Air Fryer Roast Pork: The Perfect, Easy Weeknight Dinner

Yes, you can cook roast pork in an air fryer! It's a simple, tasty, and juicy way to cook a roast that the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The air fryer is perfect for getting that crispy crackling just right, and the results are mouth-wateringly tender.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for roast pork in an air fryer will depend on the size of the joint and the type of air fryer you are using.

For a 2.5-pound pork roast, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking for 30 minutes. Then, flip the roast and cook for another 20 minutes. This source recommends an internal temperature of 135-140°F, noting that the temperature will rise as the roast rests.

Other sources suggest cooking pork loin at 360°F for 15 minutes per pound, with the internal temperature reaching 145°F. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take around 40-45 minutes.

If your roast is larger than 2.5 pounds, you may need to increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound. One source recommends checking the internal temperature, which should reach 145-160°F.

For a 3-pound roast, another source recommends cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 350°F and cooking until the meat is cooked through. This source suggests checking the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F.

It is worth noting that the size of your air fryer may also impact the cooking time and temperature. One source recommends ensuring that the roast fits into the air fryer with enough space so that the meat is not too close to the heating element.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Type of Pork Cut

The most common pork cuts for roasting include the pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, and pork leg. Each of these cuts has distinct characteristics and cooking requirements:

• Pork Loin: This cut is wider and larger, typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds. It is mild in flavor and has a cap of fat running along its top, which helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. Pork loin is often boneless, but you can also find it on the bone (known as a crown roast).
• Pork Tenderloin: This cut is longer, thinner, and leaner than pork loin. It usually weighs around 1.5 pounds and has little to no fat. Tenderloin is a good option if you're looking for a low-prep meal, but it requires careful handling due to its low fat content.
• Pork Shoulder: This cut is flavorful and suitable for slow roasting. It can be challenging to carve, especially if roasted on the bone.
• Pork Leg: The leg is a lean cut that yields uniform slices. It is one of the most expensive roasting joints and can be stuffed before roasting.

Size and Fit

Consider the size of the pork cut and ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for a cut that is not too large, such as a pork tenderloin. For larger air fryers, you can choose bigger roasts like a pork loin or a larger pork shoulder.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Different cuts of pork have varying cooking times and temperatures. Pork loin and tenderloin typically cook faster than pork shoulder or leg due to their size and fat content. Adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast reaches the recommended internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F.

Personal Preference

Lastly, consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a fattier, more flavorful cut like pork loin or belly, or a leaner option like pork tenderloin or leg? Do you want to roast the pork on the bone or off the bone? Selecting a cut that aligns with your taste and cooking preferences will ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.

Preparing the pork

Next, remove the pork from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1 cm intervals, being careful not to cut into the meat. Alternatively, ask your butcher to score the rind. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or even for an hour will help dry the rind and improve the crackling.

Now, it's time to season the pork. You can use a dry rub with a combination of spices such as brown sugar, coconut sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl, and coat all sides of the pork loin generously, pressing it into the meat with your hands. You can also add olive oil or coconut oil to help the rub stick to the meat.

If you prefer, you can season the pork with salt and pepper only, or try a combination of 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of Montreal Steak Seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat.

Cooking the pork

Next, prep the pork. Remove the roast from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1cm intervals, being careful not to cut into the meat. You can ask your butcher to do this for you. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight will help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling, but even an hour will help the process.

Now, it's time to season the pork. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or another oil of your choice to coat the pork. Then, add a generous amount of salt to the rind, rubbing it into the scores. You can also add pepper and any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. If you want to add a dry rub, combine the ingredients in a small bowl first and then use your hands to press it onto the meat.

Once the pork is seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 360-400° F for 5 minutes. Then, place the pork in the air fryer basket with the rind up and cook at 200° C/400° F for 20 minutes, then 180° C/350° F until cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your roast, but it's generally about 12-15 minutes per pound. You can also add vegetables to cook alongside the pork. Check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer; it should be 70-75° C/145-165° F in the thickest part of the meat.

When the pork is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board covered loosely with foil for at least 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Resting and serving the pork

Resting the pork is an important step in the cooking process. Once the internal temperature of the pork has reached 145°F, remove the roast from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate or cutting board. Cover the pork loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes, before carving or slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier and more tender. The internal temperature will also continue to rise several degrees during this time.

While the pork is resting, you can make a simple gravy using the remaining juices. Add any juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan to a saucepan, along with 1 cup of chicken broth and any remaining seasoning rub. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes. In a separate container, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water, then slowly pour this slurry into the simmering broth to thicken it.

When you are ready to serve the pork, use a cutting board and a sharp knife to slice the roast into 1/2-inch slices. The pork should be incredibly tender, so slicing should not be difficult. You can serve the pork warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted root vegetables, cauliflower rice, braised cabbage, mashed cauliflower, steamed vegetables, or a side salad. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions