Air Fryer Pork And Potatoes: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a variety of dishes, including pork and potatoes. You can cook pork and potatoes together in an air fryer, creating a mouthwatering, crispy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The key to success is preparing the ingredients properly, using the correct cooking temperature and time, and pairing the dish with suitable sides. This method of cooking offers a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Potato preparation

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, select a roasting variety of potatoes, such as red, yellow, or gold potatoes. Examples include russet, Maris Piper, Agria, or Sebago potatoes. Then, give them a good scrub and pat them dry. Peeling is optional, but if you do decide to peel them, cut them into chunks of around 2cm/1-inch in size. If you're keeping the peel on, cut them into evenly-sized pieces of about 3/4-inch each so that they cook at a similar rate.

Next, toss the potatoes in a bowl with oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as corn oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. For seasonings, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, parsley, or smoked paprika. You can also make a simple homemade pork seasoning rub by mixing paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

After the potatoes are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato. If your air fryer is small and doesn't have a large capacity, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches or par-cook them before adding the pork.

Finally, set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time. For crispy potatoes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are tender and browned around the edges.

Pork seasoning

Yes, you can cook pork and potatoes together in an air fryer. A recipe for air fryer pork chops and potatoes recommends using boneless pork loin chops or pork sirloin chops, cut into 0.5-1 inch-thick pieces. The pork chops are seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The potatoes are cut into 2cm/1-inch chunks, tossed in olive oil, and then placed in the air fryer with the pork chops on top. The dish is cooked at 200°C/400°F for 15 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through.

Now, let's focus on the pork seasoning.

When it comes to seasoning pork, there are numerous options to explore, and you can tailor the blend to your preferences. Here are some ideas and suggestions for creating a delicious pork seasoning:

Basic Ingredients:

The key to a good pork seasoning is finding the right balance between sweet, savoury, and spicy. Some essential ingredients to consider as a foundation for your seasoning include:

• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, sweet flavour without the heat.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of wood-fired flavour, but regular paprika works too.
• Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt will enhance the other flavours in the blend.
• Black pepper: Adds a kick of spice and warmth to the seasoning.

Additional Spices:

You can experiment with various spices to add depth and complexity to your pork seasoning. Here are some options:

• Garlic: Granulated or roasted garlic adds a punch of savoury flavour.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme lends herbal and slightly floral notes that complement the pork's flavour.
• Sage: Dried sage provides a unique, earthy aroma and taste.
• Cayenne pepper: If you like spice, cayenne adds a nice kick to the blend.
• Cumin: A versatile spice that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Chilli powder: A pinch of chilli adds heat, but use sparingly if you prefer less spice.

Customisation:

The beauty of making your own pork seasoning is the ability to customise it to your taste. Here are some suggestions for making the blend your own:

• Herb variations: Try using rosemary, oregano, or marjoram instead of thyme or sage for a unique twist.
• Adjust spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavour, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount of chilli powder. Conversely, you can increase these spices for a spicier blend.
• Salt preference: If you like your seasoning saltier, increase the amount of kosher salt. Alternatively, reduce the salt quantity for a lower-sodium option.

Preparation and Storage:

To prepare your pork seasoning, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can store this seasoning blend in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.

When seasoning your pork chops, sprinkle the blend liberally on all sides. You can use your hands to sprinkle the seasoning from a distance of 8-10 inches above the meat to ensure even distribution. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat for at least 20 minutes before cooking, or even leave it to marinate overnight for maximum flavour.

Enjoy experimenting with these pork seasoning ideas and creating your own unique blend!

Pork cooking time

Yes, you can cook pork and potatoes together in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of pork you are cooking and the size of the potato chunks.

For pork chops, cut the potatoes into 2cm/1-inch chunks. Rinse, then pat dry. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pat the pork chops dry, place in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil and the seasoning, and toss to coat. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, then place the pork chops on top. Air fry the pork chops and potatoes together for 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chops to ensure they have reached 63°C/145°F or higher in the centre. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes if required. Remove the pork chops to a plate and cover with kitchen foil to rest for ten minutes. Lower the temperature to 180°C/360°F, then air fry the potatoes for a final 10 minutes while the pork chops rest.

For pork tenderloin, preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Whisk together mustard, brown sugar, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Place the tenderloin into the bowl and roll it through the mustard mixture until evenly coated on all sides. Place the potatoes, green beans, and olive oil into a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir until evenly combined. Set aside. Place the tenderloin into the basket of the preheated air fryer and cook, undisturbed, until slightly pink in the centre, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 63°C/145°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the green beans and potatoes into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through the cook time.

For baked potatoes, rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook in the preheated air fryer until the potatoes are soft, 40 to 50 minutes depending on potato size. For a crispier shell, cook for a full hour.

Potato cooking time

Yes, you can cook pork and potatoes together in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of potatoes and the thickness of the pork chops.

For example, if you are cooking pork chops with 2 cm/1-inch potato chunks, you should preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and cook the pork and potatoes together for 15 minutes, flipping the pork chops over halfway through. After this, check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they have reached 63°C/145°F or higher in the centre. If not, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

If you are cooking pork tenderloin with potatoes and green beans, preheat the air fryer to the same temperature and cook the tenderloin for about 20 minutes, or until slightly pink in the centre. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 145°F/63°C. Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the green beans and potatoes into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

The cooking time will also depend on the type of potato you are using. For example, a 9 or 10 oz russet potato will take around 45-55 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F/205°C. Red or gold potatoes may have a different cook time, so you should check them during cooking. For example, they may need to be cooked for 40-50 minutes at 400°F until fork-tender.

Potato seasoning

Yes, you can cook pork and potatoes together in an air fryer. This method of cooking is a convenient way to prepare a tasty, quick meal.

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in many ways. Here are some ideas for seasoning potatoes to go with your pork:

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley.
• Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Olive oil, dried parsley, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
• Olive oil, dried thyme, and dried Italian seasoning.
• Olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
• Olive oil, fresh or dried parsley, and salt.

When seasoning potatoes, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are well-coated. This can be done by tossing the potatoes with the oil and seasonings in a large bowl before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, the type of potato you use can also make a difference. Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice due to their buttery flavor and texture, but Russet, Maris Piper, Agria, Sebago, red, baby, fingerling, or sweet potatoes can also be used.

Frequently asked questions