Air-Fried Pork Loin: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is an easy way to make tender, juicy pork with a crispy, golden crust. The high heat of the air fryer means that a nice brown crust will form on the outside of the pork loin, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The air fryer's small, compact size also makes it a convenient alternative to an oven, as it is more energy-efficient and doesn't require preheating.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the size and weight of the cut of meat. For example, a 700g/1.5-pound pork loin will need to be cooked for 40 minutes, while a 900g/2-pound loin will need 50 minutes. A 1.2kg/2.5-pound loin will need 60 minutes. For larger cuts of pork loin, you should add another 10 minutes per 200g/0.5 pounds.

The size of your air fryer will also determine the size of the roast you can cook. A 3-pound roast fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer. If your air fryer is larger than 5-6 quarts, you can fit larger roasts and increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F for 5 minutes. You should aim for an internal temperature of 145°F–160°F. If the internal temperature has not reached 140°F, you should continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes.

If you are cooking a pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat from the loin, you should cook it for 12–14 minutes per pound, or 20–22 minutes in total.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin:

Firstly, it's important to distinguish between pork tenderloin and pork loin, as they are different cuts of meat with distinct cooking requirements. Pork tenderloin is a long, thin piece of meat that comes from the muscle along the backbone, and it's well-suited for quick-cooking methods like grilling. On the other hand, pork loin is a larger, wider, and thicker cut, similar to pork chops, and it's ideal for oven-roasting or air frying.

Lean Meat and Moisture Retention:

Both pork tenderloin and pork loin are lean cuts of meat, which means they can dry out if overcooked. The air fryer's high heat circulates around the meat, reducing the cooking time and helping to retain moisture. However, it's still important to monitor the meat to prevent overcooking.

Bone-In vs. Boneless:

When selecting pork chops, you can choose between bone-in and boneless options. Bone-in cuts have more flavour but take longer to cook. Boneless chops, on the other hand, are easier to eat and have less concern with dryness.

Thickness and Cooking Time:

The thickness of your pork cut will impact the cooking time. For chops, aim for a thickness of around 1 inch for even cooking. For pork loin, thicker cuts will take longer to cook through, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the inside is cooked properly without overcooking the outside.

Brining and Marinades:

Brining pork loin is an effective way to add flavour and moisture to the lean meat. You can make a basic brine with kosher salt and cold water, fully submerging the meat for 1 to 3 hours. Additionally, you can experiment with various marinades to enhance the flavour of your pork. Some popular ingredients include olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and spices.

Size and Air Fryer Capacity:

Consider the size of your air fryer when selecting the cut of pork. A larger roast may require a bigger air fryer to fit comfortably. Ensure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can impact cooking effectiveness and even browning.

In summary, choosing the right cut of pork for your air fryer involves understanding the characteristics of different cuts, their cooking requirements, and how to enhance their flavour and texture through brining, marinades, and proper cooking techniques.

How to prepare the pork

Preparing pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy, golden crust on the outside with tender, juicy meat on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare delicious pork loin using an air fryer:

Firstly, take the pork loin out of the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow it to come down to room temperature. This step is important as it will ensure that the pork cooks evenly. While the pork is coming to room temperature, you can preheat your air fryer to 360°F-400°F for about 5 minutes. If you have a larger air fryer, you can adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Once the air fryer is preheated, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork loin. Scoring the skin of the pork loin will help create perfect crackling, so use a sharp knife to make some cuts through the skin, being careful not to cut into the meat. You can also ask your butcher to do this step for you.

Next, prepare the seasoning for the pork. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own by whisking together spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and a dash of cayenne for some heat. After mixing the spices, rub the pork loin all over with olive oil and then coat it generously with the seasoning mix. Massage the seasoning well into the meat to ensure it is evenly distributed.

Now, you are ready to place the pork loin into the air fryer. Put the pork loin in the air fryer basket with the fat cap/skin side up. Set the air fryer to 360°F-400°F and cook for about 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping the pork loin once halfway through the cooking time. The total cooking time will depend on the size and weight of your pork loin, so it's important to monitor it closely.

To ensure the pork loin is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for medium-well pork is 155°F-160°F, but you can cook it to your desired level of doneness. Remember that the pork will continue to cook even after removing it from the air fryer, so take it out a few degrees shy of your desired temperature.

Once the desired internal temperature has been reached, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.

There you have it! Delicious, crispy, and juicy pork loin cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy it with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green vegetables, and don't forget to make some gravy using the leftover juices and seasonings!

How to make gravy

Yes, you can cook pork loin in an air fryer. The high heat of the air fryer means that the meat cooks quickly, so it doesn't dry out. This also gives the pork loin a nice browned, crispy crust.

To make gravy to go with your air-fried pork loin, you can follow these steps:

• Make the gravy while the pork is cooking.
• Heat a large skillet or saucepan to a medium heat.
• Melt some butter and add onions.
• Cook the onions until they are golden and caramelized, which should take about 5 minutes.
• If you have any juices from the pork, you can add these to the gravy.
• You can also add any leftover seasoning rub to the gravy.
• Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes.
• If you want a thicker gravy, add more flour. For a thinner gravy, add more broth.
• Stir well, then lower the heat and let the gravy simmer until the flavors meld and the pork is done.

What to serve with the pork

There are many side dishes that can complement a juicy air-fried pork loin. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans, and potatoes are excellent choices to serve with pork loin. Not only do they provide a healthy balance to the meal, but their flavours also pair well with the meat. If you're short on time, you can easily prepare frozen vegetables in the air fryer alongside the pork. Simply toss them in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on the vegetable.

Starch

Complete your meal with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try making garlic bread or roasted potatoes with onions. These options will add some heartiness and variety of texture to your plate.

Gravy

Since pork loin is a lean cut, it may not produce many juices to drizzle over your meat. A delicious gravy can be the perfect complement to your pork loin, adding extra flavour and moisture to your dish. While your pork loin rests, you can quickly make a gravy on the stovetop using the drippings from the air fryer, butter, flour, and some herbs.

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad can also be a wonderful side dish to balance out the heartiness of the pork loin. Opt for a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a heartier grain salad with nuts and roasted vegetables.

Crackling

If you're a fan of pork crackling, you can use the air fryer to make the perfect, crunchy crackling every time. Simply score the skin of the pork loin and rub it with olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying. The air fryer will create moist, tender pork with a crunchy crackling that will be the star of your meal.

Remember, the sides you choose can be tailored to your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Get creative and enjoy the versatility of your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions