Instant Pot Pork Chops

5 from 4 votes
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Instant Pot pork chops are perfectly cooked, extra tender, and so juicy! These easy pork chops turn out delicious every time. I’ll just add a side of salad or veggies for a quick weeknight meal.

In our house, there’s more than one way to cook a perfect pork chop! If you’re looking for an easy oven recipe, check out my oven baked pork chops, and I also have delicious slow cooker pork chops that you can try. 

An instant pot pork chop with a side of salad on a white plate.

 

This recipe for Instant Pot pork chops is officially my favorite way to cook juicy, tender pork chops on a weeknight. You need just 3 ingredients and the method is super simple, especially if you’re new to cooking pork chops. I use boneless pork chops, but you can use this same method to cook bone-in chops and even pork tenderloin. Just add a side of salad or mashed potatoes for a comforting family meal.

Why Cook Pork Chops In the Instant Pot?

  • It’s quick. Preparing these pork chops in the Instant Pot is fast and easy (almost as quick as my air fryer pork chops). Searing the pork first gets the outside nice and browned, mimicking the sear they’d get in the pan or oven.
  • They’re super tender and juicy. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavor and moisture. The result is perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, extra succulent pork chops in a fraction of the time.
  • They’re adaptable. Once these chops are cooked, they’re delicious as is. it’s also easy to add gravy to make smothered pork chops or caramelized onions, like French onion pork chops.
Ingredients for instant pot pork chops.

Recipe Ingredients

You need very few ingredients to make a batch of pork chops in the pressure cooker. I think that’s another thing that I love about this recipe: it really lets the flavors in the pork shine.

Below are some quick notes. Scroll to the recipe card for a printable list with amounts.

  • Pork Chops – I use boneless pork chops that are about 1” in thickness. Thin-cut (¼”) pork chops aren’t great for pressure cooking.
  • Seasoning – I always have a jar of homemade pork chop seasoning in the pantry. It’s easy to make with simple pantry spices! Otherwise, use your favorite store-bought blend.
  • Olive Oil – Choose a good quality olive oil or cooking oil. You’ll use it to sear the chops before pressure cooking.
  • Chicken  Broth – Pressure-cooking requires liquid. I like low-sodium chicken broth as it makes it easier to adjust the seasoning to taste. You could also cook your pork in white wine or apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?

Yes! If you have frozen pork chops and don’t have time to thaw them, you can them from frozen in the Instant Pot. To make Instant Pot frozen pork chops, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 5 minutes or so (the pot will also take a bit longer to come to pressure). You can also skip searing the pork beforehand.

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops

I can fit 4 pork chops comfortably in my Instant Pot. It’s fine if the chops overlap since they’ll be seared before they cook in the hot steam. Follow the steps below. You’ll find printable instructions in the recipe card below to post.

  • Prepare the pork. Season the pork chops, and use your Instant Pot’s sauté setting to sear the meat on both sides. You can also do this in a skillet to make it quicker.
  • Deglaze. Remove the chops and pour in the chicken broth. When you return the pork chops to the pot, place them over the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot.
  • Cook. Seal and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes and let the Instant Pot naturally release for 10 minutes afterward. You’re ready to serve!

Turn the Leftovers Into Gravy!

I like to use the leftover cooking liquid to make a simple, quick gravy to serve over my Instant Pot pork chops. Here’s how to do it:

  1. In a bowl, make a slurry from 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and about ½ cup of leftover broth. 
  2. Switch the Instant Pot to sauté. 
  3. Whisk the slurry back into the remaining broth a little at a time, and let it simmer to thicken.
Cooked seasoned pork chops on a white plate next to a set of tongs.

Tips and Variations

  • Don’t overcook. Yes, it’s possible to overcook pork even in the pressure cooker. Overcooked pork chops will be dry, tough, and chewy. Unfortunately, no amount of cooking will make them tender again, so make sure to follow the cooking directions closely.
  • Use pork chops that are the same size. For best results, do your best to find pork chops that are the same size and thickness. This way they’ll cook evenly.
  • The pot needs time to come to pressure. Most Instant Pot models take about 15 minutes to come to pressure before the actual cooking time starts. It’s something to keep in mind when you’re planning your meal!
  • Give it some heat. Instead of pork chop seasoning, I’ll sometimes rub my pork chops with Cajun spice or Creole seasoning for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should pork chops cook in the Instant Pot?

Boneless pork chops, like the kind I use in this recipe, take just 5 minutes to cook at high pressure followed by a 10-minute natural release. If you’re using thicker-cut or bone-in pork chops, they’ll need to cook for closer to 10-15 minutes at high pressure before a 10-minute natural release.

Why are my Instant Pot pork chops tough?

Overcooking is the #1 cause for tough, chewy pork chops. Make sure that you naturally release the pressure exactly 10 minutes after the cooking time is up to avoid overcooked meat. The time may vary a little based on the thickness as well.

Should I sear pork before pressure cooking?

While it isn’t 100% necessary, searing the pork chops before pressure cooking creates a nice crust that enhances the flavor and locks in the juiciness. I’ll never skip it!

An instant pot pork chop with a side of salad on a white plate.

What to Serve With Pork Chops

I love serving juicy Instant Pot pork chops with a side of tossed salad or sautéed asparagus. The flavors in this easy apple broccoli salad also pair nicely with pork. In the cooler months, nothing beats a cozy dinner of tender pork chops served with creamy mushroom stroganoff.

These chops are just as tasty over a bed of mashed potatoes or risotto (both just as easy to make in the Instant Pot!). Just add a drizzle of gravy and a side of fluffy dinner rolls!

An instant pot pork chop with a side of salad on a white plate.

Storing and Reheating

  • Refrigerate. Store leftover pork chops airtight in the fridge and reheat them within 2-3 days. 
  • Reheat. Warm the pork in the oven or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout.
  • Freeze. These Instant Pot pork chops freeze well, so you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.

More Pork Chop Recipes

An instant pot pork chop with a side of salad on a white plate.
5 from 4 votes

Instant Pot Pork Chops

By Erin
Instant Pot pork chops are perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and so juicy! Pair these tender, easy pork chops with a side of veggies or salad for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Extra Time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 4 pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 Tablespoon pork chop seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions 

  • Set instant pot to saute and let it heat up.
  • Meanwhile season the pork chops evenly with pork chop seasoning on both sides.
  • Add the oil to the pot and once it is hot add the pork chops in a single layer to brown for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pot.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, add the trivet that came with the Instant Pot and place the pork chops on the trivet. They can overlap.
  • Cover, lock and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, and then quick release to finish.
  • Remove the pork chops and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 pork chop | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Extra Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 254
Keyword: instant pot pork chops, instant pot pork chops recipe, pork chops in instant pot
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About Erin S

Welcome to Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts where my love of food meets my busy life. My name is Erin and Iโ€™m a casual home cook who loves to feed people. On this blog, youโ€™ll find hundreds of quick and easy recipes made mostly from scratch. My days are spent in the kitchen, creating new recipes to share with family and friends.

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So tender and juicy, they practically melt in your mouth. The best part? It was so quick and easy to make.