Air-Fried Pork Loin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy roast with a flavorful browned crust. Pork loin is a notoriously lean cut of meat, which means it can dry out if it's overcooked. The air fryer's high heat allows the meat to be cooked in less time, reducing the risk of drying out. The high heat also ensures a nice brown crust will form, even though the roast isn't in the air fryer for very long.

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy roast with a nice browned crust. The high heat of the air fryer means that the meat doesn't dry out as much as it would in an oven, and the circulating heat means that it cooks more quickly.

The cooking time and temperature for your pork loin will depend on the size of the joint and the size of your air fryer. As a general rule, you should cook pork loin for 12-14 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This means that a 1.5-pound joint will take around 40 minutes, while a 2-pound joint will take around 50 minutes. A 2.5-pound joint will take around an hour. If your pork loin is thicker or chunkier, it will take longer to cook through, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached the correct temperature.

If you are cooking a smaller joint, start checking the temperature after 25 minutes. If you are cooking a larger joint, you should increase the cooking time by 20 minutes per pound. If your air fryer is bigger than 5-6 quarts, you can fit larger roasts and increase the cooking time accordingly.

To get the perfect crackling, you should cook your pork loin at 360°F for 45-55 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F-160°F. If the crackling hasn't formed after this time, continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If the crackling has formed but the internal temperature hasn't reached 145°F, turn the temperature down to 350°F until the desired temperature is achieved.

Always preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking your pork loin. You should also let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, to keep it juicy.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, let's differentiate between pork tenderloin and pork loin, as they are two different cuts of meat with distinct cooking requirements.

Pork Tenderloin vs Pork Loin

Pork tenderloin is a long, thin, and delicate piece of meat that comes from the backbone of the pig. It is a very lean and tender cut, perfect for quick-cooking methods like grilling. On the other hand, pork loin, also known as pork loin roast, is a larger, wider, and thicker cut of meat, similar in appearance to pork chops. Pork loin is ideal for oven-roasting and, fortunately, the air fryer mimics an oven's environment, making it a great option for this cut.

Choosing the Right Cut

Now that we've established the difference, we can focus on choosing the right cut of pork loin for your air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to opt for a boneless pork loin, as bone-in cuts will require longer cooking times. The size of your air fryer will also dictate the size of the roast you can cook. For example, a 3-pound roast fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer.

Thickness and Cooking Time

The thickness of your pork loin will impact the cooking time and the development of the desired crust or "crackling." Chunky or thick cuts of pork loin will take longer to cook through and may require additional time to achieve the perfect crust. On the other hand, slender or thinner cuts will cook faster and might need less time to achieve the desired doneness. A meat thermometer is a valuable tool to ensure your pork loin is cooked perfectly.

Preparation and Seasoning

To prepare your pork loin for the air fryer, trim away any excess fat and silver skin from the surface. You can also brine the pork loin to infuse it with flavour and moisture. Then, pat the meat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier exterior. Regarding seasoning, you can use a simple combination of salt and spices, or get creative with rubs and marinades that include ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the pork

Before cooking, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork loin, unless you plan to brine it, in which case, this step can be skipped. Brining is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to lean meat like pork loin. If you choose to brine, remove the pork loin from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the loin on a plate and leave it uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours or overnight. This step helps dry out the skin. If you're short on time, simply pat the pork loin dry with a kitchen towel before air frying.

Take the pork loin out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow it to come down to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer preheats, prepare the pork loin by coating it with olive oil and seasoning. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own rub with spices like brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning rub onto the entire roast.

Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket with the fat cap side up and set the temperature to 360°F to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your roast, typically ranging from 35 to 60 minutes. For a 3-pound pork loin roast, aim for 35 to 45 minutes. A smaller roast will take 30 to 40 minutes, while a larger roast may require an additional 20 minutes per pound. Flip the pork loin halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Resting the meat

When cooking pork loin, it is crucial to achieve the right internal temperature to ensure food safety and optimal taste. The recommended temperature for pork loin is 145°F, while medium-well pork is achieved at an internal temperature of 160°F. Using a meat thermometer is essential to monitor the doneness of the meat accurately. By checking the temperature in the middle of the loin at its thickest part, you can determine whether the pork is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

The size and weight of the pork loin also play a role in determining the cooking time and resting period. A thicker cut of meat will take longer to cook through, and the resting time may need to be adjusted accordingly. It is important to note that the pork loin will continue to cook while it rests, so it is crucial to consider this when deciding on the ideal cooking time and desired level of doneness.

Additionally, the preparation of the pork loin before cooking can impact the resting process. Brining or marinating the meat before air frying can enhance its tenderness and moisture retention. By allowing the meat to rest after cooking, the juices released during the cooking process can redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy bite. This resting period ensures that the meat reaches its optimal taste and texture.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer pork loin is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal delicious and memorable:

Gravy

The lean nature of pork loin means there may not be many meat juices to make a gravy, but you can still make a tasty gravy to accompany your roast. One way is to use the juices from the rested meat. You can also make a simple gravy by adding a cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub mix, and simmering for about 5 minutes.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a perfect pairing with air fryer pork loin. Carrots, green beans, and garlic bread go well with the meat. You can also serve it with potatoes and onions, or a side of mashed potatoes. For a healthier option, opt for greens such as sautéed Brussels sprouts or sautéed broccolini.

Hearty Sides

During the holiday season, or for a more substantial meal, serve your pork loin with hearty sides. Butternut squash casserole or cauliflower mashed potatoes are excellent choices that will leave your guests feeling satisfied.

Starch and Salad

Pork loin also goes well with baked potatoes, which can be cooked in the air fryer. You could also serve a fresh salad or roasted baby potatoes with your pork loin.

Brine

Before cooking, you can brine your pork loin to add flavour and moisture. A standard brine recipe is 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in this solution for 1-3 hours in the fridge. There's no need to rinse the meat, just pat it dry and omit salt from the rest of the recipe.

Sides for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

If you are serving pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat, you can serve it with fresh broccoli and roasted baby potatoes.

Frequently asked questions