How Long Do Pork Chops Last in the Fridge?

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We love pork chops here, and “How long do pork chops last in the fridge” is a question that is asked on repeat. If you’re wondering how long pork chops last, cooking methods, and how long they can be frozen, read on!

The short answer: pork chops will last in the fridge 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. But keep reading because I will go over some caveats, storage tips, cooking tips, and freezing options, and give you some *incredible* recipes.

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What's so great about pork chops?
Common FAQs about freezing/thawing pork
Common FAQs about pork chop cooking methods
Try these pork chop recipes
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What's so great about pork chops?

Pork chops are a great addition to your dinner routine, but they’re not as popular in the rotation as beef and chicken, so there are often many questions about how to make them taste good, how to cook them, and how to keep them from drying out.

They’re super versatile because they can be cooked many different ways (read on to find out!), and they adapt well to many flavor profiles.

Additionally, they’re nutritious! Pork chops are an excellent source of protein and contain nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. When consumed in moderation, they’re a great source of essential nutrients.

Common FAQs about freezing/thawing pork

How long do pork chops last in the freezer?

Pork chops last in the freezer for up to 6 months, both cooked and uncooked. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly (a vacuum-sealed bag works best) to avoid any freezer burn.

How long do pork chops last in the refrigerator uncooked?

They will last 2-4 days as long as they’re stored properly – it’s best to keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Also, be sure the fridge temperature is set below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

How long do pork chops last in the fridge after cooking?

They’ll last 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Make sure that the fridge temperature is set at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the pork chops fresh for as long as possible.

How long do pork chops last in the fridge after thawing?

Once thawed, pork chops can last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Be sure to store them properly (again, in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil). It’s not recommended to keep your pork chops in the fridge for a long time once thawed; it’s best to do it just prior to consumption.

How long do pork chops last after the sell-by date?

The “sell by” date is a manufacturer recommendation, it’s not a hard limit. But to be on the safe side, I like to make it a hard limit. The reason for this–the quality cannot be guaranteed after this date. It’s always best to follow food safety guidelines and discard any food that has passed the expiration or sell-by date, even if the food looks and smells fine.

If your pork chops are purchased on the “sell by date”, I recommend putting them into a brine, immediately, to extend their shelf life an extra day. !

Common FAQs about pork chop cooking methods

How long do pork chops take to cook?

It depends on the cooking method and cut of pork. But here are some quick guidelines:

Pork should always register an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be considered “done”. Consuming undercooked pork is not recommended.

Pan frying - Thin pork chops can be pan fried in under 10 minutes, while thicker pork chops may take 12-15. Be sure to check the internal temp before serving!

Baking - Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes. I personally like to braise my pork chops, but you can do it on a sheet pan if you prefer.

Grilling - Grill your pork chops over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Thin pork chops will take less time than thicker, bone-in pork chops. Again, using a meat thermometer is wise.

Air frying - Air frying pork chops is easy but choosing the correct time and temperature will depend on a few factors. Such as: thickness of the pork chops, temperature of the air fryer, etc.

As a general guideline, though, pork chops can be cooked at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes for 1 inch thick chops, and 15-18 minutes for 1.5-inch thick chops, and 18-22 minutes for 2-inch thick chops. Be sure to flip them halfway through your cook time so that they cook evenly and use a meat thermometer to be sure they reach a safe temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. .

Try this recipe for Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork.

Try these pork chop recipes

Dutch Oven Pork Chops (my personal favorite) - this recipe is popular on the blog for a reason! It’s delicious, and flavorful, and you don’t have to put them into the oven. And made entirely from whole-food ingredients (no canned soups here!).
Pork Chops in Wine Sauce (pictured below) - this is just a fantastic recipe that you’re sure to love.
Grilled Pork Chops - easy, and delicious, this is a summer favorite.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork - I am obsessed with this quick, easy, and delicious Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork and I bet you will be, too! It comes together in less than 30 minutes. Better than takeout!