Ella Walter
Yes, you absolutely can cook pork fillet in an air fryer. In fact, many people claim that it's the best way to cook it, yielding juicy and tender meat in just 15-20 minutes. The high temperature of the air fryer is perfect for this lean cut of pork, creating a crispy golden-brown crust and sealing in the juices. The key to achieving this is to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, then let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 11-22 minutes depending on the size of the tenderloin |
| Temperature | 200°C/390°F or 400°F |
| Resting time | 3-10 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days or freeze for up to 2-6 months |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley, ground mustard, cayenne, honey, vinegar, rosemary, dijon, chilli |
| Calories | 261kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking temperature for pork fillet in an air fryer should be set at around 400°F. However, one source suggests a lower temperature of 200°F/390°F.
It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes. You should also ensure that the pork is at room temperature before cooking, as this will help the meat cook more evenly.
The cooking time for a 450g/1lb pork fillet is 13 minutes for a slight blush of pink in the centre. Add another 2 minutes for zero pink. If your pork fillet is larger than 1.5 pounds, you will need to add time to the recipe. For a 2-pound pork tenderloin, you should estimate between 18 and 22 minutes.
You should always use a meat thermometer to check that the pork is cooked. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. One source suggests an internal temperature of 160°F.
After cooking, let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender piece.
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Resting and serving
Resting the pork fillet is a crucial step in the cooking process. After removing the pork fillet from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat. The resting time can vary from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the fillet and the desired level of doneness.
During the resting period, the meat continues to cook slightly, and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees. This process is called "carry-over cooking". It is important to take this into account when determining the cooking time for the pork fillet in the air fryer. Remove the pork from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, as this temperature will rise during the resting period.
While the meat is resting, it is a good idea to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will be served with the pork fillet. This ensures that the meal is still hot and fresh when served. Some side dish options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
Once the resting period is complete, slice the pork fillet against the grain for the most tender results. Serve the sliced pork fillet with the juices that have accumulated during resting. This will add extra moisture and flavour to the dish.
Leftover pork fillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to two to three months. To reheat, thaw the pork fillet in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until it is heated through.
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Seasoning and spices
One option is to use a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper. You could also add a dash of cayenne for a little heat. The brown sugar will caramelize in the air fryer, creating a crispy and tasty crust.
Another option is to coat the pork fillet in a mixture of olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chilli. Alternatively, you could try a rub of brown sugar, garlic powder, parsley, seasoning salt, onion powder, and paprika.
You can also marinate the pork fillet before cooking. One recipe suggests a marinade of vinegar, garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, oil, salt, and pepper. Another option is to use a Fajita or Chili seasoning for an extra kick of flavour.
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Storage and reheating
Storing and reheating your air-fried pork fillet correctly is essential to ensure it stays juicy and delicious. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you do it right:
Storage:
When storing your cooked pork fillet, always use an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the meat from drying out. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the fillet will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you don't plan on eating the pork within this timeframe, freezing is an option. Wrap the cooked and cooled fillet in a ziplock bag and pop it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Reheating:
When you're ready to enjoy your pork fillet again, there are a few reheating methods to choose from. You can use the air fryer, microwave, or a pan on the stove. Here are the steps for each method:
- Air fryer: Reheating in the air fryer helps restore the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the meat. First, thaw the frozen pork fillet in the fridge overnight. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F (depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer's capabilities). Place the fillet in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minute intervals, flipping the meat over after each interval. Continue reheating until the fillet reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F in its centre. This should take around 6 to 10 minutes in total.
- Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option. Place the fillet on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: For a stovetop reheat, place the fillet in a pan and warm it over a low to medium heat until the desired temperature is reached.
Remember, when reheating, it's important not to overcook the pork fillet, as this can lead to dry and tough meat. Always ensure the meat is heated thoroughly and evenly, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain those delicious juices.
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Marinade and preparation
Marinating your pork fillet is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a marinade, such as red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, spices, Greek yoghurt, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. For a sweet and spicy kick, try a combination of cinnamon-brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper, and a dash of cayenne. If you're short on time, a simple dry rub of salt and pepper will also do the trick.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, mix them together in a bowl or sealable bag. If using a bag, add the pork fillet and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. If you're using a bowl, simply coat the pork fillet with the marinade and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can also prepare your pork fillet in advance and let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat. If you're using an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the pork fillet for a few minutes on each side to create a golden brown crust before transferring it to the preheated oven.
When you're ready to cook, simply follow the air fryer instructions. Set the temperature to 400°F and preheat for about five minutes. Place the marinated pork fillet in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space to ensure even cooking and air circulation. For a 1-inch-thick boneless pork fillet, cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Always let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
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Frequently asked questions
The air fryer should be set to 400°F.
Cooking time depends on the weight of the pork fillet. A 450g/1lb fillet will take 13 minutes for a slight blush of pink to remain in the centre. Add another 2 minutes for zero pink. A larger fillet, weighing 1.5-2 pounds, will take 18-22 minutes.
Pork fillet is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check.
Cooked pork fillet will last for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.
It is not recommended to cook frozen pork fillet in the air fryer. However, you can cook a fully thawed, previously frozen fillet.
