SaurabhIf you are one of those people with a busy lifestyle, cooking may be challenging. Your dinner plans should’ve been frozen pork chops. However, you forgot to remove them from the freezer. In this case, if you are searching for a solution, we have it right here.
There is a way that you can cook frozen pork chops and still save your dinner plans. Keep in mind that you need to cook the frozen meat longer than you need since the meat needs to be well prepared.
How can I cook frozen pork chops? Frozen pork chops can be cooked without a problem and here we have the solution for you.
You can thaw the pork chops before cooking, slow cook only if the meat is thawed, bake them in the oven, use the air fryer, pressure cooker, fire up the grill, use an instant pot or crockpot.
Read below tips and all of the methods of properly preparing the frozen pork chops.
How To Cook Frozen Pork Chops?
We have established so far that pork chops can be cooked even though they are frozen, so here you’ll find methods that will help you to make the best meal. One main thing you should always keep an eye on is the cooking time. Also, make sure that the meat is well prepared.
1. Thawing pork chops
The first thing that comes to mind before cooking the frozen meat is to thaw it beforehand.
You can do that in different ways. We would suggest placing it in the fridge and leaving it for at least 12 to 14 hours so the meat can thaw properly.
Also, you can always use the microwave as a faster option if you don’t have the time. But even if you do use the microwave, always make sure that you defrost it enough and cook it. That should be a couple of minutes in defrosting mode.
Put the pork chops on the safe dish and adjust the temperature depending on how much meat you are defrosting. More importantly, cook the meat right after it is taken out of the microwave.
You can take the meat out of the freezer and add it to cold water. Make sure that the plastic bag is safe so no water would enter inside.
Change the water every 20 minutes. Keep in mind that hot water never helps with thawing. That can only cause bacteria to grow and make problems.
2. Slow-cooking pork chops
Generally, it is not recommended to slow cook the frozen meat.
The same applies here. Frozen pork chops shouldn’t be cooked in a slow cooker. This is because the slow cooking process requires more time for cooking and reaching a safe temperature.
If you are planning on slow cooking the pork chops, you have to thaw them first. So, place them together with different vegetables like carrots, potatoes, peppers, and other veggies by your choice, and also add seasoning to add extra flavors.
Add water and cover the meat with the veggies. This way the thawed pork chops will cook for at least 4 to 8 hours.
3. Frozen pork chops baked in the oven
The next best thing that is recommended for frozen pork chops is to cook them in the oven.
Preheat the oven depending on what type of oven you have, either 350 or 375 degrees. Here it is recommended to thaw the frozen pork chops in the microwave for a minute so you can just separate them.
Season them by your own liking and put them in a baking pan and add some extra ingredients based on what type of recipe you have chosen. Note that since the meat is still frozen you have to bake it for an extra 50% of the time required.
4. Air-frying the pork chops
Nowadays it is very popular and common for people to use the air-fryer for cooking. This means that the frozen pork chops can also be cooked in the air fryer.
In this case here, you have to separate the frozen pork chops and add oil over them. Make sure that the temperature is around 380 degrees.
Lay them properly so the meat can be cooked well. Leave them in the air fryer to cook for about 12 minutes if the pork chops are thawed before. If not you’ll have to leave them for 4-8 minutes more since you want to be sure that the meat is cooked properly.
5. Pressure cooker
Frozen pork chops have another way of cooking and that is to use the pressure cooker.
This is a great option if you are in a hurry and have no time to spear. It will take about 15 minutes but you need to cut the meat before placing it.
It is considered an option but it’s not recommended since it’s not good for the meat. You have to follow the recipe, season it properly, and leave it to cook. It is better if you have prepared the pork chops beforehand and then place them in the pressure cooker.
6. Grill
Firing up the grill is another perfect option for making the best pork chops. This is also good for the frozen pork chops, the sooner it’s hot enough place them and start cooking them.
If you are using a gas grill it may take up the least time for heating up. So, is the best one to use if you are rushing. Ensure that you season them up since the spices will mix and the meat will absorb them.
In this case, the cooking time also depends on how much meat you use and also if it is boneless or the whole thing. Make sure that the meat is cooked properly before serving.
7. Instant pot
If you have an instant pot at home, then you can also use it to cook the frozen pork chops. You don’t need to thaw beforehand, just add them directly.
To avoid the meat being dry and tough, you can always try sauteing and a lot of the fats will remain as well. Preheat the pot before placing the meat inside and add some butter to it based on your desire.
Afterward, the frozen or thawed pork chops are ready to be cooked. It takes at least 11 minutes on each side before they are ready to be served and eaten.
8. Crock-Pot
Lastly, we would recommend using a crockpot. Even though it requires extra time, of course, if you do have some time to spear, it would be perfect to create a nice meal. If you have extra time on your hands you can do some preparation before using the crockpot.
Season the pork chops and place them to cook either frozen or defrosted. If the meat is still frozen, keep the crockpot on the lowest heating and wait for a couple of hours before it is cooked.
Keep in mind that it may take longer than usual and depends on how big they are,
Related Questions
Is it OK to cook frozen pork chops?
Yes, it is safe to cook pork chops that are frozen. The only thing is that you need to cook it 50% more than you should. This way you’ll make sure that the
How long does it take to cook frozen pork chops?
First of all, place the frozen pork chops on a baking tray and cook them for about 50 minutes to an hour max. Meaning, they are cooked longer than you would’ve cooked them if they weren’t frozen.
How long should I cook frozen pork chops in the oven?
After you prepared the pork chops you should bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees. Cook more or less depending on the thickness of the chops and the power of the oven.
Can you cook pork straight from frozen?
You can cook frozen pork. However, you should increase the cooking time since you don’t want the meat to be undercooked. That way the meat will thaw and cook properly.
