Free Range Pork Cutlets

Pan Fry

1. Remove the pork cutlets from the fridge before cooking and allow them to come towards room temperature.
2. Lightly coat with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Add the cutlets and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
5. Remove from the pan and rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
2. Pat the pork cutlets dry, lightly coat with oil and season as desired.
3. Place the cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each piece.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Check the pork is cooked through, then remove and rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

BBQ or Grill

1. Preheat the BBQ or grill to medium heat.
2. Lightly coat the pork cutlets with oil and season with salt and pepper or your favourite marinade.
3. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
4. Remove from the heat and rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Oven Grill

1. Preheat the oven grill to high.
2. Lightly coat the pork cutlets with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and sear the cutlets on one side until golden.
4. Transfer the cutlets to an oven tray with the uncooked side facing up.
5. Place under the hot grill and cook for approximately 8 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking tip: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cutlets. For an accurate check, use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. Whole cuts of pork can be removed from the heat once they reach an internal temperature of 63°C, then rested before serving.

What are the best cooking methods for thick free range pork cutlets?

Thick free range pork cutlets are well suited to pan-frying, grilling, barbecuing and air-frying. For thicker cutlets, searing them in a pan before finishing under the grill or in the oven can help achieve a golden outside while cooking the centre evenly. We recommend cooking pork over medium heat to help keep it juicy and tender, with cutlets generally taking around 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Always allow the pork to rest briefly before serving.

What are things to look for when choosing quality free range pork cutlets?

Look for cutlets with a consistent thickness, as this helps them cook evenly, and consider bone-in cuts for added flavour and tenderness. When choosing free range pork, also look for clear information about how and where the pigs were raised. At Linley Valley Pork, our free range pigs are raised on our free range farms in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, and the range carries Australian Pork Certified and Buy West Eat Best credientials.

Marinade suggestions for tender free range pork cutlets?

Free range pork cutlets pair well with marinades that add flavour without overpowering the pork. Try olive oil, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-style marinade; honey and mustard for something sweet and tangy; or soy sauce, ginger, garlic and a little honey for an Asian-inspired option. Marinating can also help add tenderness and works particularly well when cooking pork cutlets on the barbecue.

What recipes work best for free range pork cutlets?

Free range pork cutlets work particularly well in recipes that use pan-frying, grilling or barbecuing to keep the meat juicy and showcase its natural flavour. Linley Valley Pork’s Golden Pork Cutlets with Crisp Fennel and Green Apple Slaw pairs the cutlets with fresh apple, fennel and lemon, while Herb and Garlic Pork Cutlets with Rice Pilaf is an easy option for a weeknight dinner. For something different, pork cutlets can also be crumbed and fried to make a crispy Tonkatsu Sando.