Air-Fried Pork Loin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy, tender cut of meat with a tasty browned crust. It's a quick and easy method that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Pork loin is a notoriously lean cut, which means it can dry out if overcooked. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat cooks faster, reducing the chance of it drying out, and giving it a nice brown crust.

There are plenty of recipes to choose from, but most involve a simple rub of spices and herbs, and a short cooking time of around 10-15 minutes per pound of pork.

How to prepare the pork loin for the air fryer

Preparing a pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender roast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a pork loin for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

Firstly, ensure you have the right cut of meat. Pork loin is a wide and thick cut from the back of the pig, similar to pork chops. It is a leaner cut of meat and benefits from the air fryer's high heat, which cooks the meat quickly and helps retain moisture. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is thinner and more slender, and while it can also be cooked in an air fryer, it will require a slightly different approach.

Step 2: Brining (Optional)

Brining the pork loin is an optional step but is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. Create a standard brine solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in this solution for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 3 hours in the fridge. After brining, discard the brine, pat the meat dry, and omit any additional salt in the recipe.

Step 3: Preparing the Pork Loin

Trim away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin. If your pork loin is too long to fit in the air fryer basket, you may need to cut it in half.

Step 4: Seasoning

There are various seasoning options for your pork loin. You can create a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a wet rub with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Coat the pork loin with your chosen seasoning, ensuring it is well covered.

Step 5: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend temperatures between 370°F and 400°F. Preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Step 6: Cooking the Pork Loin

Place the seasoned pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook for the recommended time based on the weight of your roast. For a 3-pound pork loin, cook for 35-45 minutes. Smaller roasts (under 3 pounds) will take 30-40 minutes, while larger roasts may take up to 60 minutes. Ensure the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F for medium doneness. You can cook it longer for well-done pork, but be careful not to overcook it, as this will dry out the meat.

Step 7: Resting and Serving

Once the pork loin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork loin is juicy and tender. Serve your air fryer pork loin with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

What temperature to cook the pork loin at

The temperature you cook your pork loin at will depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness.

For a 2.5-3lb pork loin, you should cook it for 35-45 minutes at 370°F. If your pork loin is smaller, at around 2lbs, you should cook it for 24-36 minutes at the same temperature. If your pork loin is frozen, increase the cooking time to 60 minutes. If your pork loin is larger, at around 3.5-4lbs, you should cook it for 40-60 minutes. If the outside of the roast is getting too dark, you can turn the temperature down to 300°F for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F, which will leave the meat a little pink in the middle. If you prefer your meat more well-done, you can cook it to 155°F.

How long to cook the pork loin for

The cooking time for your pork loin will depend on its weight and the temperature of your air fryer. It's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to get a nice seared crust.

For a 2.5lb piece of meat, cook for 60 minutes at 370°F. For a 3lb pork loin roast, cook for 35-45 minutes at 370°F. Start testing the temperature at around 35 minutes. For a smaller roast of around 2lbs, cook for 24 to 36 minutes at 370°F. Start testing the internal temperature after 25 minutes. For a larger roast, it will take 40-60 minutes. Start testing the internal temperature at 35 minutes and check every 5-7 minutes after that.

If you are cooking a thinner pork tenderloin, it will take less time to cook. For a 1.5lb tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes at 380°F, flipping the meat over halfway through. For a 1lb tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes at 400°F.

The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.

What to serve with the pork loin

There are many side dishes that go well with pork loin. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, garlic bread, green beans, and a mix of potatoes and onions.
• Mashed potatoes and gravy.
• Baked or roasted potatoes.
• Green vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Polenta, especially with caramelized onions and apples.
• Brussels sprouts, either chopped in a salad or crispy and smashed.
• Butternut squash, either in a gratin or a farro salad with blood orange vinaigrette.
• Fig and arugula salad.
• Caramelized onions.
• Roasted apples.
• Creamed spinach.
• Mac and cheese.
• Bread, such as Parker House rolls or sweet potato rolls.

How to store leftover pork loin

Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Properly seal the leftover pork loin in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Do not keep leftover pork loin in the fridge for more than four days.
• Do not keep leftover pork loin in the freezer for more than three months.
• To reheat the pork loin without drying it out, use the oven or microwave. In the oven, place the pork in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of broth or sauce, cover with foil, and reheat until it reaches your desired temperature. For the microwave, place the pork in a microwave-safe container and reheat in short intervals at medium power.
• Add sauces or marinades to the meat after reheating. This ensures even flavour distribution and prevents the meat from becoming dry.
• Pork Stroganoff: Combine leftover pork loin with sweet onions, mushrooms, and spices for a creamy and hearty dish.
• Pork Noodle Casserole: Mix cooked pork with egg noodles, vegetables, creamy chicken soup, and sour cream for a comforting family meal.
• Pork Lettuce Wraps: Wrap leftover pork in lettuce with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce for a tasty and healthy appetizer or light dinner.
• Pork Quesadillas: Combine thinly sliced pork with mushrooms, spinach, onion, garlic, and cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Pork Fried Rice: Fry up some rice, green onion, carrots, peas, garlic, ginger, eggs, and soy sauce, and mix with leftover pork for an easy weeknight dinner.

Frequently asked questions