Air-Fried Pork Roast: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy and tender roast with a crispy outer layer. It is a simple and tasty dish that can be made in under an hour and is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The air fryer ensures that the roast has a nice, crispy coating and also frees up space in the oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the roast and the air fryer being used, but on average, it takes about 15 minutes per pound at 360° F. The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145° F to be fully cooked.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a pork roast in an air fryer depend on the weight of the roast and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the roast for 12-15 minutes per pound at 360°F or 400°F. For example, a 2.87-lb roast will take about 40 minutes to cook at 360°F, while a 1.5-kg roast will take 60-70 minutes to cook at 400°F.

It is important to ensure that the roast fits properly in the air fryer, with enough space around it to allow for even cooking. If the roast is too large, it may touch the heating element, resulting in uneven cooking. In this case, it is recommended to use a larger air fryer or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The internal temperature of the pork roast should reach 145°F to be fully cooked. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. Once the desired temperature is reached, the roast should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired doneness of the roast. Therefore, it is always recommended to monitor the temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Size

First and foremost, ensure that the pork roast you choose will fit comfortably in your air fryer. A roast that is too large may touch the heating element and cook unevenly. As a general guideline, a 1.5 kg/3 lb roast is suitable for a 5.5L/5.5-5.8 Qt air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, you can opt for a bigger roast.

Cut

The most popular cuts for roasting include pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork leg, and pork shoulder. Each cut has unique characteristics and cooking requirements:

• Pork Loin: This cut is usually wider and larger (3-5 pounds) than tenderloin and is light in colour and mild in flavour. It often comes with a cap of fat that adds flavour and moisture to the roast. You can purchase it on or off the bone and cut it into chops or roll it for easier carving.
• Pork Tenderloin: This is a leaner, darker, and thinner cut with little to no fat. It requires careful handling due to its low-fat content, and it cooks much quicker, so be mindful of the cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Pork Leg: This cut is known for providing lean and uniformly shaped slices. It is one of the most expensive roasting joints but is excellent for those who prefer leaner meat.
• Pork Shoulder: This cut is recommended for slow cooking rather than roasting. It is best suited for feeding a crowd and is relatively inexpensive.

Freshness and Fat Content

Always choose fresh-looking meat with a thick layer of fat, as this adds flavour and helps keep the roast moist. Free-range and organic pork are good options, as they typically have a generous layer of fat. Avoid cuts with little to no fat, like the collar, as they can dry out during cooking.

Cooking Temperature and Timing

Different cuts of pork have varying cooking temperatures and times. Pork loin and tenderloin, for example, require different approaches due to their distinct fat contents. The cooking time also depends on the weight of the roast, with a general rule of thumb being 12-15 minutes per pound at

Remember, the internal temperature of the roast is the most critical factor in determining doneness. For pork, the target temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 3-minute resting time, to ensure food safety.

Marinades and seasonings

For the seasoning, you can use a dry rub or a marinade. A dry rub can be made by combining coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. You can also add black pepper to taste. Another option is to use olive oil and a generous amount of coarse salt, rubbing it into the scores on the rind. You can also use regular salt if you prefer a heavier seasoning.

If you're using a marinade, you can try a simple bottle of brown sugar bourbon, or mix 3/4 cup of pineapple, lime, or lemon juice with a tablespoon of brown sugar. If you don't have any juice, you can mix the brown sugar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

For a smaller pork loin roast, you can use a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and two tablespoons of Montreal Steak Seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides of the pork with your chosen seasoning.

How to get crispy crackling

To get crispy crackling, start by selecting the right cut of meat. Look for a piece of pork belly or pork shoulder with a good amount of firm skin and a visible layer of fat underneath.

Before cooking, dry out the pork rind or skin by placing it uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or, if you're in a rush, pat the skin dry with paper towels.

Next, score the skin by making shallow cuts or pokeing holes into it with a sharp knife, skewer, or piercing tool. Be careful not to cut or poke too deeply and pierce the meat itself. Scoring the skin allows the fat to render out during cooking, creating a crispier texture.

After scoring, rub a generous amount of salt into the skin. Salt draws out moisture, which is crucial for achieving crispy crackling. You can also add other seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, or steak seasoning.

Once your pork is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F) for about 5-10 minutes. Place the pork belly or shoulder skin-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space around the meat for air circulation. Air fry for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

After about 25 minutes, check the pork. The skin should be golden and crispy. If it's not crispy enough, increase the temperature to 210°C (about 410°F) and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly until the desired crispiness is achieved.

Finally, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making the meat more tender and juicy.

What to serve with pork roast

You can cook a pork roast in an air fryer in just 40 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to prepare some sides to go with it.

If you're looking for a classic pairing, you can't go wrong with roast potatoes and gravy. If you're cooking your pork roast in the air fryer, you could cook some potatoes at the same time. Simply slice some baby potatoes in half, toss them in olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer alongside the pork.

Mashed potatoes are another classic side that pairs well with pork roast. To change it up a little, you could try this non-traditional recipe: mashed potatoes with fried mushrooms, bacon, and onion. Or, for something more indulgent, try dauphinoise potatoes—a classic French dish that's creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

If you're looking for something a little different, roasted pork also goes well with a pea risotto. The creaminess of the risotto balances the richness of the pork. For a lighter option, serve your pork roast with a crisp summer salad, with some apple or pear slices.

Other vegetable sides that go well with pork roast include roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and corn tortillas with fresh salsa. If you're looking for something sweet, try buttery, brown sugar- and bourbon-glazed carrots, or sweet potatoes with brown butter and miso paste.

Frequently asked questions