Instant Pot Pork Chops: The Ultimate Guide to Tender, Juicy Bone-In Chops
Discover how to cook perfectly tender and incredibly juicy bone-in pork chops in your Instant Pot. This foolproof recipe starts with a flavorful spice rub, a quick sear for a beautiful golden crust, and finishes with a mere 7 minutes of pressure cooking. You’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in minimal time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you crave a delicious, comforting meal with ease.
Why These Instant Pot Pork Chops Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
Cooking pork chops in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for achieving maximum flavor and unparalleled tenderness with minimal effort. This recipe leverages the power of pressure cooking to transform ordinary bone-in pork chops into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone experience in record time. The magic begins with a simple yet incredibly effective spice rub made from a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and brown sugar. This combination isn’t just for flavor; it’s meticulously crafted to create a beautiful, golden, and caramelized crust when seared, locking in juices and adding an irresistible depth of taste.
Unlike traditional methods that can often lead to dry or tough pork, the Instant Pot excels at infusing moisture and tenderness. After a quick sear to build that essential flavor crust, the chops are pressure cooked for just 7 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release. This specific cooking method ensures that the pork chops absorb as much moisture as possible, resulting in an exceptionally juicy interior. Whether you’ve tried baked pork chops, air fryer pork chops, or even sous vide pork chops, you’ll find the Instant Pot method offers a unique combination of speed, convenience, and consistent results that deliver truly delicious, perfectly cooked chops every time.
Essential Ingredients for Tender Instant Pot Pork Chops
To whip up these amazing Instant Pot pork chops, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the powerful impact each ingredient has on the final dish.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and ensure success.
PORK CHOPS – This recipe specifically calls for bone-in pork chops, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. The bone contributes significantly to both flavor and moisture retention during cooking, resulting in a more succulent chop. If you opt for boneless pork chops, be aware that they are typically leaner and will cook much quicker, requiring a reduction in pressure cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Regardless of your choice, the key to perfectly cooked pork chops is to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Always use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone.
SEASONING BLEND – Our rub consists of onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and olive oil. This blend creates a balanced profile that’s savory, slightly sweet, and smoky. Smoked paprika is crucial for that deep, smoky flavor without needing to fire up the grill. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can substitute with a mix of garlic powder and regular salt (adjusting the amount of salt to your preference). Brown sugar helps with caramelization during searing, contributing to that beautiful golden crust. Olive oil acts as a binder, helping the spices adhere to the pork and ensuring an even sear.
LIQUIDS FOR PRESSURE COOKING – The braising liquid is a blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and chicken broth. Soy sauce adds umami and a hint of saltiness, while liquid smoke intensifies the smoky flavor profile, replicating a slow-cooked or grilled taste in minutes. Chicken broth provides the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and creates a flavorful foundation for the chops to tenderize in. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if preferred, though broth adds more depth. If liquid smoke isn’t available, you can omit it, but the smoky nuance will be less prominent. A splash of Worcestershire sauce could offer a similar savory complexity.
BUTTER – A tablespoon of butter is used for searing the pork chops. Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pork beautifully and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crust. You can substitute with another high-smoke-point oil if you prefer, but butter truly enhances the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Instant Pot Pork Chops
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For a quick overview and the printable recipe card with all measurements, jump to the recipe at the bottom of this post.
- **Prepare the Spice Rub:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix thoroughly until you have a thick, paste-like rub. This ensures even distribution of flavors across your pork chops.
- **Season the Pork Chops:** Using gloved hands (or clean bare hands), generously rub the prepared oil and spice mixture all over each bone-in pork chop. Ensure every surface is coated to maximize flavor and create that beautiful crust during searing.
- **Sear for a Golden Crust:** Set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” function and add the butter. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, carefully place two pork chops into the pot. Sear them on both sides for approximately 3 minutes per side, until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This crucial step creates deep flavor through the Maillard reaction. Remove the seared chops and repeat the process with the remaining two chops.
- **Deglaze the Pot:** After removing all the seared chops, add the soy sauce, liquid smoke, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Whisk vigorously, scraping up any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step not only adds immense flavor to your cooking liquid but also prevents the “Burn” error message from appearing.
- **Arrange for Pressure Cooking:** Place a trivet or steaming rack into the Instant Pot, above the liquid. Carefully arrange the browned pork chops on the rack, ensuring they are not submerged in the liquid. This allows them to cook evenly and remain tender without stewing.
- **Pressure Cook to Perfection:** Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release knob to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 12-15 minutes. This natural release is vital for keeping the pork chops incredibly juicy and tender. After the natural release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot Pork Chops
Store any leftover Instant Pot pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their juiciness when reheating, the oven is often the best method. Place the chops in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or water, then cover tightly with aluminum foil. Reheat in a preheated 350-degree F oven until warmed through. The added moisture in the dish creates a steamy environment, preventing the pork from drying out and helping it retain its tender texture.
While technically you can cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot, it’s highly recommended to thaw your pork chops completely before starting this recipe. The main reason is that the spice and oil rub won’t properly adhere to frozen meat, leading to a less flavorful crust and an uneven distribution of seasoning. Additionally, cooking chops from frozen will significantly increase the pressure cooking time – often doubling it – and can impact the overall texture and tenderness. For the best results, thaw your bone-in pork chops in the refrigerator overnight before preparing.
For this recipe, bone-in pork chops are preferred due to the extra flavor and moisture the bone imparts during cooking. Look for chops that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker chops are more forgiving and less likely to dry out. Loin chops or rib chops are excellent choices. While boneless chops can be used, reduce the pressure cooking time as they cook faster and are typically leaner.
Several factors contribute to tender and juicy Instant Pot pork chops. First, don’t skip the initial searing step, as it locks in moisture and builds flavor. Second, the specified 7 minutes of high-pressure cooking is optimal for bone-in chops of average thickness. Crucially, allow for the natural pressure release (12-15 minutes) as instructed. This slow release allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, preventing a sudden loss of moisture that a quick release can cause. Always verify with an instant-read thermometer that the pork reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
Absolutely! The flavorful liquid left in the Instant Pot after cooking the pork chops makes an excellent base for a simple gravy. After removing the chops, switch the Instant Pot back to the “Saute” function. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid in the Instant Pot, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a fantastic way to utilize all the delicious flavors!
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Pork Chops
These flavorful Instant Pot pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving them alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as tender carrots, vibrant broccoli florets, crisp green beans, or fluffy roasted potatoes. A fresh, crisp leafy dinner salad with your favorite vinaigrette always provides a refreshing contrast. For a truly indulgent experience, creamy baked macaroni and cheese or fluffy mashed potatoes are excellent companions that will soak up all the delicious pan juices.
Explore More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes
If you’ve loved these Instant Pot pork chops and are looking for more ways to enjoy this versatile cut of meat, we have a fantastic collection of other pork chop recipes for you to try:
- Crispy Fried Pork Chops
- Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops
- Simple Baked Pork Chops
- Quick Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Gourmet Sous Vide Pork Chops
- Flavorful Pork Chops al Pastor on the Grill
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Instant Pot Pork Chops
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 3 pounds
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup chicken broth
Things You’ll Need
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Instant pot
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- While the active cooking time in the Instant Pot is only 7 minutes, remember that it will take approximately 12-15 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking begins, and another 12-15 minutes for the natural pressure release afterward.
- To manage sodium intake, you can slightly reduce the amount of garlic salt in the rub. Be mindful of adjusting other seasonings to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
- This recipe is specifically developed for bone-in pork chops. If using boneless chops, they are generally leaner and will cook faster. Monitor their internal temperature carefully; cook until they reach 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For the best reheating results that preserve tenderness, use the oven. Place chops in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with aluminum foil, and reheat in a 350°F oven. The added moisture prevents drying.
- While it’s possible to cook frozen pork chops in an Instant Pot, for this recipe, it’s strongly recommended to thaw them first. Thawing ensures the spice rub adheres properly and allows for a golden sear, which is crucial for flavor development. Cooking from frozen will also approximately double the pressure cooking time required.
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and olive oil to form a paste.
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Using gloved hands, rub pork chops all over with the oil and spice mixture, ensuring an even coating.
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Turn Instant Pot to saute function and add butter. When butter has melted, place 2 chops in the Instant Pot and brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side) until a golden crust forms. Remove and repeat for the other two chops.
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Remove chops and add soy sauce, liquid smoke, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Whisk to combine and loosen any brown bits from the bottom of the pot (deglaze).
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Place a rack (trivet) in the Instant Pot and arrange the browned pork chops on the rack.
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Close lid and set the steam release knob to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release (12-15 minutes). Carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.