Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops: A Cozy Family Favorite Dinner

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our incredibly delicious Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops. These pressure cooker pork chops are infused with rich, warm flavors, highlighted by a subtle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, all enveloped in an irresistible apple gravy. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that has quickly become my family’s absolute favorite pork chop recipe. Prepare to delight your taste buds and simplify your weeknight cooking!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Instant Pot Apple Pork Chop Recipe

This recipe offers more than just incredible flavor; it provides unparalleled convenience, making it ideal for even your busiest days. Here’s why these Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops deserve a spot in your meal rotation:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Achieve tender, juicy pork chops and a rich, flavorful gravy with minimal effort. The Instant Pot does most of the work!
• Quick Weeknight Solution: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave a homemade, hearty meal without the fuss.
• Incredible Flavor Fusion: The sweet and tart notes of fresh apples, combined with savory pork and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, create a uniquely comforting and unforgettable taste experience.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of the ingredients already on hand, and those you don’t are easily found at any grocery store.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet and savory combination of these pork chops. It’s a dish that genuinely satisfies everyone at the table.
• Minimal Prep: There’s no need to peel the apples – a fantastic time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. I never do!

The Perfect Balance of Autumn Flavors

The beauty of Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops lies in their sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile. It’s a masterclass in balancing sweet, savory, and aromatic elements to create a truly memorable meal. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples soften beautifully under pressure, releasing their juices to form the base of the luxurious gravy. This sweetness is enhanced by the brown sugar, creating a rich, caramel-like undertone that is simply divine.

Complementing this sweetness is the savory depth of perfectly cooked pork chops. Seared to a golden brown before pressure cooking, the chops lock in their juices and develop a robust flavor that stands up beautifully to the sweet apple sauce. The thinly sliced sweet onion adds another layer of savory complexity, caramelizing slightly to bring a mild, aromatic foundation to the dish.

Finally, the gentle kiss of cinnamon and nutmeg introduces that quintessential “autumn” feeling. These warm spices are not overpowering; instead, they provide a subtle, fragrant backdrop that ties all the flavors together, elevating the entire dish from simply good to truly extraordinary. It’s this thoughtful combination that creates a meal that feels both gourmet and homey at the same time.

Choosing the Right Apples and Pork Chops for Best Results

Apples: Sweetness is Key

While almost any apple will work in a pinch, selecting the right variety can significantly enhance the final taste of your apple pork chops. For this recipe, I strongly recommend using sweet apples. Varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or, as mentioned, Red Delicious, perform exceptionally well. They break down beautifully and release just the right amount of natural sweetness to complement the pork and brown sugar. If you prefer a slightly tart undertone, you could experiment with a Granny Smith apple, but I find the sweeter varieties yield the most harmonious flavor.

One of the best parts about this recipe is the no-fuss apple preparation: there’s no need to peel them! The skins soften perfectly during pressure cooking and add a beautiful color and a touch of extra fiber to the gravy. Simply core and slice them about 1/4 inch thick.

Pork Chops: Bone-in for Enhanced Flavor and Moisture

For the most flavorful and tender results, I prefer using bone-in pork chops that are approximately 3/4 inch thick. The bone helps to insulate the meat, keeping it moist and imparting additional flavor during cooking. However, boneless pork chops can certainly be used; just be mindful that they might cook slightly faster. Adjusting the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes for thinner (around 1/2 inch) or boneless chops is a good guideline to prevent overcooking.

Searing the pork chops before pressure cooking is a crucial step. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds tremendous depth of flavor to both the chops and the overall gravy. Don’t skip this step!

Essential Ingredients for Success

Gathering your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops:

• Pork Chops: 2-4 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4 inch thick, for best results.
• Apples: 3 medium sweet apples (Fuji, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Gala are excellent choices), cored and sliced. No peeling necessary!
• Sweet Onion: 1 small sweet onion (like Walla Walla or Vidalia), thinly sliced.
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper for the pork chops.
• Cooking Fat: 1 Tbsp vegetable oil for searing.
• Liquids: 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp water, divided, to help with deglazing and pressure.
• Richness: 4 Tbsp unsalted butter for the gravy.
• Sweetener: 4 Tbsp brown sugar, adding to the apple gravy.
• Warm Spices: 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg, for that perfect autumn flavor. Plus, a small pinch of salt to balance.
• Thickener: 2 Tbsp corn starch mixed with 3 Tbsp cold water to create a slurry for thickening the gravy.
• Optional Additions: Small potatoes (2-4) can be cooked alongside the pork chops as a side, and chopped pecans make a wonderful garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Instant Pot Apple Pork Chops

Creating these incredibly tender and flavorful pork chops in your Instant Pot is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect meal every time, and remember, the Instant Pot is designed to make delicious cooking simple!

4.93 from 40 votes

Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops

By Sandy Clifton

Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops are rich and warm tasting with just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. My family’s absolute favorite pork chop recipe!

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 2-4

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 Apples (I prefer a sweet variety, like Red Delicious) sliced about 1/4″ thick
• 1 Small Sweet Onion (Walla Walla, Vidalia, etc) Cut in half and thinly sliced.
• 2-4 Pork Chops (I prefer bone-in 3/4″)
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• ¼ cup Plus 1 Tbsp Water (divided)
• 4 Tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 4 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• ¼ tsp Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• Pinch of Salt
• 2 Tbsp Corn Starch
• 3 Tbsp Cold Water

Optional

• 2-4 Small Potatoes (to cook with pork chops as a side dish)

Garnish

• Chopped Pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare apples by coring, and slicing (peeling is optional. I never do). Set aside.
2. Remove the outer skin of the onion. Cut in half and slice thinly (You will have half circles). Set aside.
3. Season the pork chops with a sprinkling of salt and pepper on each side. Go lightly on the pepper. Set aside while pot warms up.
4. Turn the IP to Sauté mode (Normal heat). When the display reads “Hot” add the oil to the pot.
5. Add the pork chops, two at a time, and brown on each side for about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and set aside.
6. Add the onion and 1 Tbsp water. Cook the onion, stirring frequently and scraping to deglaze the pot (get all of the brown bits off the bottom). I like to use a wooden spoon.
7. When the onions are translucent and tender, add the butter and stir until melted.
8. Add the apples and 1/4 cup water. Stir well.
9. Add the pork chops (and any juices on the plate) back in and just set them on top of the apples. Don’t stir.
10. If you are cooking potatoes with this dish, set them on top of the pork chops. Leave them whole (small potatoes).
11. Put the lid on the pot and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position. Cancel the Sauté mode.
12. Press the Manual (or Pressure Cook) button and then the + or – button to select 10 (8 minutes for thinner chops) minutes.
13. ***Yes, the pot will come to pressure with only 1/4 cup of water in it. This is because the apples will release water as the pot is heating up and building pressure, so you will be okay. It’s the same for making applesauce!
14. While the pork chops are cooking, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
15. When the cook cycle ends and the pot beeps, don’t do anything to it, just let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes (the counter will begin counting up). After the 10 minutes is up, turn the steam release knob to manually release the remaining pressure.
16. When the pin in the lid drops, open the lid. Remove the pork chops (and potatoes) to a plate and cover with foil or a lid to keep warm.
17. Turn the Sauté mode back on.
18. Add the brown sugar mixture to the apple mixture and stir.
19. Mix the corn starch with the cold water. Stir the corn starch slurry into the apple mixture, stirring constantly.
20. When the mixture thickens, turn off the pot. Remove apple gravy to a serving bowl immediately.
21. Serve the pork chops smothered in the warm apple gravy. Yum!
22. Garnish with chopped pecans, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal

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

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe? Mention @simply_happy_foodie

