Air Fryer Frozen Pork Roast: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a hearty, tasty meal. It's a simple process that yields tender, juicy meat with a crispy outer edge. You can cook a pork roast in an air fryer from frozen, but it is recommended to defrost the meat first. The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the meat, but generally, it will take around 12-15 minutes per pound, with an internal temperature of 145°F.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer pork roast depend on the weight of the roast and whether it is frozen or defrosted.

For a defrosted pork roast, the cooking time is generally 12–14 minutes per pound at 400°F (204.4°C). For example, a 2.5-pound pork roast will take about 30–35 minutes to cook, while a 2.87-pound roast will take about 34–40 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the desired doneness of the pork roast. For a safe and fully cooked roast, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (62.8°C). To achieve this, you can remove the roast from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), as the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F (2.8°C) while the meat rests.

When cooking a frozen pork roast in an air fryer, the cooking time will be longer. For a 2.5-pound frozen pork roast, it is recommended to cook it for about 60 minutes at 370°F (187.8°C). The internal temperature should still reach 145°F (62.8°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

It is worth mentioning that, regardless of the cooking time and temperature, it is crucial to let the pork roast rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. The resting time can vary from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and personal preference.

Marinade and seasoning

Marinating and seasoning your pork roast is an important step in achieving the perfect flavour and texture. While you can use a store-bought seasoning mix, making your own rub is a great way to customise the flavours to your taste.

A simple dry rub can be made by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a touch of cayenne for some heat. If you want a sweet and savoury flavour profile, try using brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. For a more earthy flavour, consider using garlic, rosemary, sage, or thyme.

When applying the rub, trim any excess fat from the outside of the pork roast. Then, rub the seasoning mix all over the meat, making sure to cover all sides. You can also spritz the pork with oil spray to help the outside crisp and brown.

If you are cooking your pork roast with the crackling, it is recommended to avoid using glazes, marinades, or other liquids as they can prevent the crackling from forming. However, if you are not making crackling or your pork joint has no skin, you can add your preferred seasonings and marinades before cooking.

Resting and storing

Resting the pork roast is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat is juicy and tender. The roast should be covered in foil and left to rest for at least 5 minutes, but ideally 10 to 15 minutes, before slicing and serving. During this time, the temperature of the meat will continue to rise by about 5 degrees F.

Leftover pork roast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 to 4 days when stored this way, or up to 7 days according to one source. The leftover pork can be reheated in an air fryer at 370 degrees F for about 3 minutes.

If you want to keep the leftover pork roast for longer, it can be frozen. Wrap the roast well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Sides and pairings

While your air fryer pork roast is cooking, you can prepare some sides to go with it. A few options include roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and green beans, as well as garlic bread. You can also serve it with rice or a side salad. If you want to stick to cooking everything in your air fryer, you can make air fryer frozen Brussel sprouts and air fryer Delicata squash as sides.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can make braised cabbage and mashed cauliflower, which will add texture and weight to the meal while still providing balanced flavors to the protein. And, of course, you can't go wrong with gravy!

When your pork roast is done cooking, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that your roast is juicy and cooked to perfection.

Some other tips to keep in mind: if you want a crispy sear on the outside of your roast, you can try brushing the meat with honey before applying the dry rub. This will help the rub stick to the meat. Also, remember to preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to get a nice seared crust.

Internal temperature

The internal temperature of the pork roast is critical to ensure the meat is cooked safely and to your desired level of doneness. The target internal temperature will depend on how well done you want your pork roast to be. For a safe and fully cooked pork roast, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated, making the meat safe to consume.

To measure the internal temperature accurately, it is recommended to use a digital thermometer, also known as an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the roast, ensuring it is not touching any bone, as this can give a false reading.

When checking the temperature, keep in mind that the pork roast will continue to cook even after it is removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. This is known as "carry-over cooking." Therefore, it is advisable to remove the roast from the air fryer when it reaches a temperature of 140°F (60°C), as the temperature will rise by approximately 5 degrees while it rests.

Allowing the pork roast to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful roast. During this resting period, the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time to avoid overcooking the meat.

If you prefer your pork roast to be well done with no signs of pink, you can cook it to a higher internal temperature of around 155°F (68°C). However, keep in mind that higher temperatures may result in drier meat, so adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly.

By monitoring the internal temperature of your pork roast and allowing it to rest adequately, you can ensure that your air-fried pork roast is cooked safely, retains its moisture, and achieves the desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions