Air-Fried Pork Shoulder: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in an air fryer! It's a great way to make a hearty, flavourful, and juicy roast with a crunchy crackling layer. The cooking time and temperature settings will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the wattage of your air fryer. You can season the pork with salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, and herbs, and serve it with roast vegetables, potatoes, and gravy.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for pork shoulder in an air fryer depend on the size of the pork and the wattage of the air fryer. For even cooking, it is recommended to choose a cut that is as evenly thick as possible. The weight of the pork shoulder will determine the cooking time, which is estimated at 25 minutes per 450g (1 pound). For a boneless pork shoulder or leg joint weighing about 1-2 kg, cook it for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 320°F/160°C, and then for another 15-30 minutes at 400°F/200°C to get the crackling. The internal temperature of the meat should reach between 145°F to 160°F for medium-well or well-done pork.

Some recipes suggest cooking pork shoulder in an air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping the roast over, adding vegetables, and then cooking for another 35 minutes at 350°F. However, this may vary depending on the weight of the pork, with some recipes suggesting 90-120 minutes of cooking time for a 1.5-2.1 kg pork shoulder. It is important to ensure that the pork joint has enough space in the air fryer and that the basket depth is sufficient.

To achieve the perfect crackling, it is essential to dry the pork skin and keep it dry before cooking. Cooking the pork at two different temperatures is recommended: first, at a lower temperature to cook the meat slowly and infuse it with flavours, and then at a higher temperature to get the crackling. Scoring the pork skin and rubbing it with salt or oil can also enhance the crackling.

A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the pork, which should be nearing 90°C (195°F). After cooking, it is recommended to let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and enhance the flavour.

Scoring and seasoning the pork

Firstly, you need to pat the pork dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture on the skin will prevent it from crisping up during cooking.

Next, you will need to score the pork rind. Most pork roasts are sold with the rind already scored, but if yours is not, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern across the rind. Be careful not to cut into the meat, only the fat.

Once the pork is scored, it's time to season it. Rub a generous amount of salt into the scores of the pork rind. You can also add other seasonings to enhance the flavour. Some popular options include pepper, garlic powder, dried sage, olive oil, fennel seeds, and sugar. You can also try using a pre-made seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides of the pork with the seasonings.

If you prefer a simpler approach, you can omit the scoring step altogether. Just ensure that the pork skin is dry before placing it in the air fryer. This method may not result in the same crispy crackling, but it will still produce delicious, flavourful pork.

Preparing vegetables

First, select your vegetables. You can use a mix of firm vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, parsnips, turnips, winter squash, celeriac, and sweet potatoes, and tender vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and yellow squash. You can also add in mushrooms, onions, asparagus, and beetroots.

Chop the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces. For tender vegetables like zucchini and peppers, cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices or 1-inch pieces. For firm vegetables, cut them into slightly smaller pieces, about 1/2-inch thick, as they take longer to cook. If the pieces are too large, they won't cook evenly with the tender vegetables.

Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. This helps the vegetables brown and soften in the air fryer. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (180-190°C). Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Cook the vegetables for 10-15 minutes for tender vegetables and 20-30 minutes for firm vegetables, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning. For frozen vegetables, follow the same instructions, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Once the vegetables are tender and browned, transfer them to a serving dish and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them for added flavor.

Your air-fried vegetables are now ready to be served as a delicious and healthy side dish!

Making gravy

Yes, you can cook pork shoulder in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the pork shoulder and the model of the air fryer. For example, one source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-14 minutes per pound, plus about 10 minutes of resting time before cutting. Another source recommends cooking at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping the roast over, adding vegetables, and cooking for another 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Now, for making gravy in an air fryer, here are some detailed instructions:

Firstly, ensure that you have an air fryer-safe pan that fits into your air fryer model. You can use a barrel pan, which is commonly used for making gravy in an air fryer. If you are making gravy to accompany a roast, such as pork shoulder or chicken, you can collect the meat juices that come out during the cooking process and use them as a base for your gravy. Place the juices in the pan and add other ingredients of your choice, such as cornstarch slurry, beef stock, and apple cider vinegar, or roasted garlic. You can also blend cooked vegetables, such as carrots, into the gravy for added flavour and texture.

Next, mix all the gravy ingredients together in the pan and place it in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature and time settings, typically around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the gravy as it cooks, and adjust the time and temperature as needed. The gravy is ready when it is bubbling hot and has reached your desired consistency.

Additionally, if you are making biscuits and gravy, you can prepare the biscuit topping separately and crumble it on top of the gravy before placing it in the air fryer. This way, the biscuits and gravy will cook together, creating a delicious and convenient one-pot meal. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so always test recipes in your specific unit and adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

Storing leftovers

Firstly, let the pork shoulder cool completely before storing. Then, wrap the leftover pork shoulder well and place it in an airtight container or a suitable container in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to three to four days. If you want to store it for a longer period, it's best to put it in the freezer. Place the pork in a freezer-friendly container or a Ziploc bag, label it, and store it for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover pork shoulder, there are several reheating options. You can reheat it in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, in the oven at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, or in an Instant Pot with a cup of water for a more hands-off approach.

Leftover pork shoulder is versatile and can be used in various dishes. You can serve it in sandwiches, use it in fried rice or stir-fry recipes, or get creative with nachos, salads, or coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions