Air-Fried Pork Shoulder: A Tasty, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to cook this classic dish in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. Air fryer pork shoulder is cooked until the meat is tender and succulent, while the crackling is crispy golden perfection. You can also cook pork shoulder steaks in an air fryer, which are a great value, versatile cut.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork shoulder in an air fryer depend on the weight of the meat and the thickness of the cut. For example, thinner pork shoulder steaks will require less cooking time, while thicker steaks will need more time.

A general rule of thumb is to cook pork shoulder in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes per pound of meat at a temperature of 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius). This means that a 2-3 pound roast will take around 40 minutes to cook. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it's always good to check the progress of your meat as it cooks.

When cooking pork shoulder steaks, it is recommended to set the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 minutes. Check to see if the meat is cooked by cutting into the thickest part – it should be nearly white, with a slight pink blush being edible. If you prefer your meat more cooked, return it to the air fryer for two-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

For a pork shoulder roast, it is suggested to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 35 minutes. This will give you tender and juicy results.

To achieve the perfect crispness for pork crackling, some recipes recommend cooking the pork shoulder at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 90-120 minutes, depending on the weight of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit) when checked with a meat thermometer. Once the desired temperature is reached, increase the heat and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes to get the crackling nice and crisp.

Marinade and seasoning

Marinating and seasoning your pork shoulder before air frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. It not only enhances the flavour of the meat but also helps to tenderise it. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for marinating and seasoning your pork shoulder to perfection:

Marinade Options:

• Pineapple Juice Marinade: Mix 3/4 cup of pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. You can also substitute pineapple juice with lime or lemon juice.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade: If you don't have juice, you can create a marinade by mixing brown sugar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
• Spice Rub Marinade: Create a spice rub by mixing your choice of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use pre-made spice mixes like Montreal Steak Seasoning.
• Barbecue Sauce Marinade: Mix your favourite store-bought barbecue sauce with the pork shoulder. You can also make your own barbecue sauce by combining ingredients and cooking them in the air fryer until bubbling.

Seasoning Instructions:

• Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat to keep the meat moist and flavourful during cooking.
• Pat the pork shoulder dry using paper towels or kitchen towels.
• Apply your chosen dry rub or spice rub generously to the pork shoulder, making sure to cover all sides of the meat.
• For extra flavour, you can also drizzle the pork shoulder with a small amount of oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil, before applying the seasonings.
• Once seasoned, place the pork shoulder in a zip-lock bag or a covered dish. You can also wrap it tightly in foil to seal in moisture.
• Refrigerate the marinated pork shoulder for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
• Before air frying, bring the meat to room temperature for even cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and marinades to find your perfect flavour profile. Remember, the key to a delicious pork shoulder is allowing it to marinate for an extended period and cooking it until it reaches the desired tenderness and juiciness.

Scoring and coating the pork

Scoring the Pork:

Start by patting the pork dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. This will remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the coating adheres properly. Most pork roasts are sold with the rind already scored, but if yours is not scored, use a very sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern across the rind. Be careful not to cut into the meat, only the fat should be scored.

Coating the Pork:

The coating you choose for your pork shoulder will depend on your personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Here are some options:

• Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle oil over the pork and use a brush or your hands to ensure it is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavour.
• Dry Rub: Create a dry rub by mixing together spices such as coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and coat the pork loin generously. You can even make this ahead of time and store it for up to 3 days.
• Foil Pouch: Place the pork in a large foil pouch inside your air fryer. Drizzle with oil and rub with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning. You can also add vegetables like potatoes and carrots to the pouch for a complete meal.
• Barbecue Sauce: For a sticky, savoury option, coat the pork with barbecue sauce. You can purchase your favourite brand or make your own by combining ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, or spices.

Remember, the key to a successful coating is ensuring that all sides of the pork are evenly covered. Use your hands or a brush to press or rub the coating onto the meat. If needed, add multiple coats to ensure a flavoursome and juicy end result.

Resting and storing the pork

Resting the pork is an important step in the cooking process. After removing the pork from the air fryer, place it on a cutting board and cover it with foil. This will help keep the meat warm and allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more juicy and flavourful. Leave the pork to rest for at least 3 to 10 minutes before carving or slicing.

When it comes to storing leftover pork, it's important to follow food safety guidelines. Leftover pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you're not planning to eat the pork within that time frame, it's best to freeze it. Portion the pork into suitable containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the leftover pork, you can use the air fryer, which is a convenient option. Reheat the pork in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at the same temperature as the initial cooking. You can also use other methods such as the microwave or a pan on the stove. Ensure that the pork is piping hot all the way through before consuming it.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the cooking time and resting time for pork cooked in an air fryer may vary depending on the weight and thickness of the meat. For thinner cuts of pork, reduce the cooking time, and for thicker cuts, increase the cooking time accordingly. Adjustments can be made in increments of 5 minutes at a time.

Vegetables and side dishes

While your pork shoulder is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare some vegetables and side dishes to go with it. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

• Baby carrots
• Baby potatoes
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Squash

You can prepare these vegetables by slicing them into halves or 1-inch pieces, respectively. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle on olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper. Toss well. After the initial cooking time for the pork roast, you can add these vegetables to the air fryer and cook them together.

Side Dishes

• Gravy: You can make a gravy using the cooking juices from the pork, cornstarch slurry, beef stock, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer this mixture over low heat until it thickens.
• Apple sauce: Apples are often used as a flavouring for the pork shoulder, and you can also serve apple sauce on the side.
• Yorkshire puddings: A classic side dish to accompany a roast dinner.
• Braised red cabbage: A colourful and tasty addition to your plate.

Other Ideas

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try:

• Using pineapple, lime, or lemon juice mixed with brown sugar as a marinade for your vegetables.
• Adding fennel seeds, garlic powder, or sugar to your vegetables for extra flavour.
• Making a vegetable slaw to serve with your pork.

Frequently asked questions