Air-Fried Pork: The Perfect Roast?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you use one to roast pork? The answer is yes! Air fryer roast pork is a simple, tasty dish that's perfect for family dinners. The air fryer locks in moisture, resulting in tender, succulent meat with deliciously crispy crackling.

To make air fryer roast pork, you'll need an air fryer, a pork roast, olive oil, and coarse salt. The size of your pork roast will depend on the size of your air fryer, so be sure to buy one that fits. You can follow a few simple steps to achieve perfect crispy crackling and tender meat. First, remove the pork from its packaging and pat it dry. Score the rind, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub olive oil and salt into the skin, and place the pork in the air fryer basket. Cook at a high temperature for 20-30 minutes, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your roast.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook pork, give the air fryer a try! It's a convenient, tasty way to prepare this classic dish.

How to get the perfect crackling

The secret to the perfect crackling is to ensure the pork skin is dry before cooking. This can be achieved by patting the skin with a paper towel or kitchen roll, and/or leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

Once the skin is dry, rub olive oil into the pork skin, and then generously apply coarse salt, such as sea salt or cooking salt, to the skin, rubbing it into the scores. You can also add ground black pepper at this stage.

Place the pork in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and cook at 200°C for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 160°C and cook for 40-50 minutes for a 1kg joint, or 1 hour-1 hour 10 minutes for a 1.5kg joint.

If the crackling is not crispy, remove the skin from the meat and put it back in the air fryer at 220°C for 15-20 minutes.

What size air fryer to use

Yes, you can roast pork in an air fryer!

When choosing an air fryer to roast pork, it's important to consider the size of the roast you plan to cook and ensure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate it comfortably. If the roast is too big, it may touch the heating element or not cook evenly.

For example, a 1.5 kg/3 lb roast fits perfectly in a 5.5 L/5.5-5.8 Qt air fryer. If you have a bigger air fryer, you can accommodate a larger roast. Conversely, if you have a smaller air fryer, such as a 4.1 L capacity, a 1-1.2 kg/2-2.5 lb roast would be more suitable.

A 3-pound pork loin roast fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer, while a 5-6 Qt air fryer is perfect for a 2-2.5 lb roast.

It's also important to note that the size of the roast will impact the cooking time. A larger roast will take longer to cook than a smaller one, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to prepare the pork

Preparing the pork for an air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps.

Firstly, remove the pork from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel or kitchen roll. If your pork has been wrapped in netting, you can remove this. If your pork has been tied with butcher's twine, you can keep it on, but removing it may help with the crackling. Scoring the pork rind or fat with a sharp knife will help with the cooking process, but be careful not to cut into the meat.

Next, rub olive oil or sunflower oil over the pork skin and season generously with salt. You can also add black pepper, dried sage, and garlic granules to taste.

Finally, place the pork in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and ensure there is enough space above it so it doesn't touch the heating element.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for roasting pork in an air fryer depend on the size of the pork and the wattage of your air fryer.

For a 1-1.5 kg boneless pork leg or shoulder, one source recommends cooking at 210°C for 20 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 160°C and cooking for 40-50 minutes (for 1 kg) or 1 hour-1 hour 10 minutes (for 1.5 kg). Another source recommends cooking at 200°C for 20 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 180°C and cooking for 25 minutes per 500 grams or until cooked through.

For a 1-1.2 kg pork leg roast, another source recommends cooking at 200°C for 30 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 160°C and cooking for 20-25 minutes per 500 grams.

For a 900 g - 2 kg pork loin, one source recommends cooking at 180°C for 1 hour, turning the pork loin over halfway through. For a 1.4 kg pork loin, this source cooked the pork for 70 minutes.

For a 1.5 kg pork roast, another source recommends cooking at 320°F/160°C for 50 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 400°F/200°C for 15-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F-160°F.

It is important to ensure that the pork is cooked through. One source recommends checking that the juices run clear and there is no pink meat. The internal temperature should be at least 63°C. Another source recommends an internal temperature of 70-75°C for medium to well-done pork.

What to serve with pork roast

A pork roast is a special occasion dish, and while it's delicious on its own, it's even better when served with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your pork roast dinner:

Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are a classic pairing with pork roast, and there are endless ways to prepare them. Here are some options to consider:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that goes well with the roast. You can elevate them with additions like garlic, cheese, or cream cheese.
• Roasted Potatoes: Try roasting potato chunks with herbs and spices like rosemary or ranch seasoning.
• Baked Potatoes: Cooking potatoes in the air fryer achieves a crisp skin with a fluffy centre.
• Cheesy Skillet Domino Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a cheese and cream mixture create a gratin-like dish.
• Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes: These potatoes add a tangy twist to your meal.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Adding a vegetable side dish provides a fresh and vibrant contrast to the juicy pork and rich potatoes. Here are some suggestions:

• Green Beans: Blistered green beans with pickled shallots and toasted breadcrumbs add texture and flavour. Alternatively, keep it simple with roasted or sautéed green beans.
• Glazed Carrots: Bourbon-glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness to the plate. Miso butter-glazed carrots are another tasty option.
• Broccoli: Try roasting or sautéing broccoli as a simple side, or go for a more indulgent option like an easy broccoli-cheese casserole.
• Asparagus: Roasted asparagus with Parmesan and garlic, or baked with a creamy Alfredo sauce, pairs well with pork.
• Cauliflower: Melting cauliflower, inspired by the technique used for melting potatoes, makes a unique and tasty side dish.
• Cabbage: Easy sautéed Savoy cabbage or cabbage and apple slaw with a honey-lime dressing are great choices.

Salads and Slaws

Crunchy salads and slaws balance out the richness of the pork and potatoes. Here are a few ideas:

• Spanakopita Kale Salad: This salad features briny feta crumbles, crunchy toasted walnuts, and zippy herbs, tasting like the iconic Greek savoury pie.
• Broccoli Bacon Salad: Broccoli shows its versatility in this crunchy, nutty salad with a sweet and creamy dressing.
• Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts and Cranberries: This salad is sweetened with maple syrup, making it appealing even to picky eaters.
• Sour Cream and Dill Cucumber Salad: A classic cucumber dill salad with a tangy sour cream dressing.

Other Sides

In addition to the traditional potato, vegetable, and salad options, here are some unique sides to round out your meal:

• Cheese Grits Casserole: A comforting, cheesy dish that's perfect for a special occasion.
• Pea Risotto: The creaminess of the risotto balances the richness of the pork.
• Fried Apples and Onions: A sweet and aromatic side inspired by "Little House on the Prairie."
• Apple Sauce: A classic pairing with pork roast, especially if you're serving crispy crackling.

Frequently asked questions