Air Fryer Pork Loin: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy roast with a nice crust. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat doesn't dry out and gets a tasty browned exterior. The cooking time depends on the weight of the pork loin, but a 3-pound roast will take around 35-45 minutes to cook through. It's important to preheat the air fryer and to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure the best results.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking pork loin. Not only does it ensure your meat is cooked evenly, but it also helps to create a crispy, golden crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer for cooking pork loin:

• Temperature Setting: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. For cooking pork loin, a temperature between 370°F and 400°F is recommended. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a nice crust on the outside of the meat.
• Preheat Time: Allow your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the pork loin. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it may take around 5 minutes or so to reach the set temperature. Check your user manual for specific instructions for your air fryer model.
• Air Fry Setting: Select the "Air Fry" setting on your air fryer. This setting is designed to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
• Basket Preparation: While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly grease the basket with oil or non-aerosol cooking spray. This step helps prevent the meat from sticking and ensures even browning.
• Temperature Verification: Use an air fryer thermometer or the built-in thermometer (if your model has one) to verify that the air fryer has reached the desired temperature. This step ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to cook the pork loin effectively.
• Timing: Once your air fryer reaches the set temperature, you can carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the basket and start the cooking process. The preheating step ensures that your meat is exposed to the highest temperature for the longest time, resulting in a perfectly cooked pork loin.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is key to achieving the desired crust and texture for your pork loin. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to cooking juicy and flavorful pork loin with a beautiful golden crust.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide:

Pre-Cooking Preparations:

Before cooking, it is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure the meat cooks evenly and reaches the desired temperature. Set your air fryer to 370°F (187.7°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

For a 2.5-3-pound pork loin, cook at 370°F (187.7°C) for 35-45 minutes. This will result in a medium level of doneness with an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C). If you prefer your meat well-done, you can cook it for a longer time or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C).

It is recommended to cook the pork loin for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This means a 2-pound pork loin will take around 24-36 minutes to cook.

If you are cooking a frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to around 60 minutes for a 2.5-pound piece of meat.

Checking for Doneness:

The best way to ensure your pork loin is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and check the internal temperature. For medium doneness, aim for 145°F (62.8°C), and for well-done, aim for 160°F (71.1°C).

Resting:

Once your pork loin has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Reheating and Storage:

To reheat leftover pork loin, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187.7°C) and cook the meat for about 3 minutes.

Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

Tips for Crispy Crust:

Pork loin benefits from high-heat cooking to create a nice crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. Preheating your air fryer and ensuring the temperature is set correctly will help achieve this.

You can also trim away any excess fat from the pork loin before cooking and use a dry rub or spices to create a flavorful crust.

Resting the meat

Allowing the Meat to Rest

Maintaining Internal Temperature

During cooking, the internal temperature of the meat continues to rise, even after removing it from the heat source. By letting the pork loin rest, you allow the temperature to equalize, ensuring that the meat reaches the desired doneness level. This is crucial for food safety, as undercooked pork can pose health risks.

Facilitating the Cooking Process

Optimal Carving and Serving

Enhanced Flavor and Texture

Resting the pork loin also enhances its flavor and texture. As the juices redistribute, the meat becomes more tender and juicy, improving its mouthfeel and overall taste experience. A well-rested pork loin will have a more uniform texture and deliver a burst of flavors with each bite.

In summary, resting the pork loin after air frying is a crucial step that improves the quality and safety of the dish. By allowing the meat to rest, you ensure that it reaches the optimal internal temperature, enhances its flavor and texture, and makes it easier to carve and serve. Following this step will elevate your cooking results and provide a more enjoyable dining experience.

Reheating and storing

Reheating

You can reheat your pork loin or tenderloin in the air fryer. To do this, place the pork in the air fryer and heat at 370°F for around 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Storing

Leftover pork loin or tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Thawing

If you have frozen your pork, you should thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or eating.

What to serve with pork loin

A juicy pork loin cooked in an air fryer is best served with a side of roasted veggies, such as carrots, garlic bread, green beans, and a mix of potatoes and onions.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with pork loin. You can make them creamy and whipped, or keep them traditional and rich.

Roasted root vegetables

Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, squash, and onions, make a great side dish for pork loin. You can also try oven-roasted root vegetables with a spicy pecan topping for an extra kick.

Green beans

Green beans are a simple and savory side dish that pairs well with pork loin. You can make them garlic parmesan or smothered, or serve them French-style for a little extra flair.

Polenta

Polenta is a perfect base for any kind of saucy meat, so it's an excellent choice to serve with pork loin. You can make it yourself or try Chef John's perfect polenta recipe.

Salads

A fresh salad can be a great sidekick to pork loin. Try an arugula and fig salad, a corn salad with sumac and feta, or a chopped Brussels sprout salad with Gala apples, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.

Rolls

Parker House rolls are a go-to bread at dinnertime, and their pillowy texture and browned tops pair perfectly with pork loin. You could also try sweet potato rolls for a little extra flavor and tenderness.

Casseroles

Casseroles are a great choice if you're looking for something comforting and easy to prepare. Try a creamy whipped potato casserole, an easy cauliflower casserole, or a twice-baked potato casserole.

Other vegetable sides

There are plenty of other vegetables that make delicious side dishes for pork loin. You could try roasted broccolini with pecans and lemon, crispy smashed Brussels sprouts, or honey-glazed spiced carrots.

Frequently asked questions