Air-Fried Pork: The Perfect Roast?

Yes, you can roast a pork joint in an air fryer! This method will give you a tender pork roast with a crispy crackling. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy and tender while crisping up the skin to perfection.

The best cut of pork for roasting and crackling is the shoulder or leg joint. It has a good balance of fat and protein, which makes it ideal for roasting in an air fryer.

1. Take the pork joint out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before air frying it so that it has time to reach room temperature.

2. Remove the pork from its packaging and pat it dry using some kitchen towel. Leaving the string in place, score the fat with a sharp knife. Go through the fat layer but not the meat.

3. Brush the olive oil over the rind and rub about 1 teaspoon of salt across it and into the scored cuts. Optionally season with some ground black pepper, too.

4. Place the pork loin into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space above it so it doesn’t touch the heating element.

5. Set the temperature to 180°C and the timer to 1 hour. Halfway through the air fryer cooking time, at the 30-minute mark, turn the pork loin over.

6. The length of time it takes to air fry pork loin will depend on the size and weight of the joint. The internal temperature should be at least 63°C.

7. At the end of the cooking time, check that the pork loin is cooked all the way through. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink bits.

8. The crackling should be crispy and hard. If it isn’t, remove it from the pork and return it to the air fryer basket. Turn the temperature up to 200°C and air fry for a few more minutes or until it has crisped up to your liking.

9. Remove the pork joint from the air fryer basket and leave it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

How to get the perfect crackling

Preparation

Before you start cooking, there are a few things you can do to prepare your pork for the best possible crackling. Firstly, pat the pork dry with kitchen towels and allow it to come to room temperature. If you have time, you can also place the pork rind uncovered in the fridge for at least 24 hours to dry out.

Scoring

Most pork roasts are sold with the rind already scored, but if yours isn't, use a very sharp knife to score the fat in a crisscross or diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat, only the fat. Scoring the fat will help it render and make the crackling crisp.

Seasoning

Once you've scored the fat, rub salt into the scores. You can also add other seasonings like mixed herbs, onion powder, brown sugar, or crushed fennel seeds.

Cooking

When you're ready to cook your pork, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, around 200°C or 400°F. Place the pork rind-side up in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the crackling is crispy. If your crackling isn't quite crispy enough, you can always return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Resting

Once your pork is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the crackling stays crisp.

What cut of pork is best for roasting and crackling

The best cut of pork for roasting and achieving perfect crackling is the shoulder or leg joint. This is because it has the ideal balance of fat and protein, which is key for roasting in an air fryer.

The marbling in these cuts helps to keep the meat juicy and succulent. The crackling is also easier to get right with this cut, as it benefits from the fat and natural collagen in the meat. When cooked correctly, the crackling will be nice and crispy.

If you're buying from a butcher, let them know what you plan to use the meat for, and they will be able to provide the best cut for your needs. Most supermarkets will also label their pork, indicating whether it is suitable for roasting and achieving good crackling.

Other good cuts for roasting and crackling

The pork loin is another option, but it is not as tender as the shoulder or leg joints. It is a leaner cut and is best cooked at a lower temperature to help tease out its tenderness. If you can get your hands on a skin-on pork loin, you can keep the skin on to seal in moisture and get crispy crackling.

The pork leg, also known as a ham, is another good option for roasting. It is a leaner cut and is ideal for those who prefer their meat well-done. The shank end is the best cut for roasting, as it is covered in a thick layer of skin and fat, which is ideal for achieving crispy crackling.

How long to cook the pork for

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork joint and the wattage of your air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to estimate 25 minutes per pound (450g). For a boneless pork shoulder or leg joint weighing about 1-2 kg, cook it for 50 to 1 hour, 20 minutes at 320°F/160°C, and 15-30 minutes at 400°F/200°C to get that crunchy crackling.

When done, the internal temperature of the meat should be between 145°F to 160°F for medium-well or well-done pork. The best way to ensure the pork is cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a fatty cut like pork shoulder, the recommended internal temperature is 95°C/203°F.

If you are cooking a pork loin, cook it for approximately 25 minutes per pound (450g) or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. A 2-pound pork loin will take about 50 minutes.

If you are cooking a pork joint with crackling, the cooking time will vary but you can find suggested times in the table below. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat. The internal temperature should be at least 63°C/145°F.

| Weight | Cooking Time |

|---|---|

| 900g - 1.2kg | 60 minutes |

| 1.2kg - 1.5kg | 70-75 minutes |

| 1.5kg - 2kg | 75 minutes |

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of food safety and ensuring your meal stays tasty and enjoyable. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your pork joint cooked in an air fryer:

Storing Leftovers:

It is essential to store your leftover pork joint properly to maintain its quality and freshness. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the pork joint to cool: Before storing, let the pork joint cool down to room temperature. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote bacterial growth.
• Portion the leftovers: Divide the leftover pork joint into smaller portions or slices. This will help it cool down faster and make it easier to store and reheat.
• Use airtight containers: Place the leftover pork joint in airtight containers or sealable bags. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before adding the food.
• Refrigerate promptly: Store the containers in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The ideal temperature for food storage is below 40°F (4°C).
• Label and date the containers: Clearly label the containers with the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored.
• Store for up to 3-4 days: Leftover pork joint can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Consume or freeze the leftovers within this timeframe to ensure optimal freshness and food safety.

Reheating Leftovers:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover pork joint again, follow these steps for safe and tasty reheating:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to a high temperature, around 400°F (204°C), and preheat it for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the pork joint: Remove the leftover pork joint from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the meat reheat more evenly.
• Place the pork joint in the air fryer: Ensure the pork joint is in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If reheating multiple pieces, make sure they are not overlapping.
• Reheat in intervals: Reheat the pork joint for 2-3 minutes at a time. Check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. For pork, the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
• Flip the meat: After each interval, flip the pork joint over to ensure even reheating. Continue the process until the desired temperature is reached.
• Add sauces or cheese: If desired, add any sauces or cheese on top of the pork joint during the last minute of reheating. This will help them heat through without overcooking.
• Avoid reheating multiple times: It is best to avoid reheating pork joints multiple times, as this can lead to dryness and affect the texture. Reheat only the portion you intend to consume.
• Store remaining leftovers promptly: If you have reheated more than you need, promptly return the remaining leftovers to the refrigerator. They can be safely stored again and consumed within the original 3-4-day timeframe.

By following these guidelines, you can safely store and reheat your leftover pork joint, ensuring it stays tasty and retains its quality. Enjoy your delicious meal!

What to serve with roast pork

Yes, you can roast a pork joint in an air fryer! Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Potato Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Cheesy skillet domino potatoes
• Crispy skillet-fried potatoes
• Ranch roasted potatoes
• Fondant potatoes
• Dauphinoise potatoes
• Colcannon (Irish potatoes and cabbage)
• Lemon butter melting potatoes
• Cream cheese mashed potatoes
• Hot honey butter smashed potatoes
• Cheesy baked mashed potatoes
• Twice-baked colcannon potatoes
• Twice-baked sweet potatoes
• Loaded mashed potatoes
• Cheesy garlic and herb smashed sweet potatoes

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Roasted broccoli
• Roasted cauliflower
• Easy sautéed savoy cabbage
• Cheesy baked asparagus
• Parmesan-crusted carrots
• Green beans almondine
• Baby spinach in a cream sauce
• Smothered cabbage and potatoes
• Easy 10-minute garlic broccolini
• Caesar roasted broccoli
• Sautéed kale
• Miso butter-glazed carrots
• Sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Seared and baked cabbage wedges
• Sautéed broccoli rabe
• Blistered green beans with pickled shallots and toasted breadcrumbs
• Sautéed mustard greens

Salads and Slaws

• Cabbage and apple slaw with honey-lime dressing
• Spanakopita kale salad
• Bacon, cabbage, and apple slaw
• Roasted cauliflower salad
• Broccoli bacon salad
• Honey-mustard almond and dried cherry slaw
• Asparagus salad with peas, leeks, and herbs
• Sour cream and dill cucumber salad
• Green bean salad with farro and crispy shallots
• Marinated feta-beet salad
• Brussels sprouts Caesar salad
• Crunchy cabbage slaw with farro, pecorino, and dates

Other Sides

• Pea risotto
• Gravy
• Applesauce
• Crispy summer salad with apple or pear slices
• Black beans, maduros, rice, and fresh salsa
• Sauerkraut
• Cauliflower gratin
• Green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Glazed carrots
• Creamed corn
• Bourbon-glazed carrots
• Maque choux (a warm sauté of sweet corn, peppers, and onion enriched with heavy cream and topped with crispy bacon)
• Yorkshire pudding

Frequently asked questions