Air Frying Boston Butt: A Tasty, Crispy Treat?

Cooking pork in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a hearty meal. You can cook a Boston butt in an air fryer, and it can be incredibly tender with a crispy crust. It is also possible to cook pork shoulder, pork loin, pork ribs, pork tenderloin, and pork belly in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the meat, but it typically takes about 12-14 minutes per pound at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also cook potatoes and carrots in the air fryer to go with your roast.

Boston butt vs pork shoulder

Yes, you can cook a Boston butt in an air fryer. A Boston butt is a cut of meat from the pig's shoulder. It is a good choice for barbecue pulled pork, as the meat is tender and flavourful.

Both Boston butt and pork shoulder are cuts of meat from the pig's shoulder. They are relatively inexpensive cuts that are ideal for slow cooking. However, there are some differences to note between the two.

Boston butt, despite its name, comes from the front shoulders of the pig. It is typically 75% lean, with 25% fat. It has a rectangular shape and usually has a thick fat cap on top. This cut is ideal for smoking, braising, or stewing in a slow cooker for long periods. It is a popular choice for barbecue pulled pork due to its tenderness and flavour.

On the other hand, pork shoulder is a tougher cut with less fat than Boston butt. It is often sold with the skin on, making it ideal for achieving a crisp skin. Pork shoulder is commonly used for roasting, braising, or slow roasting. It holds its shape better when sliced or chopped, making it a good choice for dishes like ham or stews.

In summary, Boston butt and pork shoulder have distinct characteristics and are better suited for different types of dishes. Boston butt is ideal for pulled pork and slow-cooked dishes, while pork shoulder is better for roasting and dishes where a crisp skin is desired.

Marinating and seasoning

Firstly, it is important to let the meat come to room temperature before cooking. Remove the Boston butt from the refrigerator 40-60 minutes prior to cooking and pat it dry with paper towels or kitchen towels. This step helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process.

For the marinade, you can use a store-bought Jamaican jerk wet rub or make your own. To make your own, combine spices like paprika, salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, chilli powder, and black pepper in a bowl. You can also add some cooking oil or spray to the mixture to help it adhere to the meat. If you prefer a simpler option, you can rub the Boston butt with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning, ensuring that all sides are covered.

Once you have prepared the marinade or seasoning blend, generously rub it all over the Boston butt. Massage the mixture into the meat, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. If using a wet marinade, you can use your hands or a basting brush to apply it. Place the seasoned Boston butt in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. The longer the meat marinates, the more intense the flavour will be.

After the Boston butt has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This step helps to take the chill off the meat and ensures even cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder, can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature for Boston butt depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of crispness.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the Boston butt fits in the air fryer basket. If it is too large, you can trim it to size. Before cooking, let the meat rest at room temperature for 40-60 minutes. You can pat the pork dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, and other spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar.

The cooking time for Boston butt in an air fryer can range from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the weight of the meat. It is recommended to cook at a temperature between 350-400°F (175-200°C). To check if the meat is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). If the roast is not done after an hour, you can slice the undercooked portion and air fry the slices separately to avoid drying out the edges.

Additionally, if you are cooking vegetables alongside the meat, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For example, one source suggests cooking the Boston butt at 400°F for 20 minutes, then adding the vegetables and lowering the temperature to 350°F for another 35 minutes.

After cooking, let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Resting and serving

Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in stronger and juicier flavors. Depending on the weight of your Boston butt, you should let the meat rest for 10 to 20 minutes. If you're cooking a large roast, you can let it rest for 40 to 60 minutes before cooking. After cooking, let the meat rest for another 10 minutes before carving or slicing.

When the Boston butt is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with foil to keep it warm and let it rest. This will ensure that the meat is moist and flavorful. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with the Boston butt.

The internal temperature of the Boston butt should reach 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check the doneness of the meat by piercing it with a knife. It should feel very soft. If it's not done, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add moisture to prevent the meat from drying out. You can use broth, sauce, or cooking spray. Reheat slowly until warmed through.

Boston butt cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. You can slice the meat and serve it with roasted potatoes and vegetables. It can also be shredded and used as a filling for bread rolls, tacos, quesadillas, or nachos. Leftover roast pork can also be served in sandwiches or used in fried rice and stir-fry recipes.

Reheating and storing

Boston butt can be reheated in several ways, including using an oven, microwave, stove, or grill. If you're using an oven, preheat it to 250°F (120°C) and place the pork in an oven-safe dish or baking pan. To prevent the pork from drying out, cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture trapped. You can also add BBQ sauce or a few drops of water to the meat to add moisture.

If you're using a microwave, place the defrosted Boston butt in a microwave-safe dish. To prevent drying out, add BBQ sauce or a few drops of water. If your microwave has a reheating function, use that; otherwise, set it to high and microwave for a short interval of time (1-2 minutes).

For reheating on a stove, use a non-stick pan with a little oil. Add a small portion of the meat and use medium heat to avoid drying out the meat. Add BBQ sauce or water to the pan to add moisture. Stir the meat to ensure all sides are reheated properly.

You can also reheat Boston butt on a grill using a two-zone cooking method.

When reheating Boston butt, it's important to note that the meat can become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if it's left in the "Danger Zone" of between 40°F and 140°F. To avoid this, chill the meat immediately after cooking and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can also vacuum seal individual portions with some of their natural juices and place them in boiling water until they're heated through.

Leftover Boston butt can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions