Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a variety of dishes, and they can also be used to make delicious pulled pork. With an air fryer, you can prepare juicy and tender pulled pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even as a topping for hot dogs. The process involves seasoning the pork, preheating the air fryer, and then cooking the meat until it reaches the desired internal temperature. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air ensures even cooking and helps create flavorful, moist pulled pork. Additionally, the option to reheat leftovers in the air fryer means you can enjoy tasty, restaurant-quality pulled pork at home with minimal effort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking method | Brush with olive oil, rub with pork seasoning, and roast |
| Temperature | 375°F/190°C |
| Cook time | 75-90 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 185°F-200°F |
| Well done internal temperature | 145°F |
| Tender internal temperature | 200°F |
| Reheating temperature | 320°F/160°C |
| Reheating time | 6 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to season the pork
To season the pork, you can either use a pre-made pork seasoning or make your own. To make your own seasoning, mix together brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat.
First, rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, brush or spray the pork with olive oil. Take a small bowl and combine all your spices. Rub the pork seasoning all over the meat, using your hands to ensure the seasoning gets into the meat.
If you are making pork chops, you can use a rub seasoning mix of brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rinse the pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. Coat the chops with olive oil and rub the seasoning mix into the meat.
For pork tenderloin, trim any excess fat or silver skin before coating with olive oil and rubbing with the spice mixture.
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How to prepare the air fryer
Preparing your air fryer for pulled pork is a simple process. Firstly, you will need to decide whether to use a fresh cut of meat or pre-made pulled pork. If you are using a fresh cut of meat, opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder or pork butt/roast for the most tender and flavoursome pulled pork.
Next, you will need to prepare the meat. You can either use a store-bought pork seasoning or make your own by combining spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. If you are making your own seasoning, mix the spices in a small bowl. Then, rub the pork all over with olive oil and generously coat it with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat. You can also marinate the pork overnight in the fridge if you have the time.
Once the meat is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3 minutes. Place the pork in an air fryer-safe pan or lined basket, or wrap it in foil to seal in moisture and prevent drying. If using a pan, add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer. Now, your air fryer is ready to go!
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Cooking time and temperature
When cooking pulled pork in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the pork and the type of air fryer you are using. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, as this will determine whether it is cooked or not.
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3 minutes. Place the pork in a cake barrel or cake pan to retain the juices. Set the timer for 1 and a half hours, turning the pork every 30 minutes. After the timer goes off, check the temperature of the thickest part of the pork. If it has reached 180°F/82°C, you can remove it from the air fryer. If it has not reached this temperature, leave it in for an additional 15 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, leave the pork inside the air fryer for at least half an hour so that the meat can rest and continue to cook. The air fryer will cool down during this time, allowing the pork to relax and remain juicy.
If you are reheating pulled pork in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the amount of pulled pork you are reheating. For a small portion, heat at 160°C/320°F for 6 minutes. For larger amounts, you may need to increase the cooking time.
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Resting the meat
The resting time provides an opportunity for the meat to reach the desired internal temperature. For pulled pork, an internal temperature of 185°F to 200°F is ideal, with higher temperatures resulting in more tender meat that is easier to shred. Using a meat thermometer, check the temperature at the thickest part of the pork. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, you can extend the cooking time in small increments until it does.
While the meat rests, the juices redistribute throughout the pork, preventing it from drying out. This ensures that the pulled pork is moist and flavourful. The resting period also gives the meat fibres time to relax, making it easier to pull apart using two forks. This step is crucial in achieving the signature texture of pulled pork.
Additionally, resting the meat allows the flavours to develop and intensify. By letting the pork rest inside the air fryer, the cooking process continues slowly, enhancing the flavours. This results in more intense and well-rounded flavours in the final dish. Therefore, resting the meat not only improves the texture but also enhances the overall taste experience.
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Reheating and storing leftovers
Leftover pulled pork can be stored and reheated, with some people even suggesting that making the pulled pork ahead of time can allow the flavours to intensify and get even better.
When storing leftover pulled pork, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be consumed within 3-4 days.
When reheating, there are several options:
- Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and put the pork in a cake barrel. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water and heat for 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir the meat with tongs to ensure even heating.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and put the pulled pork and juices in a Dutch oven. Warm the pork until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir the pulled pork regularly.
- Instant Pot: Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot inner pot and put the pork in a bowl on a trivet. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook for 1 minute. Alternatively, put the meat directly into the inner pot with ¼ cup of water.
- Slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to the Keep Warm function or use the Sauté option.
It is important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on the amount of pulled pork being reheated. For smaller portions, 6 minutes at 320°F (160°C) may be sufficient.
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Frequently asked questions
The air fryer should be preheated to 375°F for 3 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking pulled pork is 185°F-200°F.
Cooking pulled pork in an air fryer takes around 1½ hours, depending on the size of the pork and the type of air fryer.
Brush or spray the pork with olive oil and rub in the pork seasoning.
Check the temperature of the thickest part of the pork with a meat thermometer. It should be 180°F or above. If not, return to the air fryer and cook for another 15 minutes before checking again.
