummy.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips to ensure your reheated breaded pork chops come out crispy every time:
- Remove any sauce from the chops before reheating – sauce makes the breading soggy.
- Pat the chops dry with a paper towel before reheating to remove moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd chops – too many together steams rather than crisps.
- Preheat appliance before cooking and use high heat for best results.
- Cook just until heated through, checking internal temp of 165°F.
- Allow chops to rest 1-2 minutes after reheating for juicier meat.
Enjoy Tender, Juicy Pork and Crispy Breading
With the right reheating technique, you can enjoy breaded pork chops that have a tender, moist interior and an ultra-crispy, crunchy breading exterior. No more soggy, rubbery leftovers!
An air fryer or hot oven are ideal, but you can also crisp them up nicely on the stovetop or grill. Even the microwave can work in a pinch.
Next time you have leftover breaded pork chops, try one of these methods to reheat them to crispy perfection. Your taste buds will thank you with each delicious, crunchy bite!
What can I do with tough leftover pork chops?
FAQ
How do you reheat breaded pork chops without drying them out?
How do you make pork chops crispy again?
How do you reheat cooked pork chops?
How do you keep baked breaded pork chops from getting soggy?
How to reheat pork chops in the oven?
Here’s how to reheat pork chops in the oven the right way: • Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). • Step 2: Take the pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. • Step 3: Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with foil. This will help to trap the heat and moisture.
Can You reheat leftover breaded chops?
One important tip: Reheat any leftover breaded chops within two days. If you wait any longer, the coating will turn soggy. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then coat the foil with a thin layer of neutral oil or cooking spray.
How long do you cook breaded pork chops in the oven?
Set the leftover breaded pork chops on the baking sheet and cover the sheet with another layer of foil. Heat in the oven for 7-8 minutes, then remove the foil and turn the pork chops over. Return to the oven and heat for another 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the pork and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes if necessary.
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.