Ever wonder what’s the best Oven Temp for Pork Chops so that they are tender and juicy? Whether you’re cooking boneless or bone-in pork chops, the goal is for them to be as succulent and flavorful as possible. With the right oven temperature, your pork chops will be tender, tasty, and ready to be served with all your favorite side dishes.
Keep reading to learn what temperature to bake pork chops for the most delicious results.
What are Pork Chops?
There are several varieties of pork chops and they’re all taken from the loin of the pig. This is the section that runs from the shoulder to the hip. When you visit your butcher or the meat section of your grocery store, you’ll probably see these types of pork chops:
- Loin chop: this is a bone-in cut that resembles the T-bone steak taken from a cow. It’s sometimes called the porterhouse pork chop or center-cut loin chop. The loin chop is taken from the area closer to the hip of the pig.
- Top loin chop: this is a boneless cut that is also called a pork loin filet. The top loin chop is taken from the center of the loin, approaching the rib area.
- Sirloin chop: this cut usually has quite a bit of bone and is taken from the back of the loin.
- Rib chop: taken from the rib section of the loin, this cut is sometimes called the ribeye pork chop.
The Best Oven Temperature to Bake Pork Chops
We recommend baking your pork chops at 400°F for the most mouthwatering results. At this temperature, you can expect your pork chops to turn out nice and tender on the inside with a deliciously caramelized exterior.
If you prefer a less crispy crust, you can bake your pork chops at a lower temperature of 350°F or 375°F.
Internal Temperature for Pork Chops
According to the most recent recommendation from the USDA, pork should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F and allowed to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
During this resting period, the internal temp of the pork will increase by about 5 degrees. Prior to this, the recommended internal temp for pork chops was 160°F. The lower temperature produces pork chops that are safe to eat while maintaining their juiciness and tender texture.
Regardless of if you’re cooking thicker or thinner chops, you should aim for an internal temp of 145°F.
Oven Temperature Chart (How Long to Bake Bone-in and Boneless Pork Chops)
Boneless Pork Chops Oven Temp
| Pork Chop Oven Temp | Boneless Pork Chop Bake Time | |
| ½ in / 1 cm thickness | 1 in / 2½ cm thickness | |
| 350°F / 175°C | 10-12 min | 20-22 min |
| 375°F / 190°C | 8-10 min | 18-20 min |
| 400°F / 205°C | 7-8 min | 15-18 min |
| 425°F / 220°C | 6-7 min | 12-15 min |
Bone-in Pork Chops Oven Temp
| Pork Chop Oven Temp | Bone-In Pork Chop Bake Time | |
| ½ in / 1 cm thickness | 1 in / 2½ cm thickness | |
| 350°F / 175°C | 16-18 min | 25-30 min |
| 375°F / 190°C | 14-16 min | 23-25 min |
| 400°F / 205°C | 12-14 min | 20-22 min |
| 425°F / 220°C | 8-10 min | 18-20 min |
How to Tell When Pork Chops Are Done Cooking
The most accurate method of checking doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe horizontally through the thickest part of the pork chop, taking care to avoid touching any bones. Bear in mind that thicker cuts will take longer to reach the desired internal temp of 145°F.
FAQ
Is It Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 F or 400 F?
Pork chops can be baked in the oven at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 400°F. If you like your pork chops with a nice, crispy crust, opt for the higher temperature of 400 degrees. Otherwise, a temperature of 350-375°F will give you super tender pork chops both inside and out.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops at 400F in the Oven?
The cooking time for pork chops is highly dependent on the thickness of the cut. A ½-inch boneless pork chop will be done in about 8 minutes if your oven is set to 400°F. Thicker cuts or pork chops with bones will take longer to cook.
Due to these variations, the internal temp is a more accurate measure of doneness than the time spent in the oven.
What’s The Best Way to Cook Pork Chops without Them Drying Out?
By using a combination of pan searing and oven roasting, you can reduce the risk of drying out your pork chops. First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, sear the pork chops in an oiled skillet on the stovetop for a few minutes on each side.
Once that’s done, place them in the oven and bake until the pork chops reach an internal temp of 145°F. This so-called “sear-roasting” technique is a foolproof way to achieve super juicy pork chops.
Should Pork Chops Be Baked Covered or Uncovered?
Pork chops bake best when they’re left uncovered in the oven. At the halfway point, we recommend turning your pork chops over to ensure they’re evenly cooked.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 F Degree?
The cooking time for pork chops is highly dependent on their thickness and whether they have bones. At an oven temperature of 350°F, a 1-inch thick, boneless pork chop should be fully cooked in 25-30 minutes.
Thicker pork chops and bone-in pork chops will take a bit longer.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 F in an Air Fryer
If you’re using an air fryer set to 350°F, pork chops should be fully cooked in 15-20 minutes. Be sure to flip the pork chops over at the halfway point.
You May Also Like
Oven Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops boneless or bone-in, 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and set the rack to the upper third of the oven. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Place pork chops on the baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels and then rub all over with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the sides of each pork chop.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle reads 145°F (63°C). (Note: Bone-in chops normally require an extra 5 minutes.)
- Remove from the oven and allow the baked pork chops to rest for 3 minutes on a plate before serving.
Leave a Reply