Instant Pot Pork Chops with Apple Gravy
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These tender, fall-off-the-bone pork chops simmer in a sweet and savory gravy that always gets rave reviews! A touch of apple butter adds a velvety texture and a hint of warm cinnamon spice to the dish. Best of all, this Instant Pot Pork Chop recipe comes together easily for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
“Loved this recipe! I had not found a recipe with pork chops that I enjoyed until now. Thanks, it’s just perfect as is, tender chops and so good!” — Joan
Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot for Instant Pot Pork Chops
Although the chops themselves have plenty of flavor, the apple onion gravy on top makes them extra special.
If you love these Instant Pot pork chops, be sure to try Dutch Oven Pork Chops for another easy, comforting dinner!.
Ingredient Notes for Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Pork Chops | Naturally, bone-in chops add much more flavor, but either bone-in or boneless pork loin chops, 3/4 to 1-inch thick, work for this recipe. I have not tried this recipe with frozen pork chops.
- Chicken Broth | For any electric pressure cooker recipe, you must add liquid (like water or broth) so that the cooker can build up enough steam to cook the food properly. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth or stock may be substituted here.
- Apple Butter | Baste the chops with thick apple butter to infuse them with apple cinnamon flavor.
- Onion and Garlic | These aromatics add a savory component to the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- If you don’t have apple butter on hand, you may add a couple of diced apples and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the pot along with the onions and garlic. Then, as you prepare the gravy whisk until the apples break up and thicken the sauce.
- In a pinch, a teaspoon of jarred minced garlic may be used in place of fresh garlic.
How to Make Pork Chops in the Instant Pot
I held off on getting an Instant Pot for the longest time, and honestly, I have no idea why! It’s incredibly easy to use and delivers delicious results. This recipe works with any electric pressure cooker, so use whichever brand you prefer.
BROWN THE PORK CHOPS. When you’re ready to get started, set the pressure cooker to SAUTE and brown the pork chops in a little bit of oil. Depending on the size and how many pork chops you plan to cook, you may need to do this in batches.
COOK ONION AND GARLIC. Transfer the pork chops to a plate once browned, then stir in the onion and garlic and cook a couple of minutes until softened.
DEGLAZE THE POT. Add a cup of chicken broth to the instant pot and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom.
COOK UNTIL TENDER. Return the pork chops to the instant pot and spread a spoonful of apple butter on top of each one. Seal the lid and steam vent. Set the cooking time for 15 minutes on HIGH and do a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR) when done.
Release any remaining pressure after the NPR, then carefully transfer the pork chops to a serving platter, leaving the liquid in the pot.
MAKE THE GRAVY. The gravy-like sauce in this dish is achieved by stirring a cornstarch mixture into the hot cooking liquid. Make a slurry of equal parts cold chicken broth and cornstarch and slowly add it to the pot and whisk until the gravy thickens. Ladle the gravy on top of the pork chops in the serving platter.
More Recipe Success Tips
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- I don’t recommend freezing these pork chops with the gravy.
- Reheat slowly to maintain the pork chop’s tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you try cooking thinner pork chops, they may end up a bit tasteless. Since the chops release some of their juices as they cook, use a thicker 3/4 to 1-inch chop to preserve as much flavor inside as possible.
You only need enough liquid to allow the pressure cooker to build up steam (in this recipe just 1 cup). More than that and your gravy will be thin and not as flavorful.
Pay attention to the instructions with your pressure cooker and adhere to guidelines related to the fill line.
Looking for More Pork Chop Recipes?
My pan-fried balsamic pork chops and orange mustard glazed pork chops are delicious recipes using boneless chops. Or, if you’re itching to fire up the grill my easy pork chop marinade is a must!
What to Serve With Instant Pot Pork Chops
Serve juicy pork chops and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice and add a tossed green salad to complete the meal. Other side dish options include my honey carrots or browned butter asparagus — both are easy sheet pan recipes!
Beyond the Recipe
As I’ve admitted before, I was late to the instant pot craze and have just recently started experimenting with new instant pot recipes.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I needed another kitchen appliance, but I’m finding there are some dishes that are just better in a pressure cooker — and a lot quicker, too! I’ll never cook fresh green beans on the stove again!
If you’re like me and have been a little apprehensive about pressure cooking, let me encourage you to try today’s simple pork chops recipe. I’ll walk you through step-by-step and I guarantee after cooking this dish, you’ll be hooked!
Love this recipe? Bookmark it for the future!
Simply tap the heart symbol located in the lower right corner of your screen, and the recipe will be securely stored in your own recipe box.
Instant Pot Pork Chops with Apple Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce bone-in pork loin chops about 3/4-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth divided
- ¼ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Warm the oil and add the pork chops. Brown on each side, about 2 minutes. Remove the pork chops to a plate.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and cook a couple of minutes, until softened.
- Pour 1 cup of the chicken broth to the Instant Pot and deglaze the pan, scraping away any brown bits from the bottom.
- Return the pork chops to the pot and spread a spoonful of apple butter on top of each one.
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. It will take 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining ½ cup of chicken broth. Remove the pork chops to a platter and set the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Once the mixture comes to a boil, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the gravy reaches the desired thickness.
- Serve the pork chops with the apple gravy.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Loved this recipe! I had not found a recipe with pork chops that I enjoyed until now.
Thanks, it’s just perfect as is, tender chops and so good!