Air-Fried Pork Roast: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a simple and quick way to make a hearty meal. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with various side dishes, such as vegetables or potatoes. The key to achieving tender and juicy pork roast is in the preparation and cooking time, which varies depending on the size of the roast and the desired level of doneness. By following specific steps, such as drying the meat, applying a dry rub or seasoning, and monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked pork roast every time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork roast in an air fryer depend on the weight of the roast and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the roast for 15 minutes per pound at 360°F (180°C). For example, a 2.87-lb roast will take about 40 minutes to cook. If your roast is bigger or smaller, adjust the cooking time in increments of 15 minutes per pound.

Some recipes suggest cooking the pork roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, and then at 350°F (180°C) until it is cooked through. This method is recommended for pork roasts that are 1.5 kg or 3 lbs, which fit well in a 5.5-liter or 5.5-quart air fryer.

It is important to ensure that the pork roast reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked through. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. The roast should be removed from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), as it will continue to cook and the temperature will rise several degrees while resting.

For larger roasts that are above 2.5 lbs, it is recommended to cook at 360°F (180°C) for 45-55 minutes, depending on the weight of the roast. The internal temperature should reach 145°F-160°F (63°C-71°C). If the internal temperature has not reached 145°F (63°C) when the cooking time is complete, the roast should be left to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or however long is required.

It is recommended to let the pork roast rest for at least 5-10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. The roast can be covered loosely with foil during this time.

Choosing the right pork roast

Size of the Roast

Firstly, consider the size of your air fryer and choose a roast that fits comfortably inside it. A roast that is too large may not cook evenly and could result in undercooked or overcooked areas. As a general guideline, a 2-2.5 lbs pork loin roast is suitable for most 5-6 qt air fryers. If you have a larger air fryer, you can accommodate a bigger roast, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Type of Cut

When selecting a pork roast, look for a top loin pork roast, also known as a pork loin roast. This cut is ideal for air frying as it provides a good balance of flavour and size. Make sure to avoid the pork tenderloin, as it is a much smaller cut and requires different cooking times and temperatures. A pork loin roast is a boneless cut that provides a generous amount of meat for your meal.

Quality and Freshness

Always choose a fresh, high-quality pork roast from a reputable source. Look for meat with a healthy pink colour and avoid any roasts with discolouration or an off-putting odour. Check the packaging for information on the origin and date of packaging to ensure you are getting the freshest product.

Preparation and Seasoning

When preparing the pork roast for air frying, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, score the rind at 1 cm intervals with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. You can also ask your butcher to do this step for you. Scoring the rind helps create that perfect crackling everyone loves! If time allows, leave the meat uncovered in the fridge for an hour or two to help dry out the rind, which will further enhance the crackling.

Storage

If you're not cooking the pork roast right away, proper storage is essential. Keep the roast in its original packaging and store it in the coldest part of your fridge. Consume the roast within a few days of purchase to ensure optimal freshness and quality.

By following these guidelines, you'll be sure to choose the right pork roast for your air fryer, resulting in a delicious and tender meal that your family and friends will love!

Preparing the pork roast

Before cooking, remove the roast from its packaging and any netting, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1cm intervals with a small sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. Alternatively, ask your butcher to score the rind for you. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight will help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling, but even an hour will help the process.

When ready to cook, rub the pork with olive oil, coating all sides. You can also use coconut oil if you prefer. Generously season the roast with salt, rubbing it into the scores on the rind. You can also add black pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings like parsley, thyme, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even chili powder. A dry rub can be made to stick to the meat with a coating of honey.

Place the roast in the air fryer basket with the rind or fat cap side up. If you are cooking potatoes and carrots as sides, you can add them to the basket too. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 400°F for 5 minutes, then set to air fry for 360°F for 45 minutes, or 400°F for 30 minutes, then 20 minutes. For a 3 lb roast, the cooking time is approximately 40 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145°F, or 140°F as it will continue to cook when removed from the air fryer. Once cooked, remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board covered loosely with foil for at least 5 minutes or up to 10 minutes.

Cooking the pork roast

Once you have the right-sized roast, remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1 cm intervals, being careful not to cut into the meat. You can ask your butcher to do this for you. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or even for an hour will help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling.

The next step is to season the pork. For this, you can use olive oil or coconut oil to coat the pork. Then, add a generous amount of salt to the rind, rubbing it into the scores. You can also add black pepper and other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, or parsley. If you want to add a dry rub, you can sprinkle it on the pork and use your hands to press it in on all sides.

Now, you are ready to cook the pork roast. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F-400°F for 5 minutes. Place the roast inside the air fryer with the fat cap or rind side up. Set the air fryer to 360°F-400°F and cook for 30-45 minutes. Flip the roast halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F-160°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate, covered loosely with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. The roast will continue to cook, and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before carving.

You can serve the pork roast with your favorite side dishes. It goes well with vegetables like mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. Any kind of potato—baked, mashed, or roasted—is also a great option.

Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-7 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.

Storing leftovers

Leftover pork roast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To store it for longer, wrap the pork roast well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the pork roast in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes, and serve with your choice of sides.

It's important to note that the above storage instructions are based on the assumption that the leftover pork roast has been properly cooled and handled before being placed in the refrigerator or freezer. It's always important to practice safe food handling procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, the storage time may vary depending on the quality and freshness of the ingredients used, as well as the cleanliness of your preparation and storage environment. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution when storing and consuming leftovers.

Frequently asked questions