Cooking pork chops in the Ninja grill is quick and easy. The Ninja grill uses rapid cyclonic air to cook food fast while giving it a crisp, golden finish. With some simple tips, you can have perfectly cooked juicy pork chops off your Ninja grill in no time.
Factors That Affect Pork Chop Cook Times
Several factors impact how long pork chops need to cook in the Ninja grill:
- Thickness – Thicker chops take longer to cook than thinner chops. Bone-in chops also take a bit longer than boneless.
- Temperature – Setting the Ninja grill to higher temps (e.g. 400°F vs. 300°F) reduces cook time.
- Doneness – Cook times vary based on desired doneness, from 145°F for medium to 160°F for well done.
- Quality of Meat – Higher quality, tender cuts cook faster than tough cuts.
- Marinades – Acidic marinades used can slightly speed up cooking.
Recommended Cook Times
Here are the approximate cook times for pork chops in the Ninja grill:
| Thickness | Cook Time at 400°F |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch boneless chop | 8-12 minutes |
| 3/4 inch boneless chop | 10-15 minutes |
| 1 inch boneless chop | 12-18 minutes |
| 1/2 inch bone-in chop | 15-20 minutes |
| 3/4 inch bone-in chop | 18-25 minutes |
| 1 inch bone-in chop | 20-30 minutes |
These times are based on cooking at 400°F and aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. If cooking at a lower temperature, extend cook times. For well done (160°F), add a few extra minutes.
Tips for Cooking Juicy, Tender Pork Chops
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking pork chops in your Ninja grill:
- Preheat the grill fully before adding chops.
- Trim excess fat to prevent flare ups and smoking.
- Pat chops dry thoroughly so they brown rather than steam.
- Brush lightly with oil or rub with spices to boost flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding chops – cook in a single layer with space between.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Allow chops to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to cooking juicy pork chops in a Ninja grill:
- Preheat grill to 400°F.
- Trim fat and pat pork chops dry.
- Brush lightly with oil or rub with spices.
- Place chops in a single layer, without overcrowding.
- Close grill and cook for recommended time based on thickness.
- Flip chops halfway through, and rotate for even cooking.
- Check temperature in thickest part with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chops when they reach 145°F for medium doneness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking pork chops in the Ninja grill is a fast and convenient way to put a tasty dinner on the table. Boneless chops will take only 8-15 minutes, while bone-in can take 15-30 minutes depending on thickness. Monitoring temperature and allowing the chops to rest ensures they come out juicy and flavorful every time. Follow the guidelines above and you’ll be serving up perfect Ninja grill pork chops in no time!