Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy

This Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe is going to be one of your favorites. We use boneless pork loin chops which come out so tender, and juicy. Then after they are cooked we make a very flavorful mushroom and onion gravy to pour over the top of them which just finishes them off to make one of our best instant pot recipes.

They are so easy to make and in less than 30 minutes your family will be asking for seconds.

I love pork chops and I make them so many different ways but my choice is always center cut with a bone and fat around the edges for the best flavor. 9 times out of 10 I will not go for a boneless piece of pork because it’s very lean and can tend to be dry especially if you overcook it. 

However, I finally found a way that I love to make boneless Instant Pot pork chops and I am happy to share this recipe with you. In fact, Stephanie and I fight over who is going to eat the leftovers the next day, so by making extra pork chops in the instant pot we can both enjoy them 2 days in a row!

If you love pork chops and are looking for another recipe to try, check out our recipe for pan-fried garlic pork chops, we can’t decide which one is the best!

Why Make Pork Chops in an Instant Pot?

The main reason to make pork chops in an instant pot is that once you make these you can say goodbye forever to dried out, flavorless meat. Pork chops in the pressure cooker is an easy recipe to make and you get tender and juicy meat in a rich, homemade mushroom/onion gravy. 

Instant pot pork loin chops are easy to make, and in less than 30 minutes your family is eating a delicious meal.

If you don’t have an instant pot yet, you may consider buying one to make delicious tender foods, cooked in half the time that your oven would take, and without heating up your kitchen which is an important thing in the summertime.

We have a recipe on our site for instant pot chicken thighs, which is also a delicious meal that you can make in under 30 minutes that will be a family favorite.

What Ingredients are in Instant Pot Pork Chops?

• Boneless pork loin chops – Use thick or thin. Can also use chops with bones if you prefer.
• Salt – This spice enhances the flavor of the chops.
• Pepper – Black Pepper which will give your pork chops a slight kick.
• Garlic Powder – A delicious spice that gives pork chops a good flavor.
• Onion Powder – Onions are a yummy compliment to the instant pot pork chops.
• Olive Oil – This is a good oil to use in the instant pot to help sear the meat.
• Mushrooms – Yummy to add to the gravy that goes over the chops.
• Onions – The other yummy taste in the gravy over the pork chops.
• Bone Broth – A lot of flavor as a base in your gravy.
• Cornstarch – A thickening agent to turn the meat juice into a thicker gravy.
• Water – An important ingredient to keep moisture in the instant pot.

Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops?

There are 2 types you can use to make instant pot pork chops, bone-in and boneless. Let me show you a few things to look for as you decide on which cut to use for making Instapot pork chops.

Bone-In Pork Chops:

• Center Cut – It has a t-shape bone which is the best cut of chops with a bone. It is a combo of a rib chop and a piece of pork fillet.
• Rib Chops –  These have an L-shape bone, with a little less meat than the center cut and are a little cheaper too.
• Sirloin Chops – They are a cheaper cut of pork which is sometimes a little tougher, but can be tenderized in the instant pot.
• Can be thick or thin
• Costs less because they do not take as much work to trim them up.

Boneless Pork Chops:

• Pork Loin Chops – a leaner choice than the chops with bones, with hardly any fat on them.
• More expensive than bone-in chops because the butcher has to take more time to trim the fat off.
• Can be thick or thin.

Different Variations of This Recipe

There are different variations of this recipe that you can try to make also. Here are a few suggestions of different ingredients to add:

• Stroganoff
• Honey Garlic
• Garlic Butter
• Garlic Parmesan
• Mexican Carnitas

Seasonings

• Spicy – add some cayenne,  chili powder, or crushed red pepper
• Parsley
• Cilantro 
• Sauerkraut

Sauces

Here are a few suggestions for different types of sauces you can use for these easy instant pot pork chops:

• BBQ Sauce
• Pesto
• Tzatziki
• Blue Cheese
• Ketchup
• Ranch
• Soy Sauce

How Long to Cook Pork Chops in an Instant Pot?

The length of time for cooking pork chops in an instant pot will depend on how thin or thick that your meat is. This does not include the searing time, it’s strictly the pressure cook time:

• 1” thick Boneless chops – 5 minutes
• 1 ½ “ thick Boneless chops – 7 minutes
• ½” thick Boneless chops – cut the time in half
• 1 “ thick Bone-in chops – 8 minutes
• 1 ½” thick Bone-in chops – 10 minutes
• Frozen chops, 1” thick – 12-13 minutes

What Setting Do You Cook Pork on in an Instant Pot?

In this recipe for making pork chops in a pressure cooker, we use 2 different settings:

1. The first setting while searing the meat is Saute.
2. The second setting for cooking them is Pressure Cook.

Internal Temperature

While making pork chops in a pressure cooker is easy, you still need to make sure not to overcook or undercook them.

The proper internal temperature for pork to be cooked to is 145-160 degrees. This range is the perfect temperature and makes pork come out tender and juicy.

The best way to be sure your pork is cooked properly, not undercooked or overcooked is by using a thermometer.

How to Cook Pork Chops in an Instant Pot 

Now we are going to show you step by step how to cook pork chops in the instant pot. It is really easy to do, just follow along…

Preparation

Lay the pork chops out on a baking sheet or plate.

Mix your spices together in a small bowl, and then rub them on both sides of the pork chops.

• 

• 

• 

Put the olive oil in the bottom of the instant pot.

Sautéing

Turn the instant pot onto the Saute mode. Let it heat up. Once the oil is heated up, sear the pork chops on both sides for about 2 minutes each or until browned.

• 

• 

• 

Do not crowd the chops, you may need to sear them in batches. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Add the sliced mushrooms, onions, and fresh garlic (if using it) to the instant pot and sauté them for about 1-2 minutes. Then turn the instant pot OFF.

• 

• 

• 

Pour the beef bone broth into the pot and with a wooden spoon scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot and now add the pork chops back into the pot. This is called deglazing.

• 

• 

Instant Pot

Close the instant pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position and push the pressure cooker button and set the timer for 5 minutes. It won’t take too long for it to come to pressure because the pot is already hot.

After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After that time has gone by you can release any remaining pressure by hitting the vent knob to vent.

Make sure to do this in an open space in the kitchen, not underneath the cabinets. Stay back so that the steam does not burn your face or hands while opening the lid.

Place the pork chops on a plate and now it’s time to make the gravy.

Making the Gravy

Once you remove the pressure-cooked pork chops, it’s time to make the gravy.

In a small bowl or a cup whisk together ¼ cup water with 1 Tbsp cornstarch and stir until it is smooth without lumps.

• 

• 

• 

Add it to the instant pot and blend well with the pork drippings, mushrooms, and onions until it starts to thicken as it simmers on saute.

Pour it over your pork chops that are already on a plate or platter. Or you could pour it into a gravy dish and spoon it over your individual pieces of pork.

Cooking Frozen Pork Chops In an Instant Pot

You may be wondering if you can also make frozen pork chops in the instant pot. You can but some of the instructions are going to change slightly from the main recipe. Here are a few instructions for you to follow:

• You can cook frozen pork chops in an instant pot, but be sure that they are not frozen in a big clump. They will not cook evenly in the instant pot. 
• When they are frozen it will be harder to season them and you skip the searing step.
• Add approx. 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time and increase the natural release time by another 5 minutes when making instant pot frozen pork chops.
• Make sure to check the instant pot pork chops with a thermometer and cook to 145 degrees.

Can I Bake Them In the Oven Without the Instant Pot?

If you do not have an instant pot yet in your kitchen yet and you want to make these pork chops, it’s still possible.  Here’s what to do:

1. Sear them first in a dutch oven in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. 
2. Take them out and add the onions and mushrooms, saute them and then add the pork chops back into the pot. 
3. Now bake them in the oven in the same pot, with the cover on to keep them moist at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the thermometer registers 145 degrees. 

If you want the gravy then you can still make it in the pan once you remove the pork chops, then follow the same instructions for making the gravy and pour it over the chops and serve.

FAQs and Best Tips

Since we have made this instant pot recipe for pork chops so many times, I will share with you a few important tips so they come out amazing.

• Feel free to add a little more oil to the pot if you don’t have enough to complete the searing and saute steps.
• When releasing the steam from the instant pot be sure to do it in an open space, not underneath the cabinets.
• Make sure not to burn your face or hands while releasing the pressure.
• Do not forget to use a thermometer to check the temperature, and then let them rest for 5 minutes.
• When using frozen pork chops, skip the searing step and increase the pressure-time by a few minutes.
• If making the gravy low carb, if you are looking to replace the cornstarch, xanthan gum is a good substitute but only use ¼ tsp at a time because it gets thick very quickly and you don’t want it too thick.

Should I Use Thick or Thin Pork Chops?

Both thick and thin pork chops can be used for pressure cooker pork chops, it’s a personal preference. 

In our instant pot pork chops recipe we used thick ones, so if you decide to use thinner ones then just adjust the cooking time. You can actually cut the cooking time in half.

Do I Need to Sear the Pork Chops First?

It is always good to sear pork chops because searing them locks in the juices which adds to their tenderness and it also makes them more flavorful.

So in my opinion, yes it is a very important step in the success of your instant pot pork chops.

Can You Overcook Pork in a Pressure Cooker?

It is possible to overcook your pork chops, but usually, if the meat does not come out tender it is because it did not cook long enough to tenderize. 

If you use a thick pork chop in the instant pot, there is less chance it will overcook than if you use a thin one.

If you use a bone-in pork chop that has fat on it, the bone acts as a shield for the meat around it, which can help to keep it moist. The bone conducts heat, which helps prevent the meat from overcooking while the fat adds flavor and moisture during the cooking process.

The searing process also helps to lock in the juices which will also help to keep the pork chops tender. Just make sure to stick to the cooking time directions in the recipe so that you do not dry them out.

How to Cook Pork Chops without Drying Them Out

There is nothing worse than dried out meat. Here are a few tips so that doesn’t happen.

• Bring the meat to room temperature before cooking it.
• Having some fat on the chops will help keep them moist.
• Using a marinade can help tenderize your pork chops before cooking them, especially for a cheaper cut of meat.
• Searing the chops helps to keep the juices inside which will in turn keep them moist.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Overcooking can dry them out for sure.
• Let them rest for 5 minutes when they are done before cutting into them.

Why are My Instant Pot Pork Chops Tough?

Instant pot pork chops can be tough if you did not cook them long enough. They have to cook under pressure long enough to break down the meat. 

The searing process helps to keep the juices in the meat which also prevents them from being tough.

Can You Stack Pork in an Instant Pot?

If you stack the pork chops they may not cook evenly because of being pushed together. If you have a lot of pork chops to cook in the instant pot it might be a good idea to make them in 2 batches instead of crowding them all together.

How Much Water Do You Put in an Instant Pot for Pork Chops?

In most instant pot recipes for pork, chicken, and other meats, 1 cup of water or broth is the correct amount to add. If you put less, the pork chops might stick or dry out, and if you add too much they may boil instead of pressure steam.

Do I Have to Use a Trivet?

The trivet is a must in making these Instant pot pork loin chops to be sure they are cooked properly because it is used to elevate the meat off the bottom. 

When you use the trivet the air and steam circulate above and below the meat for a more evenly cooked pork chop. Without the trivet, they can burn on the bottom of the pot.

Does Pork Get More Tender the Longer You Pressure Cook It?

The pressure from the instant pot will make pork and other meats more tender by cooking them longer. The connective tissues in the meat are slowly melted away into a substance called gelatin. That is why it falls apart instead of staying connected. 

Without the pressure, the high temperature would toughen the meat instead of tenderizing it.

Does Meat Need to be Covered with Liquid in an Instant Pot?

No, the pork loin chops do not have to be covered with liquid in the instant pot. The idea of making pork chops in the pressure cooker is that they cook with steam. If they are covered with liquid they will boil and that’s not the result that we are looking for.

That’s why you only need 1 cup of liquid, which sits on the bottom of the pot underneath the trivet and the pork chops elevated above it.

What is the White Stuff that Comes Out of Pork Chops?

Did you ever notice the white stuff that sometimes comes out of pork? Don’t worry about it because there is nothing wrong with it and it won’t hurt you. It is just the juices from the pork chop cooking off. If you feel that it is not appetizing, then just skim it off and then throw it away.

Diets This Recipe is Good For

• Gluten-free – No gluten in this instant pot pork chop recipe.
• Paleo – Pork is an acceptable food for paleo.
• Dairy-free – There is no cheese or any other dairy in these chops.
• Nut-free – No nut flour or nuts in IP pork chops.
• Sugar-free – There is no sugar in or on these instant pot pork chops.
• Low carb – These pork chops, including the gravy are only a few net carbs per serving.

What to Serve with This Recipe?

Just about a side dish or veggies will go with pressure cooker pork chops. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Cauliflower
• Rice
• Pasta
• Zucchini Noodles
• Roasted veggies, like Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Green Beans…etc
• Roast Asparagus
• Creamed Spinach
• Cauliflower Rice
• Tossed Green Salad
• Sauerkraut
• Boiled or baked potatoes

Making Ahead and Storing Options 

Making Ahead – If you want to save time, you can prepare these pork chops ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day. Season them up to a day ahead of time, so that the next day when you are ready to cook them in the instant pot it will take just a few minutes to do so.

Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. When the pork chops are cooking, then make up a salad or your favorite side dish.

Storing After Cooking – After the pork chops are cooked and you have leftovers, they are easy to store in the refrigerator. Put them in an airtight plastic container and they will keep fresh for up to 5 days, if they even last that long. in your house.

How to Reheat

In the Microwave: You can certainly use the microwave to heat up your leftover instant pot pork chops by pouring some gravy over them, cover with a paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes.

If you don’t want gravy on the meat then just heat them up plain and eat them with BBQ sauce, ketchup, or whatever.

In the Oven: You can heat up the pork chops in an oven-safe dish or tray and cover with foil for 15 minutes at 325-350 degrees. 

Under the Broiler: This is also a way to heat up the pork chop as long as you do not put it too close to the top to prevent burning.

Can You Freeze Instant Pot Pork Chops?

Instant pot pork chops freeze well as long as they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. An airtight plastic container will work well, and for double protection put the container in a Ziploc bag. Or wrap them in freezer paper and then put the freezer paper in a Ziploc bag. 

They will stay fresh for 3-4 months. When it comes time to eat the instant pot pork chops, then take them out the night before and thaw them out slowly in the refrigerator. Then follow the heating instructions in the previous subheading.

Tools to Use

• Instant Pot – Your main tool to use for this recipe.
• Measuring Cup – This is used to measure the amount of liquid to use.
• Wooden spoon – This is a good tool to have in your kitchen for a lot of things, and in this case, it will help you to scrape up the drippings on the bottom of the instant pot so that they can be used in the gravy.
• Tongs – Perfect tool for lifting the pork chops out of the pot.

What Size Instant Pot Should I Use?

You can use any size Instant Pot you have for this recipe. The idea though when cooking the pork chops is you do not want to stack or overcrowd them in there, so you may have to cook them in 2 batches if your pot is not big enough.

Which Model of Instant Pot is Best?

I never knew how many models of instant pots that there are. I just thought you could buy a small or large one. There are too many to list here, but you need one that is easy to use and has basic settings. 

You don’t usually need one that makes cakes, yogurt, etc, especially if you have never even used an instant pot before. Some have wifi settings, that can be helpful but if the pot is too complicated you may not use it. Plus the more features the larger the price tag, which may be something to consider. 

There are several sizes, from the mini which is 3-quart, 6-quart is a common size, 8 or 10-quart are larger. The size of your family may be a deciding factor in which instant pot you buy. The prices vary from $60 to $200.

More Easy Pork Recipes

• Pan-Fried Pork Chops
• Baked Pork Tenderloin
• Pork Loin Roast
• BBQ Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork

All of them are easy to make and will have your friends and family raving!

Print