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Apple Pork Chops Success

Achieving perfectly tender pork chops and a luscious apple gravy in your Instant Pot is simple when you know a few key tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out flawlessly every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When searing the pork chops, work in batches if necessary (usually two at a time) to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, steaming the meat instead of searing it, which prevents that delicious caramelized crust from forming.
• Thoroughly Deglaze: After searing the pork and cooking the onions, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This step is crucial for two reasons: it adds incredible flavor to your gravy, and it prevents the dreaded “BURN” notice from appearing.
• Natural Pressure Release is Key: While it might be tempting to quick release the pressure, allowing a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is vital for tender pork chops. This allows the meat to rest and reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more succulent and less dry chop.
• Adjust Spices to Your Liking: The recommended amount of cinnamon and nutmeg provides a subtle warmth. If you love a more pronounced spice flavor, feel free to add a little extra to the brown sugar mixture.
• Consistency of Gravy: If your gravy isn’t as thick as you like after adding the cornstarch slurry, you can always make a small additional slurry and stir it in while on Sauté mode, allowing it to thicken for another minute or two.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops are a standalone star, but they truly shine when paired with the right side dishes. The rich apple gravy complements a variety of accompaniments:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the apple gravy beautifully.
• Rice: White or brown rice is another excellent option for absorbing every drop of that delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus roasted with a touch of garlic and olive oil provide a lovely texture and nutritional balance.
• Sweet Potatoes: Mashed or roasted sweet potatoes would further enhance the autumn theme and add another layer of sweetness.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up any leftover gravy!

Variations & Customizations

While this recipe is perfect as written, feel free to experiment and make it your own with these delicious variations:

• Add Herbs: A sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried sage added with the apples can introduce an earthy, aromatic note that pairs wonderfully with pork and apples.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Instead of brown sugar, you could use maple syrup or a touch of honey for a different kind of sweetness in your gravy.
• A Touch of Acid: A splash of apple cider vinegar or a dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) can be added during the deglazing step for extra depth and brightness.
• Cider Boost: Substitute some of the water with apple cider for an even more intense apple flavor in the gravy.
• Spice It Up: For a very subtle kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a very small amount of finely grated fresh ginger can be added to the spice mixture.
• Different Proteins: While designed for pork chops, a similar method could be adapted for chicken thighs or even a pork tenderloin, adjusting cooking times as needed.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of these Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops are just as delightful as the fresh meal, sometimes even better as the flavors have more time to meld. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:

• Storage: Allow the pork chops and apple gravy to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and gravy together. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Stovetop): Gently reheat the pork chops and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the gravy appears too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Reheating (Microwave): For individual servings, place the pork chop and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 60-90 second intervals, stirring the gravy between intervals, until thoroughly warmed. Be careful not to overheat the pork chops, as this can make them tough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well. If they are thinner (around 1/2 inch), reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry. Thicker boneless chops (3/4 inch to 1 inch) can still be cooked for 10 minutes.

What if I don’t have a sweet onion?

While a sweet onion is preferred for its mild flavor that complements the apples, you can substitute it with a yellow onion. It will have a slightly stronger, more pungent flavor, but it will still work perfectly fine in the recipe.

Can I use other apple varieties?

Yes, you can. While sweet varieties like Fuji, Red Delicious, or Honeycrisp are recommended for their ideal balance with the pork and brown sugar, you can use a slightly tarter apple like Granny Smith if you prefer a less sweet gravy. Just be aware the flavor profile will be different.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double the ingredients, but be mindful of your Instant Pot’s capacity. You will likely need to sear the pork chops in more batches to avoid overcrowding. The pressure cooking time typically remains the same for most Instant Pot recipes, as it’s about the time it takes for the food to reach temperature, not the quantity. However, the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure.

My gravy didn’t thicken enough. What can I do?

If your gravy isn’t thick enough after adding the initial cornstarch slurry, you can make a second small slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and slowly stir it into the simmering gravy in Sauté mode. Allow it to cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.

More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and incredible flavor of these Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile tool for creating a wide variety of meals, from hearty main courses to comforting soups. Explore some of our other cherished Instant Pot recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:

• Instant Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
• Instant Pot Maple Mustard Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Chicken Breast
• Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli (pasta and bean soup)

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Your Feedback Matters!

We love hearing from you! If you make these delicious Instant Pot Autumn Apple Pork Chops, please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback not only helps other home cooks but also brings a smile to our faces. We’d truly love to know how you liked them and any variations you tried!