Air-Fried Roast Pork: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient and tasty way to cook roast pork, with many recipes available online. The cooking time may not be significantly faster than in a conventional oven, but air fryers can achieve a crispy crackling that keeps people coming back for more.

How to get the perfect crackling

The key to achieving perfect crackling on your roast pork is to ensure that the skin is dry before cooking. This can be done by patting the pork dry with paper towels and then leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. This will help to draw out any remaining moisture from the skin, which will ensure it crisps up nicely during cooking.

Another important step is to score the pork rind before cooking. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross or diamond pattern across the rind, being careful not to cut into the meat itself. This will help the heat penetrate the skin more effectively, leading to crispier crackling.

When you're ready to cook the pork, rub the rind generously with coarse salt, making sure to get it into the scores you've made. This will further draw out moisture and enhance the flavour of your crackling. You can also add other seasonings or spices to the rind, such as crushed fennel seeds, paprika, or mixed herbs.

Place the pork in the air fryer basket with the rind side up and cook at a high temperature, such as 200°C, for the first 20 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 180°C until the pork is cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork roast, but a good guide is approximately 25 minutes per 500g.

Finally, once the pork is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that your pork is nice and juicy.

What cuts of pork are best for air fryer roast pork

When it comes to choosing the best cut of pork for air fryer roast pork, there are a few options to consider. Here are some recommendations to help you select the perfect cut for a juicy and flavourful roast:

Pork Shoulder

The pork shoulder, also known as the pork butt, is an excellent choice for air fryer roast pork. It is a well-marbled cut with a good balance of fat and protein, which helps keep the meat juicy and succulent. The high fat content also contributes to crispy crackling, making it a popular choice for those seeking that perfect textural contrast. When selecting a pork shoulder, opt for a size that fits comfortably in your air fryer, typically around 1.5 kg for a standard 5.5L air fryer.

Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is another great option for air fryer roast pork. It is a very lean and tender cut of meat, often compared to the filet mignon of pork. Pork tenderloin is versatile and works well with various seasoning mixtures. When cooked in the air fryer, it develops a crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This cut is typically smaller, ranging from 1 to 1.5 lbs, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Pork Leg

The pork leg, also known as the fresh ham, is a boneless cut that is suitable for air fryer roast pork. It tends to be a leaner option compared to the shoulder, but still has enough fat to produce delicious crackling. When selecting a pork leg, ensure it fits in your air fryer, as mentioned above, a 1.5 kg roast is a good size for a standard air fryer.

Preparation Tips:

• Size: Ensure the cut of pork you choose fits comfortably in your air fryer, allowing some space for air circulation.
• Scoring: If you want to achieve crispy crackling, consider scoring the rind/skin of the pork. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts about 1 cm apart, being careful not to cut into the meat.
• Drying: To enhance the crackling, it is recommended to pat the pork skin dry before cooking or, if time allows, leave the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight to help draw out moisture.
• Seasoning: Don't be shy with the seasoning, especially when it comes to salt. Rub a generous amount of coarse salt onto the scored skin to enhance the crispness of the crackling.
• Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For a medium or medium-well roast, aim for 155°F to 165°F (68°C to 74°C).

How long to cook pork in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook roast pork in an air fryer. The cooking time may not be significantly faster than in a conventional oven, but you can achieve perfect crackling.

The cooking time for pork in an air fryer depends on the type of pork and the weight.

Air fryer pork chops

For thick, centre-cut, bone-in pork chops, cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping the chops over after 6 minutes. Check for doneness with an instant-read food thermometer. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F. If your pork chops are very thick, they may require an additional few minutes.

Air fryer pork tenderloin

For a pork tenderloin weighing between 1.25 lbs and 1.75 lbs, cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. You are looking to achieve an internal temperature of 145°F.

Air fryer pork roast

For a 1.5kg boneless pork leg or shoulder, cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, then at 350°F until cooked through (approximately 25 minutes per 500g). You are looking for a temperature of 70-75°C / 155-165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

How to store and reheat leftover roast pork

Storage

Leftover roast pork should be wrapped well and can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. If you want to keep the crackling crispy, cover it with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

If you're reheating a large joint of pork, it's best to slice it into thin slices first. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/180°C. Sprinkle the meat with some water or stock, but be careful not to get any on the skin. Cover the meat with foil, leaving the skin exposed. Place the pork in the air fryer basket with the skin facing outwards and heat for 3-4 minutes. Check the internal temperature—if it's reached 165°F/73°C, it's ready.

Reheating in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. If you want to, you can separate the crackling from the meat and reheat them on different shelves. Wrap the meat in foil and add a spoonful of stock or water to the parcel before sealing. Place the meat on a lower shelf and put the skin on a higher shelf. Heat for 10-15 minutes. If the skin isn't crispy enough, put it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Reheating in a Frying Pan

This method is best for small slices or bits of pork. Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan. Add the pork and sear on both sides for 1-2 minutes. Use tongs to hold the skin-side down against the pan for 20-30 seconds, or until crispy.

Reheating in the Microwave

Place the pork on a microwave-safe plate. For large pieces, slice into thin slices first. Sprinkle the meat with water, avoiding the skin. Heat on high in 30-second intervals until the meat is heated through. For crispy skin, remove the skin and heat it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes.

What to serve with air fryer roast pork

There are several side dishes that can accompany air fryer roast pork. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables

You can serve roast pork with a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Carrots
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Parsnips
• Squash
• Onions

Starch

To add some starch to your meal, consider serving the roast pork with:

• Instant Pot mashed potatoes
• Air fryer dinner rolls
• Air fryer garlic and herb roasted potatoes
• Crispy salt and vinegar potatoes

Salad

If you're looking for something lighter, a cabbage and crunchy noodle salad could be a good option.

Meat

For those who want more meat on their plate, air fryer roast beef or air fryer roast chicken could be a good choice.

Frequently asked questions